Striving to Thriving

In this podcast I interview yoga therapist Aimee Huffman. She explains the layered approach she takes in helping people overcome stress, anxiety and chronic pain. Chronic pain is complex, and there is no single approach that works for everyone. What we understand today is that because of the biopsychosocial nature of chronic pain requires us to look at chronic pain from multiple perspectives and angles, and this is just one. In this series, I explore various aspects of life that must you must specifically target, and diverse therapeutic approaches you can consider in order to reclaim your life from chronic pain. I hope you'll subscribe and come back for our next podcast. 

It really isn't the spirit of brotherly "shove."In this episode, David presents some practical tips for surviving the holiday season, while preserving both physical and mental health for those with chronic pain (but the content really makes sense for anyone). This podcast is short for those who are “on-the-go” during the holiday season, and are encouraged to take time to value those things of eternal value, like family and friends and loving them. 

This is breaking news! The U.S. Pain Foundation is pulling back the veil on the number of public health crisis in the United States. That crisis is chronic pain. Chronic pain affects about 20 percent of the world's population. That means 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, or pain that lasts most days or every day for three months or more. Of this group, 20 million suffer from high-impact chronic pain, or pain that interferes with basic functioning and activities of daily living, like personal hygiene and household chores. Pain is the number one reason Americans access the health care system, and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Estimates suggest pain costs the nation at least $560-635 billion a year in direct medical costs and lost productivity.Between March 29 to April 12, 2022, U.S. Pain Foundation conducted a survey of 2,378 individuals to better understand the public health crisis of chronic pain. Respondents included 2,275 people with chronic pain (96%), defined as pain lasting three months or more, as well as 72 caregivers (3%) and 31 health care professionals (1%). The title of the report is, “A Chronic Pain Crisis 2022 Survey Report.”Topics explored included types of pain, ability to work, patient-provider relationships, cost, treatment options, concerns about side effects, mental health, COVID-19, and mobility issues.The results underscore the devastating impact of chronic pain on quality of life. Some of the main sections of the report include:Key findingsRespondent demographicsThe intersection of pain, disability, and povertyPain management therapiesKey barriers to effective pain care And much more, including recommendationsIf you, or someone you know or love, lives with chronic pain, they should have this report in their hands, and should their provider(s). This report provides a deep-dive into the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic pain you won't find in any research papers in the last two decades. Any practitioner serving those in chronic pain should not only read this report, but should keep it as an educational aid to use with their patients. You'll learn much from this report; you'll garner important information needed giving you the voice necessary to advocate for yourself or others in pain. The Foundation packs every page, without exception, with valuable information. But they present that information in a very digestible manner consistently throughout the report's pages in prose, tables,  and graphics. Few reports possess this level of quality and professionalism. You can access the report at https://uspainfoundation.org/surveyreports/a-chronic-pain-crisis/

Chronic pain is never a choice. How we respond to it is. In this podcast I profile four people I recently met that contrast choices we can make. Two of these people truly inspired me to produce this podcast, and I want to share them with you. Also, I'm starting a new project and need your input. So, please listen and subscribe. Want to know more? Reach out to us for more details at www.strivingtothriving.com #chronicpain #chronicillness #stress #striving #thriving #stress #anxiety #relief #book #author

This podcast provides an overview of the latest survey conducted by the US Pain Foundation, titled, " A Chronic Pain Crisis - 2022 Survey Report." The USPF did excellent work in the design, preparation and analysis of the survey. You can download the report at https://uspainfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/A-Chronic-Pain-Crisis-US-Pain-2022-FINAL.pdf. This report should be a "touchstone" for every patient, provider, legislator and policy-maker that has anything to do with pain management. 

This is the third, and last, in a series of three podcasts that discusses the challenges, symptoms, and treatment options for those with migraine disease. In this podcast David Hall  ends the series with an exciting interview with one of the leading migraine experts from Mayo Clinic Hospital, Dr. Amaal Starling. You'll definitely want to listen to this podcast if you experience migraine. This podcast is packed with lots of information from one of the most passionate, insightful, determined and caring specialists in the field of neurology as it relates to migraine disease and headache disease.  

This is the second in a series of three podcasts that discusses the challenges, symptoms, and treatment options for those with migraine disease. In this podcast David Hall touches on symptoms of migraine attack, various types of migraine attacks, as well as myths and misconception. In the next podcast, he ends the series with an exciting interview with one of the leading migraine experts from Mayo Clinic Hospital. You'll definitely want to listen to that podcast. It's packed with lots of information and insights. 

This is the first in a series of three podcasts that discusses the challenges, symptoms, and treatment options for those with migraine disease. David Hall shares his experience with his first migraine as well as myths and misconception. In the next podcast he discusses the different types of migraines  and  treatment approaches. In the last podcast, he ends the series with an exciting interview with one of the leading migraine experts from Mayo Clinic Hospital.

This episodes discusses a high level discussion of the struggles common to those with chronic pain. More importantly, this episode recognizes and shows appreciation for those courageous and kindhearted spouses, friends and families whose support and encourage those of us in chronic pain.

