Oh, pain. My long-lost friend. Soulmate.
How I wish you’d give me some time to miss you.
As a recovering C6 Asia A complete spinal cord injury (SCI) survivor, pain is an all-day, every-day occurrence.
Whether it’s:
• The burning sensation that feels like frostbite meeting a heater,
• The muscle exhaustion from overusing the few parts of my body that do work,
• Or the full-body spasms that feel like my nervous system is throwing an unsupervised rave…
Pain is always there.
Some mornings, I cry before I even sit up.
Sometimes the pain and spasms are so bad I haven’t slept at all.
Those days are brutal…but I push through.
My Philosophy: No Pain Meds
I don’t take pain medication.
As someone who grew up with a mother and ex-husband battling addiction, I’ve seen how fast medication can go from help to harm.
Since leaving the nursing home, I’ve gotten off over 15 medications.
I’m not anti-medicine, but I am pro-ownership…of my body, my healing, and my peace.
Disclaimer: Every SCI is different. What works for me may not work for you. But here’s what I’ve personally tested.
Types of Pain with SCI
- Musculoskeletal Pain
• Felt above the level of injury
• Comes from overused or compensating muscles
• Think: sore shoulders, stiff neck, tight wrists
- Neuropathic Pain
• Feels like burning, stabbing, or buzzing
• Usually below the level of injury
• Can be triggered by stress, pressure sores, fatigue, spasms, or bladder/bowel issues
7 Proven (Non-Medication) Methods That Help Me
- Exercise & Stretching
Movement is medicine.
Staying active keeps my muscles loose and lubricated.
Even small movements or assisted stretching help manage spasms and reduce stiffness.
- Nutritional Support & Supplements
Your body needs fuel.
Even small vitamin deficiencies can amplify pain and inflammation.
Get regular bloodwork and adjust your supplements accordingly.
- TENS Unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
A lifesaver for nerve pain.
I use a Compex unit….pricey, but worth it.
It helps break up the pain signals and distracts my nervous system.
- Medical Marijuana
Edibles = game-changer.
They help with both pain and spasms.
I got my card last year and haven’t looked back.
- Long, Hot Showers
I take 1–2 hour showers daily.
It’s the only time I feel full relief.
Warning: Be careful—I’ve burned myself before without realizing due to sensory issues.
- Meditation & Breathwork
Mind over matter is real.
Learning to regulate your nervous system can reduce the intensity of pain spikes.
Even 5 minutes a day makes a difference.
- Heat & Weighted Blankets
Warmth helps.
So does gentle pressure.
I use a heating pad on my neck and a light weighted blanket when I need grounding.
Treatments I Tried & Don’t Recommend (For Me)
Pain Meds
• Can lead to dependency
• Often lose effectiveness
• Mask symptoms instead of managing root causes
Baclofen (oral)
• Did absolutely nothing but make me groggy
Massage Therapy
• Not enjoyable for me due to severe nerve pain in my neck/back
• Some love it—it just didn’t work for my type of sensitivity
Treatments I Haven’t Tried Yet (But I’m Open To)
• Baclofen Pump: Delivers meds directly into spinal fluid
• Acupuncture: Haven’t tried the needles yet….but I’ve heard great things
• Botox Injections: Often used for spasms and pain
• Magnet Therapy: Sounds like a myth, but hey, desperate times…
• Kratom: A Southeast Asian plant related to coffee—next on my list to try
Final Thoughts
Living with spinal cord injury pain isn’t just about surviving—
It’s about reclaiming your body, one stubborn nerve at a time.
You are not lazy.
You are not weak.
And you are not alone.
Whether you’re just starting your SCI journey or years in like me, I hope some of this helps.
Keep trying. Keep listening to your body.
And keep fighting for your own version of relief….meds or no meds.
By: Krystina | #WheelStrong