YouTube @Beyondtheache
Jana Gardezi
Grade 12
Shrewsbury High School
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Beyond the Ache: Understanding Chronic Pain Through Science & Shared Experiences
Chronic pain is silent, but its impact is loud. In this project, I explore the science and human stories behind chronic pain, giving voice to those who cope daily with invisible struggles. Through research, interviews, and community outreach, I illuminate a condition affecting millions while working to return power to those who live with it.
About This Project
The Mission
Hello! My name is Jana Gardezi and I am a Senior at Shrewsbury High School. I have experienced chronic migraines and fibromyalgia which has significantly impacted my relationships with family, friends, and schoolwork. I wanted to showcase my story alongside others, targeting chronic pain from both scientific and interpersonal approaches.
Project Goals
  • Spread awareness about chronic pain
  • Highlight individual stories—we're human beings, not just statistics
  • Conduct research on the "why" and "how" of chronic pain
  • Create meaningful community connections
20+ Interviews
With individuals experiencing chronic pain and medical professionals
Community Surveys
Assessing awareness in the education system
Individual Research
Deep dive into scientific literature and findings
Public Outreach
Instagram advocacy and elementary school education
Understanding the Numbers
Chronic pain affects more Americans than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined. These statistics reveal the massive scope of an often-invisible condition that impacts daily life for millions.
50M
Americans with Chronic Pain
Approximately 50 million people in the United States alone experience chronic pain
20.4%
U.S. Adults Affected
According to the National Institutes of Health, one in five adults lives with chronic pain
3+
Months Duration
Mayo Clinic defines chronic pain as experienced on most days for three months or more
"Chronic pain can happen without an obvious injury or disease. Medical tests don't show a problem, but these chronic pain syndromes are just as real as other medical conditions."
— Mayo Clinic
The Science Behind Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a complex neurological phenomenon involving nociceptors, central sensitization, and intricate pain pathways. Understanding the biological mechanisms helps validate experiences and guide treatment approaches.
How Pain Signals Work
Pain begins when nociceptors—specialized nerve endings—detect tissue damage or harmful stimuli. These receptors send electrical signals through sensory neurons to the spinal cord, which relays the information to the brain. The brain processes these signals and creates the sensation we experience as pain.
In chronic pain, this system becomes sensitized. The nervous system amplifies pain signals even without ongoing tissue damage, creating persistent pain that outlasts the original injury.
Key Components
  • Nociceptors detect harmful stimuli
  • Sensory neurons transmit signals
  • Spinal cord relays information
  • Brain processes and interprets pain
  • Central sensitization amplifies signals

Important: Chronic pain can occur without visible injury or disease. Just because medical tests don't show a problem doesn't mean the pain isn't real. Conditions like fibromyalgia, persistent headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome are just as legitimate as other medical conditions.
Figure 1: The Chronic Pain Cycle (Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/chronic_pain_guide.asp)
Figure 2: The Biopsychosocial Model of Pain (Source: Mayo Clinic, https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/the-dimensions-of-chronic-pain/)
Breakthrough Research
New scientific discoveries are unlocking pathways to better understand and treat chronic pain, offering hope for millions who suffer daily.
Glutamate Discovery
Researchers at Durham University found that sensory nerve endings in muscles release glutamate during activity. This chemical can trigger pain-sensitive nerves and keep them active, creating chronic pain signals.
Genetic Insights
University of Oxford researchers identified the SLC45A4 gene variant that makes some people more susceptible to chronic pain. This discovery opens doors to personalized treatment approaches.
New Therapeutics
By blocking unusual glutamate pathways and targeting specific genetic variations, scientists are developing novel treatments that could reduce chronic pain without relying on strong opioids.
"By blocking this unusual glutamate pathway, it is possible to prevent the activation of chronic pain signals. This could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients worldwide."
— Durham University Research Team
Breaking Down the Myths
Misconceptions about chronic pain create barriers to understanding and support. These harmful myths prevent people from receiving proper care and compassion.
Myth: "It's All in Your Head"
Reality: Chronic pain involves real neurological changes. Brain imaging shows distinct patterns in people with chronic pain. The pain is physical, measurable, and legitimate—not imagined or exaggerated.