In this episode of Striving to Thriving, I interview Paul Curtis from Take Courage Coaching and we discuss topics related to health and wellness coaching specific to chronic pain, which affects over 50 million people in the United States and how a coaching relationship can make a significant difference. Paul is a board-certified health and wellness coach. He is one of the Staff Instructors and student mentor at Take Courage Coaching® also with a background in fitness training. He has prior experience in functional restoration and has been a support and guide to those who live with pain since 2012. He is personally familiar with the challenges and successes of his mother—who not only lives with chronic pain, but thrives in spite of it. Paul is fluent in Spanish, which now makes the TCC® program is available to Latinos. He loves spending time outdoors and when he is not coaching is usually on an adventure with his wife, Kirsten and black lab, Winchester. He currently lives in Big Sky country, Laurel, Montana.

If you suffer from chronic pain you may wrestle with depression. But take heart.  If you make the investment of time and energy in the seven skills I present, you may not only overcome depression but also turn down the volume of your pain. The seven skills are not limited to those with depression, but are healthy things you can do to make your life richer and healthier.

If you suffer from chronic pain, you likely are, or have, wrestled with one of more cognitive distortions. But don't beat yourself up. Remember, nature wired our brains have negative slant. That's what's helped us survive in primitive times when we were trying to keep from being eaten by lions. Thankfully, we now live in a modern world and no longer have to worry about being eaten. Today we have the luxury of choice. We can choose positive, healthy rational thoughts, but only if we make the investment of time and challenge or interrogate our thought processes.  In this podcast I discuss 5 of the 15 recognized cognitive distortions commonly affecting those with chronic pain. 

Those of us struggling in chronic pain often, and errantly, rely on guarded movement to keep us from re-injuring ourselves, also known as Fear-avoidance beliefs. This podcast attempts to dispel the notion that guarded movements, or avoiding physical activities, are beneficial for those with chronic pain. Movement, especially intentional movement known as exercise, is our body's own natural pharmacy that helps us get, or become, strong and healthy.

In this episode I interview suicide prevention expert Paula Fontenelle. Sharing her own experience with the loss of her father and how that changed the course of her life, she shares vital information on how we can prevent tragedy in our families and communities.Suicide is a highly stigmatized subject. So we don't talk about it, and that's a problem, especially if you struggle with chronic pain. According to a 2008 eight study, those with chronic pain attempt suicide 2.5 times more often than the general public, and suicide ideation is almost twice that of the general population in the US. Given the Corona virus, we are seeing a stark increase in mental health illness.  You will find more relevant information if read  Leo Sher's report, The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates, QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, Volume 113, Issue 10, October 2020, Pages 707–712, https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcaa202. 

I'm taking a break from the "Movement" series to address handling and minimizing stress during the holiday season offering some suggestions for making this season less painful for those struggling with chronic pain. Simply put, stress and anxiety increases physical pain. We see a great deal more pain during this season because of stress, cold weather changes and the feeling the need to "do more" which with friends and family arriving. I close with a personal story about giving of ourselves.Be well and be blessed, David

This is the fifth installment on the mini-series on movement and exercise for pain management and reduction. Today's topic is "Balance." I want your input and feedback. As a thank you for your suggestions, ideas and comments, I'm giving away a fitness tracker will be to one lucky respondent. This "exchange" for input will be awarded to the person who provides a thorough and honest critique of my podcasts. I am on an unending quest to make the podcast have the greatest value for you. So navigate to https://www.strivingtothriving.com/pedometer-exchange/ and provide me with your suggestions, recommendations or ideas to make the podcast a success, and a resource for you.

This is the fourth installment on the mini-series on movement and exercise for pain management and reduction. Today's topic is "Strength Training." I want your input and feedback. As a thank you for your suggestions, ideas and comments, I'm giving away a fitness tracker will be to one lucky respondent. This "exchange" for input will be awarded to the person who provides a thorough and honest critique of my podcasts. I am on an unending quest to make the podcast have the greatest value for you. So navigate to https://www.strivingtothriving.com/pedometer-exchange/ and provide me with your suggestions, recommendations or ideas to make the podcast a success, and a resource for you.

This is the third installment on the mini-series on movement and exercise for pain management and reduction. Today's topic is "Walking." I want your input and feedback. As a thank you for your suggestions, ideas and comments, I'm giving away a fitness tracker will be to one lucky respondent. This "exchange" for input will be awarded to the person who provides a thorough and honest critique of my podcasts. I am on an unending quest to make the podcast have the greatest value for you. So navigate to https://www.strivingtothriving.com/pedometer-exchange/ and provide me with your suggestions, recommendations or ideas to make the podcast a success, and a resource for you.

