Managing chronic pain goes beyond just enduring discomfort; it’s about learning to adapt and find relief, especially when it’s tied to hemiplegia. For anyone who’s been through something as life-altering as an AVM, as was my case 11 years ago, pain becomes an ongoing part of the story.

The AVM left one side of my body almost paralyzed, a lasting reminder in every daily task. Over time, certain types of pain have become familiar companions—persistent aches in the lower and upper back, along with headaches that often strike without warning. Each of these pains adds a layer to the already complex challenge of managing life with hemiplegia.

This guide will give you practical strategies drawn from experience and tailored for those with similar challenges. Each approach offers a way to add a little more comfort to the day. This isn’t about curing pain but about managing it to live as fully as possible, despite the hurdles.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a term that’s often used but not always fully understood. Unlike the pain from a minor injury that fades over time, chronic pain lingers, sometimes for months or even years. For someone like me, it can feel as though the body has its own rhythm of discomfort—a routine of soreness, aches, and sometimes sharp pains that show up uninvited. It affects daily routines, moods, and even sleep patterns.

Some days, the pain might be a dull ache, manageable enough to easily get through daily tasks. On other days, it flares up, making even the smallest movement daunting. Each episode is a reminder of the condition’s long-term effects, both visible and invisible.

Chronic pain also interacts with the nervous system differently. Over time, the body may become more sensitive to pain signals, amplifying even mild discomfort. This sensitivity can add to the burden, creating a complex cycle that impacts physical and mental resilience. Understanding these layers of pain is the first step toward managing them, as each type of pain may respond best to a specific approach or combination of treatments.

Here are some tried and tested ways I manage my chronic pain:

1. Medication Management

Medication is often one of the first approaches to managing chronic pain, and for a good reason—it can bring immediate relief when pain shoots up. Pain management usually involves a range of medications, each addressing a different aspect of discomfort. Muscle relaxants, for example, can ease tightness and spasms, while anti-inflammatories help reduce the inflammation that intensifies aches and soreness. Pain relievers, from over-the-counter options to prescribed medications, may be necessary for times when the pain becomes hard to ignore.

For milder pains, a dose of paracetamol (biogenic or generic) is usually enough to take the edge off. But on the days when pain strikes harder, especially in the back or with sudden headaches, ibuprofen becomes the go-to option for stronger relief. This routine offers a sense of preparedness—a way to handle pain as it comes without reaching for stronger medications too soon.

2. Physical Therapy Techniques

Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing chronic pain, especially for those living with hemiplegia. It’s not just about movement; it’s about rebuilding a relationship with the body, one stretch and one exercise at a time. Physical therapy became essential after being discharged from the hospital 11 years ago. However, with limited and costly sessions, therapy only lasted about three months.

Those early days were focused on learning the techniques—ways to manage pain and build strength independently at home. Eventually, after surpassing the “golden stage” for recovery, it became clear that this was as far as therapy could take the body, and that was enough.

3. Alternative and Complementary Therapies

When managing chronic pain, alternative and complementary therapies can offer relief in ways that traditional treatments sometimes can’t. Therapies like massage, reflexology, and other holistic approaches can ease tension, improve circulation, and help the body feel more balanced. After being discharged from the hospital, alternative therapies became part of a pain management routine that was both practical and deeply helpful.

One go-to therapy has been a weekly full-body massage with a trusted masseuse, Ate Anna. These sessions provide targeted relief for the chronic pain that lingers, especially in the back and shoulders. Ate Anna knows exactly which areas need extra attention, and her skilled hands bring comfort that lasts well beyond each session. These weekly massages have become a staple, helping to ease the stiffness and tension that build up over time.

Early on, foot reflexology also became part of the recovery journey.

With the help of my brother-in-law and his friend, Tibong, reflexology sessions proved effective. They work on specific pressure points in the feet, alleviating pain throughout the body. This practice brought relief and also, in a way, corrected the symmetry of my face after the stroke.

4. Self-Management Techniques

Managing chronic pain is also about building a lifestyle that includes habits, routines, and self-care strategies that ease discomfort. For anyone living with hemiplegia, self-management becomes an anchor, a way to regain a sense of control over the day-to-day. Pain can be unpredictable, but creating a rhythm of meaningful activities offers balance, even on tougher days.

Self-care takes many forms, and finding fulfilling ways to stay active and engaged can be a powerful distraction from pain. Cooking and baking, for instance, bring both enjoyment and purpose, offering moments of focus that shift the mind away from discomfort.

Time spent in the kitchen, preparing meals or perfecting a recipe, turns simple tasks into rewarding rituals. Cleaning also provides a similar release, giving a sense of order and accomplishment that makes the home feel like a true sanctuary.

Writing on a blog has become another meaningful outlet. It’s a space to express thoughts, share experiences, and connect with others. In moments when pain feels isolating, writing becomes a way to reach out and build community. Reading, too, brings comfort—a chance to get lost in another world and find moments of calm.

5. Consult Your Doctor

Hemiplegia-related pain can shift over time, with new aches or intensifying discomfort that may require updated strategies or interventions. Regular check-ins with a doctor allow one to reassess the pain management plan and make any necessary adjustments.

For those managing chronic pain, having an HMO can still be a game-changer, even if it doesn’t cover specialist visits with a neurologist. These days, a single session with a neurologist can cost up to P2,000, making regular consultations a financial strain. However, an HMO provides essential support by covering costs related to hospital confinements and diagnostic tests—both of which can add up quickly. This coverage eases the burden, allowing individuals to access the necessary care without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Chronic pain may be an ongoing part of life, but with the right tools and support, it doesn’t have to define each day. By combining practical strategies and leaning on a reliable network of care, there’s a way forward—one that balances resilience with relief. Take the time to explore what works best, and remember, every small step toward comfort is a victory.