Myth: "It's Just Part of Aging"
Reality: While some conditions become more common with age, chronic pain is not an inevitable part of getting older. It's a medical condition that deserves proper diagnosis and treatment at any age.
Myth: "Inactivity is Best"
Reality: Complete rest often worsens chronic pain. Appropriate movement and exercise, guided by healthcare providers, can actually help manage pain and improve function over time.
Exercise Induced Analgesia
Community Outreach & Digital Advocacy
Teaching the Next Generation
I developed age-appropriate lessons for 3rd-5th grade students to introduce chronic pain in a digestible, destigmatizing way. By reaching children early, we can build a more empathetic future generation that understands invisible illnesses.
Instagram: @beyondtheacheproject
I created a digital advocacy platform to reach the Massachusetts community, share project updates, and present tips in an engaging format. The whimsical aesthetic juxtaposes the harsh reality of chronic pain with how people often present publicly—masking illness while appearing visually perfect.
What I Learned
Presenting difficult information to Gen Z is more digestible when visually appealing. The Instagram project taught me that advocacy requires meeting people where they are—on their platforms, in their language, with their aesthetic preferences.
Young audiences respond to authenticity combined with creativity. By making chronic pain education accessible and beautiful, we can break through the noise and create real awareness.
Teaching Young Learners About Pain Science
I had the opportunity to present a hands-on learning experience for elementary school children at Al-Hamra Academy in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Through interactive experiments, students learned about how nociceptors work and how our nervous system processes pain signals.
A Nervous Experiment
By Brittany Sanner
Ask A Biologist activity for classroom and home
"We used this engaging experiment to help students understand how nociceptors detect and transmit pain signals. The hands-on activity made complex neuroscience concepts accessible and fun for young learners."
Key Insights & Misconceptions
Through my research journey, I discovered several critical insights that challenge common assumptions about chronic pain and reveal the urgent need for systemic change.
1
"If You Can't See It, It Isn't Real"
Just because pain is invisible doesn't mean it's not real. Many with chronic pain feel others think they're faking it. Medical professionals struggle to spread awareness about the complexity of invisible illnesses.
2
"Pushing Through is Power"
Many believe pain is a mindset issue rather than a complex physical and neurological phenomenon. Pushing through pain reinforces the toxic cycle of "booming and busting"—overexertion followed by crashes.
3
"Treatments are Enough"
Chronic pain isn't linear with a singular cure. Treatment isn't always definitive. People often must exploit all resources just to find a semblance of control in daily activities.
4
"Accommodations are Optional"
The right support can make or break someone's ability to function. Interviews showcased the immense impact of accommodations in classrooms and workplaces—they determine whether someone can function sustainably.

The Empathy Gap: Most people with chronic pain don't feel understood by employers, teachers, classmates, family, or friends. However, most people do want to provide support—they just don't know how.
Voices from the Community
From my 20+ interviews with high schoolers, working professionals, and medical practitioners, I identified powerful themes that reveal the true impact of chronic pain on daily life.
Sacrifice
Having to give up personal passions like hobbies, sports, and careers due to the presence of pain. Many interviewees described the heartbreak of abandoning activities that once defined their identity.
Lack of Understanding
All subjects felt a disconnect with empathy and understanding from others. There was a consistent lack of accommodations in workplaces and schools, leaving individuals to navigate systems not designed for their needs.
Emotional Impact
Struggles with physical pain severely impacted emotional health and vice versa. The bidirectional relationship between pain and depression creates an isolating, exhausting cycle.
Chronic Pain Survey & Interview Results
Here are the complete, verbatim responses from my research interviews. All participants responded to a structured set of questions I developed to explore their experiences with chronic pain.
The Research Questions:
  • Digging beneath the Surface:
  • Can you describe what pain feels like, not only on a physical level, but emotional as well?
  • In what ways has living with chronic pain changed how you see yourself or your identity?
  • Have there been moments when you felt truly understood or truly misunderstood in your journey with chronic pain? Can you share what those moments were like?
  • What have you had to let go of or reinvent because of your pain—and how has that affected you?
  • Coping and Daily Life:
  • What therapies, treatments, or personal coping strategies have helped you most—and what hasn't worked at all?
