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In Canada there is a two year wait for surgery resulting in over 8 years 78,000 men woman and children died. Second street .org is a short documentary on the healthcare system. This is why I went to Star Medica hosipital for a spine operation.

January 12
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MyChronicPainTeam

Can lack of exercise and poor eating habits make chronic pain worse over time?

Yes, lifestyle factors like lack of exercise and poor eating habits can definitely contribute to worsening chronic pain over time.

When you don't exercise regularly, muscles and joints can weaken, which raises the risk of injury and long-term Show Full Answer

Can lack of exercise and poor eating habits make chronic pain worse over time?

Yes, lifestyle factors like lack of exercise and poor eating habits can definitely contribute to worsening chronic pain over time.

When you don't exercise regularly, muscles and joints can weaken, which raises the risk of injury and long-term discomfort. Weakened muscles provide less support for your body, potentially increasing pain levels.

Poor diet and stress can increase inflammation in your body, making pain harder to control. The combination of these factors creates a cycle where pain becomes more difficult to manage.

Other lifestyle factors that can worsen chronic pain include:
- Smoking (reduces blood flow and slows healing)
- Heavy alcohol use (can cause nerve damage)
- Poor sleep quality
- High stress levels

The good news is that addressing these habits by staying active, eating well, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol can help lower chronic pain risk and improve management of existing pain.

It sounds like long wait times for surgery added significant challenges to your situation. Making the decision to seek treatment elsewhere shows real determination to take control of your health when the system wasn't meeting your needs.

January 12
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

Happy Monday to you too! And new hope to everyone. I hope your surgery prep is going as smoothly as possible, and I’m wishing you all the best for the surgery itself. 💜

It’s great to hear that cutting your meds in half worked out okay — that really shows how much all the other pieces like meditation, movement, and prayer actually make a difference. Also great news that that the depression/anxiety has come down some. Just reading your post has helped mine go down some too.

I motivated myself to exercise today even tho I wasn't feeling well and it really helped. Even a little movement made a difference. I completely agree that keeping active is such a game-changer for mood and pain. And yes, warmer weather definitely makes everything feel a bit lighter!

January 12 (edited)
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I find when I don't move on a daily basis I get worse. Right now preparing for surgery and I need to keep my lungs built up. That calls for aerobic exercise. I walk. My regime is meds, meditation, exercise and prayer. If I leave any one of those out I feel it. Plus, I don't want to depend on only meds. Good thing as when they cut my meds in half it worked out ok! I'm sure that had to do with having options and using them all. Exercise helps your breathing, bowel movements, endorphins feel good, and so much more. Use it or lose it. The depression/anxiety has come down some, yeah. I think from moving more. Thanks all for being here and supporting me when I need it❤💜🙏😎 oh get this. After being so cold for x-odd days we've got some 80 degree weather coming. Hope you all are doing well in the new year. xo

January 12
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member Good on you Cindy for getting going, even when you didn't feel like it. It usually works out for the best. Thanks for your encouragement❤️❤️ little by slow we can do it. Some days are better then others!!!

January 12

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