This is the second installment on the mini-series on movement and exercise for pain management and reduction. As a thank you for your suggestions, ideas and comments, a fitness tracker will be awarded to one lucky respondent in December. This "exchange"  will be awarded to the person who provides the best and honest critique of my podcasts. I am on an unending quest to make the podcast have the greatest value for you. So navigate to https://www.strivingtothriving.com/pedometer-exchange/ and provide me with your suggestions, recommendations or ideas to make the podcast a success, and a resource for you.

In this brief podcast, I discuss both the need and how movement and exercise is critical to pain reduction.Chronic pain is a thief. It steals the fun, excitement and joy in life you once had. Things are different now. Your day likely starts and ends with the pain that restricts you from living the life you had. If you struggle with chronic pain living a sedentary lifestyle lacking joy from the activities you used to do, please reach out to me and allow me to walk beside you, and coach you so you can reclaim your life from chronic pain, and rediscover the greatness within you.

In this short podcast, I talk about the cost of dreams and what it requires to make your dream become reality. Those in chronic pain often give up in life, lose hope and stop dreaming. Chronic pain is not a sentence to death, but should rather be viewed in the context of changes we have to make in life. While those changes are difficult, one should never give up on turning their dreams into reality. If you struggle with chronic pain and you life is far from what you hoped and dreamed it would be, please reach out to me. Let's craft a plan to make your dreams your reality.

In the fifth installment of this series, Pain 101, I talk about one of the greatest struggles chronic pain sufferers must wrestle. It is one of the most common and detrimental experiences those with chronic pain must address, and do so in healthy, non-destructive ways. The subject in this episode is how to experience and move through grief. I discuss how grieving for those living in chronic pain differs from the experience of grief from loss from death or divorce. I compare the commonly referenced, “Five Stages of Grief” which is not appropriate for chronic pain, and introduce a more recent model for those in chronic pain vs. that of death.

You have the wonderful opportunity to learn narrative therapeutic writing from the best. Sandra Marinella has taught thousands of students and fellow educators and presented hundreds of workshops to veterans, educators and cancer patients. Her book, "The Story You Need to Tell - Writing to heal from trauma, illness or loss," is a must have for anyone struggling with chronic pain. All profits go to cancer research.

Today it is hard to find a commercial break during Prime Time where someone isn't trying to sell you the next great drug to help you manage some aspect of chronic pain. If you've listened to my first two podcasts, you know that chronic pain is hard on multiple systems in the body, memory loss, cognition, your immune system, relationships become strained, all this just to name a few.In this episode we will examine good sleep hygiene, do's and don'ts. We'll provide you with tips, or things you can do to get a good night's sleep every time. I'll discuss an Army experiment where a squadron performed artillery exercises for 20 days straight while being sleep deprived. Then I'll close with some comments on what it is to “Get better.” And what does “getting better” actually mean. I'm doing that in the hope you find some meaning for the chronic pain you might suffer and ultimately equipping and arming you with information needed to help you make decisions regarding your health care options.Check out our website at www.strivingtothriving.com

Season 1, Episode 2 - Acute to ChronicThis episode discusses how acute pain morphs into chronic pain, what happens within the nerves and neurons, and the interaction between the peripheral and central nervous systems.Striving to Thriving is a current and accurate resource for those things related to the biological, psychological and social (biopsychosocial) aspects of chronic pain. The content is presented by David Hall, CHWC, a certified Chronic Pain Support Group Facilitator, certified by the U.S. Pain Foundation, and a Health and Wellness Coach specializing in Chronic Pain Management.David sought special training from one of the top Pain Management Specialists in the world. Struggling with chronic back pain, migraine and one of the most painful diseases, CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), David has moved from Striving to Thriving despite his painful conditions. David's book by the same name, "Striving to Thriving - Reclaiming your life from chronic pain," is now available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com. The book is a practical guide/workbook to help people with chronic pain be their own advocate and build a multidisciplinary team and create an individualized treatment plan addressing all biopsychosocial aspects of the chronic pain life. The audience for the book is both "patient" and "providers."

Striving to Thriving will address a myriad of topics related to, or stemming from chronic pain, which affects over 50 million people in the United States. Chronic pain destroys. It destroys hope, health, marriages, jobs, quality of life, and so on. David Hall will host special guests that provide solutions, treatments, technologies and legislation regarding treatment and care of people stricken with chronic pain.Striving to Thriving is a current and accurate resource for those things related to the biological, psychological and social (biopsychosocial) aspects of chronic pain. The content is presented by David Hall, CHWC, a certified Chronic Pain Support Group Facilitator, certified by the U.S. Pain Foundation, and a Health and Wellness Coach specializing in Chronic Pain Management.David sought special training from one of the top Pain Management Specialists in the world. Struggling with chronic back pain, migraine and one of the most painful diseases, CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), David has moved from Striving to Thriving despite his painful conditions. David's book by the same name, "Striving to Thriving - Reclaiming your life from chronic pain," is now available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com. The book is a practical guide/workbook to help people with chronic pain be their own advocate and build a multidisciplinary team and create an individualized treatment plan addressing all biopsychosocial aspects of the chronic pain life. The audience for the book is both "patient" and "providers."