The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex signaling system found throughout the body. Researchers continue to study its role in many physiological processes, including pain perception, inflammation, mood, stress, sleep, appetite, immune function, and nervous system activity. The ECS was discovered while scientists were studying how compounds in cannabis interact with the body. That research…
As an individual living with RSD / CRPS for over 25 years I couldn’t wait to read Dr. Katinka van der Merwe’s, DC, QNCP book Putting Out the Fire New Hope for RSD / CRPS. I first discovered Dr. Katinka van der Merwe after reading a blog post on the rsds.org website entitled “Putting Out…
I finally had the opportunity to read the book Living with RSDS, Your Guide to Coping with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, written by Linda Lang and Peter Moskovitz, MD . This book was written in 2003; however, I feel it is still very relevant. It has lots of great ideas for helping you learn how…
Transitioning from Patient to Person can be tough and often scary. Living with chronic pain often leaves us feeling alone and overwhelmed. Making this transition and returning to our life as best we can, as a person, is very important. It also requires many different phases. These phases, or these 10 steps, may help you…
Stress What Stress The holidays are upon us, and that usually means everyone is under more stress. Especially for those of us dealing with chronic pain or a chronic illness. However, stress isn’t limited to holidays. Day-to-day living can often become overwhelming, especially when you are trying to get everything done in between your downtime…
We all think about what we would like to change; however, making changes is hard for most of us to do. It’s tough to keep moving forward while keeping yourself motivated. It’s also tough to express what you want to change effectively; that is why assertiveness skills are important. When living with chronic pain, we…
Living with Chronic Pain is frustrating. I think that one of the biggest reasons is that no one can see your pain, and you tend to look healthy. That is one of the reasons patient rights matter. Sometimes someone may notice that you look a little tired or that you look like you don’t feel…
Medication safety can be a challenge for anyone taking one or more medications on a daily basis, especially for those living with chronic pain. Some people may take several prescription and over-the-counter medications, along with supplements, making it important to understand how and when to take them safely. Medication safety includes knowing what you are…
Journal writing has been done by some of the most influential people in history. They kept journals or diaries all about their lives, experiences, and feelings. Many of them found these writings helped them to keep track of their daily activities as well as giving them an avenue for helping to release and / or…