  • How has chronic pain impacted your work life, career choices, or educational path?
  • How do your relationships (family, romantic, friends) adapt or strain under the weight of chronic pain?
  • Are there hobbies, sports, or passions you've been able to keep—or had to give up? How do you feel about those changes?
  • What's something you wish more people understood about living with chronic pain?
The research included:
  • Medical professionals specializing in chronic pain treatment
  • Individuals living with various chronic pain conditions
  • Video interviews available on my YouTube channel
All responses are presented exactly as submitted by participants to preserve the authenticity and integrity of their experiences.
Medical Professionals Specializing in Chronic Pain Treatment
Dr. Sethna, Clinical Director at the Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center
Asking Dr. Sethna, Chronic Pain Specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital PPRC, what are the most common causes or triggers of chronic pain in young people?
Acute and chronic illnesses
  • (1) infections such as a) viruses; examples respiratory viruses causing flu, sinus infection, stomach bugs, COVID-19, etc. b) bacterial infections, sore throat infection, UTI, Lyme disease, etc.
  • (2) Irritable bowel syndrome; disturbances in gut bacteria.
Genetic susceptibility
Certain genetic factors can predispose young people to chronic pain conditions.
Injury/trauma to tissues
Muscles, joints, and nerve injuries, bone fractures, ligament tears, concussion, surgery, needle injury such as intramuscular injection causing nerve injury, sports injury, etc.
How do you determine when to refer a patient to physical or psychological therapy for chronic pain?
Physical Therapy Referral
When patients are unable to function physically due to pain-related fatigue, i.e., carry out daily tasks, move around, get out of the house, care for themselves [brush teeth, shower, dress themselves, go to school, lack of daily aerobic exercise, etc. Even healthy adolescents (and adults) need a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity (such as walking outdoors, a dance video workout, muscle-strengthening exercises, going to a fitness center, swimming, etc.) to keep their bodies and minds healthy.
Psychological Therapy Referral
Patients are referred to psychological therapy to learn coping skills, how to deal with pain and stress, so that pain does not get in the way of daily life. Chronic pain causes physical and mental stress leading to anxiety, depression, difficulty with sleep and mental fog [difficulty focusing, paying attention and remembering]. If the patient has had anxiety, depression, PTSD, learning difficulties, ADHD, etc., chronic pain worsens these conditions.
What challenges exist in diagnosing and managing chronic pain in adolescents?
The biggest challenge is that we do not yet have diagnostic tests such as blood or tissue tests, imaging studies [X-rays, MRI, CT-scan, etc.] because the chemical changes occur in the nervous system at a microscopic level and cannot be detected by the available diagnostic technique, but this may be in the future.
What is the role of nutrition in chronic pain? Are anti-inflammatory diets, or any kind of diets recommended?
  • Obesity is known to increase the risk of developing or worsening chronic pain in adolescents and adults especially muscle and joint pain.
  • Anti-inflammatory diets are help when the patient's pain is caused by inflammatory causes such as juvenile arthritis, IBS, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune diseases, etc.
  • Studies have not shown that any specific diet is effective for reducing pain in patients without inflammatory conditions.
  • To keep the body and mind healthy, the best diet is the NORMAL BALANCED diet that consists of a lot of protein and less of fat and sugar. A BALANCE diet containing what the body needs daily including protein, fat, carbohydrate, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid PROCESSED food of meat, vegetables, fruit, and refined sugars because these processed foods can cause metabolic imbalance and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, etc.
Adolescents with Chronic Pain: A Psychologist’s Perspective
Asking Dr. Randall’s experience as a Clinical Psychologist at the Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center (PPRC):
Paige - Occupational Therapy
Barriers in supporting students with Chronic Pain treated at the PPRC:
Students with chronic pain often face a range of environmental barriers in school settings, including bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, and other sensory stimuli that can intensify their symptoms. In addition, the inherently busy and fast-paced nature of school schedules can make it difficult for these students to keep up, contribute consistently, or find the breaks they need to regulate their pain.
How schools and healthcare providers can work together:
Schools and healthcare providers can improve support for students with chronic pain by collaborating to create strategies that help each student participate in class as fully and consistently as possible. This partnership should emphasize maintaining engagement in meaningful school activities while adapting supports so the student can remain included, productive, and comfortable.
