I am writing this entry to post my thoughts and explore my interest in using body modification to help with chronic pain. Personally, I suffer from several chronic conditions that are resulting in serious degeneration of my abilities as I age (I am 47 as of this writing): Fibromyalgia, herniated disks, arthritis, sacroileitis, just to name a few! I am on pain medication that usually helps. Controlling what I weigh and eat also helps, along with stretching movements. I find that I often feel betrayed by a body that was once strong and capable of things that are now, at best, a challenge for me. I miss hiking and martial arts and body building routines. Today, sometimes I need to use a cane to walk.
At A Glance Author RKS1st Contact [email protected] When It just happened I started body modification about eight years ago with a large tattoo of my own design. The impetus was the completion of a major endeavor in my life and celebration of my new found spiritual symbols. I was not experiencing chronic pain then as I do now. I remember the experience as negatively impacting my nervous system. I already have what is called a "benign essential tremor" and I found the tattoo process to increase my shaking to the point where I could not think. This was not the experience of euphoria, or alternative mind-set or whatever other words one wishes to use in describing the energetic and emotional piece of the tattoo experience. It may simply be that I was in the chair too long (and that the tattoo required two visits for completion). Still, I love my tattoo to this day and am happy I did it. The thrill came to me for other reasons connected with self-support and a celebration of personal strength.
I have three ancient lobe piercings. I'm not sure when they were done, probably in my teens, at a mall with a piercing gun. Some months ago, having some awareness that creating alternative sensation in my body can be helpful, I did some cutting on my leg. I did not have sharp tools and the experience, while a disappointment because of how I went about it, was also encouraging. My spouse "freaked" out at the time. I needed to find another way that would be less scary for those in my life to view and accept.
Twelve days ago I pierced my right ear cartilage twice using a disposable gun. Three days later I used a sewing needle to pierce the cartilage on my left ear. Regardless of errors I made (I certainly would plan things differently regarding proper tools and jewelry, better preparation and cleaning), the sensation and released endorphins broke the pain loop I had been in and the relief lasted for days. The experience was one that I could control. I found this to be extremely empowering in coping with conditions that I feel so cheated by.
The "pain loop" is a cycle of pain that can be described as: constantly repeating (for days or weeks in my experience), minimally impacted by medication, stretching or activity, sometimes initiated through stormy weather and pressure changes. This pain loop is unpredictable and uncontrollable. I find that chronic pain intrudes into every area in my life; especially in every relationship I try to have. I become irritable and stay home more than I would like.
Sometimes breaking this loop, even for a short time can be enough to improve my condition. Massage, acupuncture, certain activities can accomplish this. I find that a "different" kind of sensation or one that releases endorphins (like body mod.); even if temporary, can help break the pain loop my body is in by giving systems something else to focus on. Strangely, I've found things like deep massage exacerbate the chronic pain I experience. Everyone is different... Someone on a chronic pain board informed me that this is the principle that a TENS unit works by (very simply said, such a device uses controlled electrical charges to "detour" the feeling of pain). Body modification is another, very viable option. Certainly, however, it does not last the way I would like � hence, the problem of what methods can be ongoing. Play piercing may be the best one suited for this purpose. Further, as someone else pointed out, "adorning your body makes you feel better about it, and treat it better, if done in the right context."
Body modification has been practiced since ancient times. Reasons for following this path, regardless of degree, vary widely. I wish to make the argument that some forms, particularly when highly controlled by the individual, can be strongly therapeutic and support the body's natural ability to medicate. This can be invaluable in raising self-esteem, battling depression and reducing the need for damaging medications. The added benefit of transcending the erosive experience of chronic pain through a journey toward a positive emotional pinnacle cannot be underestimated. It is my wish that these practices be given their due acceptance as legitimate methods to control chronic pain.