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sonora sky
USA
181 Posts |
 Posted - 07/27/2006 : 13:30:54
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I know there are many TMSers out there who continue to have pain during the night--some are even awoken by the pain. On the flip side, has anyone experienced relief from symptoms while asleep/unconsious? I've always been a "good sleeper" (have always enjoyed it and usually sleep a full 9-10 hrs if I am able) and see this time as a period of healing (reparing, restoring) for the body and mind. Though my pain/tension (neck and shoulders as of the past 3 mo.) is always present during the day and is aggrivating/unbearable at times, it does not wake me up at night. I've only awoken a few times from pain, and this was due to a severe migraine attack.
Along the same lines, I've noticed a lessening of pain (sometimes a complete disappearance) during eating. The pain slowly returns 10-20 minutes after I'm done eating. (For me, this occurs specifically with headaches, migranes, and, to a lesser extent, neck pain/tension.) I know this might sound strange; has anyone else experienced this? I wonder why it occurs. This response is totally fascinating to me. Does it happen because the act of eating provides a considerable distraction, or might there be something chemical/biological about it? Endorphins?
Thanks!
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 13:42:38
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Hi Sonora,
I have been in an acute neck TMS attack for 2 months now and at this stage the pain doesn't wake me in the night at all...I feel best in the first moments of being awake after sleeping through the night...The pain becomes worse as the day goes on for me...I think it is just conditioning...I remember doctors telling me in the past that my neck is best in the AM because the discs have not had the weight of my head on it all day...Probably hog wash, as I said..just conditioning...But powerful conditioning, indeed...
As for eating, I haven't noticed that..but it makes sense that it could be a distraction or just endorphins like you said..especially if you are eating something yummy like chocolate, pizza or ice cream!
I welcome any pain free moments I can get by whatever means...as long as it's natural...
Hope this helps in some way,
Karen |
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flyefisher
48 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 14:21:49
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| I generally had little to no pain at all nights. Sometimes I did have a little and it usually meant the next day I would have a lot of pain. It generally indicated some nasty dreams and the whole avoidance thing was going on. If I get the pain now, I wake up and take 5 minutes to talk to myself and say it's all garbage, now let's get on with the day... |
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jrnythpst
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 14:31:20
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I too have noticed that while eating and for a few moments after create less pain. I always figured it's because I have somewhat of an eating problem and am addicted to food. I jest with people and say it's as hard for me to quit eating fattening foods as it is for someone to quit smoking. It's really the same thing, takes your mind off other things, and gives your body something to do and "relax" if that's how your body is attuned to do it. Granted I can go more than a day without fattening foods and not jones for it but can't say I can last a week or more!!!!
As for sleeping, it depends how much I have on my mind before I go to bed as to the quality of my sleep. Now when I was on tramadol/ultram I slept all the time it seems. It's harder to sleep as much without meds...ok I am on the lowest dose possible of lyrica at night but still. Plus I really don't know if it's doing anything or not and I would really like to know before I have to refill as it's a $50 copay WITH insurance per month (new non preferred medication but neurontin was bad for me).
Hugs,
Ali Cat |
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Singer_Artist
USA
1516 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 14:35:18
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| I relate to what you said, Ali Cat about the food addiction, big time...I use food as another distraction from the inner pain too! |
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sonora sky
USA
181 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 17:13:18
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| I do admit that I sometimes eat (or overeat) to temporarily "fill the void" (isn't that the American way?), but I am generally referring to normal eating (snacks and meals in moderation). My husband and I *are* foodies, so we do enjoy yummy cuisine. But I feel like it is more than distraction. TV and movies are distracting, but they never give me a respite from TMS pain, no matter how engaged I am. I wonder if the nourishing aspect of food has anything to do with it. Either way, it somehow temporarily interrupts the mindbody pathway of TMS, breaking the link between the unconsious mind and the physical pain. Thanks for your input! |
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wolf29
USA
108 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 19:44:02
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quote:
I feel best in the first moments of being awake after sleeping through the night...The pain becomes worse as the day goes on for me...I think it is just conditioning...
I'm the same way. No problem sleeping at all. My main issue has usually been sitting for long periods of time. Again conditioning as I've been told that sitting puts more compression on your spine and the lower back where I have my pain. Not buying it any more. It's just physical thinking that I have to decondition myself from. |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2006 : 10:25:54
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In The Mindbody Prescription, Sarno talks about the rage/soothe ratio, and how he believes that if we have too much rage and not enough soothing in our lives, then we will have TMS pain. So food, whatever kind of pleasure it gives, probably contributes to the soothe part of the equation, thus alleviating pain.
Doesn't explain the sleep thing, though. :)
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Wherever you go, there you are. |
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Scottydog
United Kingdom
330 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2006 : 12:11:18
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Munching might release the tension in your jaw and tm joints thus relieving the headaches, neck tension.
anne |
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TMS and sleeping / eating
