Figuring out what helps me manage chronic pain, and what doesn’t

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with various pain management techniques. Not everyone will have the same response to these modalities. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy.

Living with a chronic illness means I am never truly well. Early in the morning, my muscles might already be sore. Late at night, pain quietly settles into my body. Over time, it becomes a silent kind of suffering. It is always there, yet somehow I stop noticing it. Instead, it shows up in other ways: Pain makes me grumpy, impatient, and emotionally drained. Thankfully, over the past few years, I have developed coping mechanisms that help me feel lighter, happier, and more in control.

The wellness movement is probably the best trend social media has ever introduced me to. It encouraged me to challenge my habits, step outside my comfort zone, and question many of my beliefs about myasthenia gravis (MG). For a long time, I believed that rest was the only answer. But this movement encouraged me to turn my life into one big experiment, testing different approaches to see what truly helps me manage pain.

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Some things simply did not work

I don’t know why I thought regular weightlifting would completely change my life. Deep down, I knew that building bigger muscles wouldn’t change the way MG affected them, but I still wanted to try. It wasn’t a terrible experience, and I still enjoy going to the gym whenever I need a psychological boost or a break from everyday stress. Unfortunately, recovery takes too long for me. I often need two full days of rest afterward, and my schedule does not always allow that. As much as I enjoy it, heavy workouts are simply not the right solution for my body.

Pain medication is also complicated. My doctor and I agreed that I should take medication only when truly necessary. Painkillers are probably my least favorite option because sometimes they trick me. I’ll suddenly feel better, almost healthy again, and my brain will start believing I can do anything. But if I push myself because I feel good, I’ll pay the price the following day. Pain meds don’t strengthen my muscles. They only make me forget, for a little while, that my body is exhausted.

Surprisingly, doing nothing does not work for me, either. Staying in bed all day can be helpful during a flare or for a day or two when my body desperately needs recovery. But if I spend too many days not moving, my whole body seems to melt into one giant ball of soreness. My muscles become stiffer, my mood drops, and somehow I feel even worse.

What truly helps

Massages are, without a doubt, my favorite form of pain management. I jokingly call them an addiction because they are the best thing I have ever tried. I even scheduled weekly sessions with my physical therapist at home, and it has become one of the greatest luxuries in my life. Having just one pain-free day feels like a gift. It changes everything.

Yoga and gentle stretching have also become a blessing. They help me breathe more comfortably, feel lighter, and reconnect with my body. Most importantly, they remind me that I shouldn’t ignore my pain, even though I experience it every day. Stretching helps me acknowledge it, release some of it, and start fresh.

Healthy eating has also played an important role. I have experimented with different approaches, including vegan meals and calorie deficits, and I know some people find success with completely different diets. Personally, I no longer believe there is one magical way to eat. I think the key is finding a balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs and provides a healthy variety.

One surprising discovery has been cold therapy. Even though I hate winter, and cold weather often makes my MG worse, applying ice packs to sore muscles feels incredibly soothing. It brings almost immediate relief, and I often reach for them after physically demanding days.

Finally, there is rest. Even though resting all day is not the entire answer, as I mentioned above, it remains one of the most powerful tools I have. The difference is that I now see it as one tool among many, rather than the only solution. I rest when my body asks for it, not simply because I have MG.

I know I will continue discovering new pain management techniques throughout my life. Living with a chronic illness is a constant learning process. But one thing is certain: I refuse to surrender to pain and let it become my normal. I may not always control my MG, but I can keep searching for better ways to live alongside it.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.