Living with chronic pain is like navigating a landscape that constantly shifts beneath your feet. For those with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) or those undergoing cancer treatment, this journey comes with unique challenges that can feel overwhelming at times.
But here’s an important truth: while chronic pain may be part of your story, it doesn’t have to be the whole narrative. Taking control is possible, even on the most difficult days.
1. Understand Your Unique Pain Experience
Pain is deeply personal, especially for those with FND or cancer-related pain. FND pain stems from how your brain processes signals rather than structural damage, while cancer pain may result from the disease itself or treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
Why it matters: When you understand the source of your pain, you gain power over it. For instance, knowing that FND pain involves altered brain signaling can help you focus on neural retraining techniques rather than searching for a structural cause that isn’t there.
Ask yourself: What triggers make my pain worse? What patterns have I noticed? Keep a simple pain journal for a week, noting intensity levels (1-10), activities, emotions, and any potential triggers.
2. Build a Comprehensive Healthcare Team
Both FND and cancer benefit tremendously from interdisciplinary care. This might include:
- Neurologists who understand functional disorders
- Pain specialists with experience in cancer pain management
- Physical and occupational therapists with neurological expertise
- Psychologists trained in pain management techniques
- For cancer patients, oncologists who prioritize pain control alongside treatment
Your healthcare team should feel like collaborative partners rather than distant authorities. Don’t hesitate to seek specialists who understand your specific condition, even if it takes time to find the right fit.
3. Embrace Movement as Medicine
When you’re in pain, moving may seem counterintuitive. However, strategic movement can be one of your most powerful tools.
For FND patients:
- Focus on “external attention” exercises that shift focus away from the movement itself
- Try graded exposure therapy, gradually increasing activities that cause anxiety
- Consider working with a physical therapist who specializes in neurological retraining
For cancer patients:
- Gentle movement can improve circulation and reduce treatment side effects
- Walking, swimming, or chair yoga can be adjusted to your energy levels
- Movement before and after treatments may help manage procedural pain
Remember: The goal isn’t intense exercise but consistent, sustainable movement that works for your body’s current abilities.
4. Develop Sensory Regulation Strategies
Our nervous systems interpret sensory information differently when living with chronic conditions. This is particularly relevant for FND patients who often experience sensory processing differences.
Try these techniques:
- Deep pressure: Weighted blankets or compression garments can provide calming input
- Temperature therapy: Heat for muscle tension, cold for inflammatory pain
- Tactile exploration: Handle different textures when feeling overwhelmed
- Sound management: Use noise-canceling headphones or soothing music to create a controlled sensory environment
These tools help regulate your nervous system, potentially reducing pain flares triggered by sensory overload.
5. Master the Mind-Body Connection
Your thoughts and emotions aren’t separate from your physical experience of pain. They’re intimately connected through complex neural pathways.
Practical approaches:
- Practice the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding technique: Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste
- Learn diaphragmatic breathing: Slow, deep breathing through your abdomen rather than shallow chest breathing
- Try body scanning: Systematically notice sensations throughout your body without judgment
- Consider mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs specifically designed for chronic pain
For cancer patients, these practices can also help manage anxiety around treatments and procedures.
6. Develop Pacing Strategies
Both FND and cancer treatments can create unpredictable energy levels. The “boom and bust” cycle—doing too much on good days and crashing afterward—is a common trap.
Instead:
- Break tasks into smaller components
- Schedule regular rest periods before you feel exhausted
- Prioritize activities based on both importance and energy cost
- Learn to recognize early warning signs that you’re approaching your limit
Think of your energy like a daily budget. Spending wisely means you’ll have reserves when you need them most.
7. Address Sleep Quality
Poor sleep amplifies pain, creating a frustrating cycle. Cancer treatments and FND symptoms can both significantly impact sleep quality.
Sleep hygiene strategies:
- Maintain consistent sleep and wake times
- Create a calming bedtime routine
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable
- Limit screen time before bed
- Consider consulting a sleep specialist if problems persist despite these measures
For cancer patients undergoing treatment, work with your oncology team to address treatment-related sleep disruptions. For FND patients, addressing autonomic nervous system regulation can significantly improve sleep quality.
8. Explore Appropriate Pain Management Options
Pain management looks different for everyone, especially between FND and cancer patients.
For cancer pain:
- Properly timed pain medications can improve quality of life
- Non-opioid options may include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or adjuvant medications
- Interventional procedures might provide targeted relief
For FND pain:
- Some medications used for neuropathic pain may help
- Be cautious with opioids as they may worsen FND symptoms over time
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) might provide relief
Always work closely with healthcare providers knowledgeable about your specific condition to find the right approach.
9. Nurture Your Support Network
Chronic pain can be isolating, but connection is crucial for wellbeing. Your support network might include:
- Family and close friends who understand your condition
- Support groups specific to FND or cancer
- Online communities where experiences are shared
- Mental health professionals who can help navigate the emotional aspects of chronic pain
Remember that educating those close to you about your condition is an ongoing process. Share articles, videos, or metaphors that help illustrate your experience.
10. Reclaim Your Identity Beyond Pain
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of living well with chronic pain is remembering that you are not your pain. You are a whole person with interests, relationships, and aspects of identity that exist independently of your physical sensations.
Ask yourself: What brought me joy before pain became prominent in my life? Which of these activities can I modify to make possible now? What new interests might I develop that work within my current limitations?
Whether you’re living with FND’s neurological complexity or navigating the challenges of cancer treatment, finding ways to express your authentic self remains essential to quality of life.
Resources and Support
- FND Hope (fndhope.org): Global charity supporting those with functional neurological disorders
- American Cancer Society (cancer.org): Comprehensive resources for cancer pain management
- Pain Toolkit (paintoolkit.org): Practical self-management resources
- Dysautonomia International (dysautonomiainternational.org): Support for those with autonomic nervous system disorders
Remember, taking control of chronic pain doesn’t mean eliminating it entirely—it means developing strategies that allow you to live fully despite its presence. With patience, persistence, and the right support, you can create a life where pain may be present, but it no longer defines your story.
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