Episode Summary

In today’s episode, we dive into Billie’s experience with disabling neck pain, exploring how stress biology plays a significant role in their recurring symptoms. Despite taking action with various recovery plans, Billie’s ongoing emotional stress and physical symptoms, such as chronic neck tension and headaches, persist. We examine how Billie’s emotional stress, hormonal shifts, and coping mechanisms contribute to their pain and explore steps to regain control and reduce flare-ups over time.

Key Topics Covered

· Workplace Stress and Chronic Pain: Billie’s neck stiffness and headaches have worsened over time, with ongoing workplace stress playing a central role in these flare-ups.

· Headache Management and NSAID Use: Billie’s overuse of ibuprofen for pain relief is contributing to a cycle of rebound headaches. We discuss strategies to break this cycle and alternative pain management.

· Emotional Coping Strategies: Billie’s tendency toward toxic avoidance and difficulty with setting boundaries is amplifying their stress. As they navigate perimenopause, new emotional strategies are needed.

· Sleep Disturbances and Perimenopause: Billie’s difficulty with sleep, hot flashes, and racing thoughts are exacerbated by hormonal changes. The importance of consulting a healthcare provider for possible hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is discussed.

· Grief and Aging Concerns: The recent death of a close friend triggers Billie’s fears about aging and health, contributing to heightened pain perceptions.

· Sensory Memories for Stress Relief: We explore the power of sensory memories from Billie’s carefree past to help counteract anxiety and emotional stress.

Conversation Starter

Do you have any sensory memories from your past that bring back feelings of joy or relaxation? What scents, sounds, or sights could you use to help ease stress and shift your mindset? Share your favorite ways to tap into joyful memories when you’re feeling overwhelmed!

Preview to Next Episode

Next time, we’re wrapping up the entire book with a special afterword. Don’t miss it as we reflect on the journey of healing, growth, and pain management throughout the series!

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

Stress biology, chronic neck pain, emotional stress, headache relief, perimenopause, toxic avoidance, pain management, sleep issues, hormone replacement therapy, grief and pain, sensory memories, musculoskeletal pain, self-care strategies, neck stiffness.

#StressBiology #ChronicPain #NeckPain #PainRelief #Perimenopause #EmotionalHealth #Headaches #SelfCare #HormoneTherapy #GriefAndHealth #SensoryHealing

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage