Simply put, if you want to continue to live your life this way fine, but do not rationalize by saying your different and nothing will work for you. I used to do that as well so I understand that it is hard to get out of that, but learning to develop self-care management and trying hard is worth it in the end. Part of the point of my post was to see how many people are actually interested in going the distance and asking for advice or what I tried to be almost pain free. From the numbers now 800 plus people checked the post so people are interested in getting better, but most do not go the distance to find out more about a subject that should be very important to them I think.
What I did for myself is not as important as realizing that you have the potential to be here as well. Im sure with varying degrees of success, but if I said to you how would you fell with a minimal 20% less pain most of you would take it in a second, however, it does not come in the form of a pill unfortunately.
First I wanna talk about, the mind-body connection which is very important and I am sure you know this. If your mental health is bad or deteriorates pain will get worse and if your pain gets worse you mental health will go down. So an important step for everyone, including something I did, is to focus on reframing and getting to a better level of mental health. (many of us has issues). There are many ways to help the mind, but I dont need to go into that specific. I also went to a psychologist (need to be compatible to be effective), which helped me in many ways as well.
I had success with massage therapy for the constant knots that were forming in my back and neck, I also used a type of reiki treatment called La Trame in french, this therapy cuts my pain in half when I get the therapy, It lasts for 3 weeks in the begginign and now I am up to 2 months. This therapy also takes 3-4 session before really working, so dedication. (this is offered around where I live but I dont know how offered it isall over). It aslo does wonders for balancing your emotions. I also see a chiropractor, that uses a special machine that works on the spine. This released all of mmy tension over the course of a few treatments. I still go for 2 other manipulations. Before this I was taking 3 muscle relaxers per day and I stopped instantlty.
There are many other complimentary therapies that could be useful and you may not have access to my therapies or machines in my area, but the point is I went out there, found these in my community, tried them and it helped greatly. Same goes for anyone else.
Lastly, the most important is exercise ! This is diffficult to accomplish, for me anyways, I strated by walking a bit slowly, then increased speed and time till I speed walked an hour 6 times a week. My muscles got stronger slowly and this limited the potential dangers of hurting yourself badly (me I could hurt a body part very easily and it would take a long time to heal). I got more energy from this and in all it took me about 4 months to do. Then I switched to aerobic dancing, whic I did for an hour 3-5 times per week, (I like dancing and it keeps me working out),
So that is it for me, The process of adding stuff on was one at a time, and consisted of what worked for me. You feel a little better with each step you add. This overall took about 2 years to find my routine. I now roll out of bed with no pain or stiffness in the morning. I am able to regain my life and no longer feel helpless.
The only big downside to all of this. is health determinants such as income. You need inssurances or monetary help, and a lot of time. However, you can start with mental health by yourself and exercise. A good support system is great in all situations. So if you are on a leave or disability, I would say that you should strart working on some of your own ideas and try them to see. 8)