Advice for teachers and school nurses:
Focus on Functioning
Limit conversations that focus directly on pain and instead ask questions like, "How are your classes going today?" to keep attention on participation and daily functioning.
Integrate Support
Build in natural pacing breaks, incorporate movement throughout the day, and validate the student's experience. These are all essential.
Guide Return to Activities
Equally important is guiding the student in how to return to activities in a supported and sustainable way.
If redesigning the school system to be more pain-aware:
A more pain-aware school system would begin with early identification of students experiencing chronic pain and the development of individualized plans long before their symptoms lead to significant dysfunction. Proactive planning would allow for smoother accommodation, better communication, and earlier support that helps prevent academic and emotional setbacks.
Advice for schools or families:
Build Self-Advocacy Skills
A key priority is building the student's self-advocacy skills so they can communicate their needs confidently and effectively.
Provide Education on Chronic Pain
Education about chronic pain—both to the student and those supporting them—helps create understanding, reduces stigma, and promotes consistent, supportive care across environment
Deva - Recreational Therapy
What inspired you to specialize in Chronic Pain at the PPRC:
When I began my career, I did not know about Chronic Pain. It wasn't until I started working at the PPRC that I got education on chronic pain and the effects it has on those living with it. The education has helped me grow within my profession and has helped me help those with chronic pain return to preferred leisure activities or to engage in new leisure activities of interest.
What is the role of therapeutic recreation in Chronic Pain management?
Assist patients in getting back to their preferred leisure interests or exploring new leisure activities of interest, while incorporating pacing and coping throughout.
Allow patients to identify what is meaningful and fulfilling to themselves and help them discover their potential.
Assist with community (re)engagement, whether that be job exploration/applying, volunteering, or researching school clubs and organizations to participate in.
Why do you have to pace fun/preferred activities? Can you still boom-bust with leisure?

Pacing is important when engaging in preferred activities because it will allow the individual to engage in the activity for a longer period of time, whether that be crocheting, playing sports, or crafting, etc. An individual can still boom bust when engaging in leisure activities, that is why pacing is so important.
Individuals Living with Various Chronic Pain Conditions
The Impact of Invisible Illness on Daily Life
Here are selected quotes that capture the profound impact of invisible illness on daily life:
"My Peers would tell me that I am too young to be having these kinds of pains and that I sound like/ look like an old man."
- Ace (Carpal Tunnel/Hypertension/Hypermobility)
"I mourn the person I used to be. The hobbies, the spontaneity, the simple joy of movement—they're all gone, replaced by a life governed by pain management and limitations."
- Shelby (Muscle Pain)
"the headaches are really intense and sometimes it just makes me upset because it's difficult to do the things or chores I need to do"
- Ghena (Migraines)
"I wish people understood that Chronic pain isn't just a physical thing. It affects your mental state and your ability to live your life to the fullest. It's not something you can just push through."
- Karina (Ankle Injury)
"I wish people understood how all-encompassing Chronic pain can be. It goes way beyond physical pain and expands into relationships, ability to earn wages, and social engagement."
- Leah's Mother (Chronic Migraines)
These collective voices underscore the urgent need for greater empathy, tailored support systems, and a societal shift in how chronic pain is perceived and addressed.
A Talk with Family: How Does Chronic Pain & Invisible Illness Affect Day-to-Day Life?
Shared Experiences: Let’s Talk About Pain
Ace - My Journey with Chronic Pain
1
My Diagnosis
Sharp pain in the entirety of my lower back and my hands, sometimes my back hurts so bad I don't want to do anything for the entire day. I was Diagnosed with Carpal tunnel and Hypertension/Hypermobility in my lower spine.
2
Misconceptions from Peers & Family
My Peers would tell me that I am too young to be having these kinds of pains and that I sound like/ look like an old man. They also thought my back hurt because of my mattress and refused to take me to the doctor. My mom told me when she heard that I had Carpal tunnel that she would have to take my phone away implying that the only reason my hands hurt was because I was holding my phone in weird positions for too long.
3
Impact on Daily Life
Sometimes I wake up in pain from my back or my hands and often have to wear braces to bed to make it comfortable enough to fall asleep. My back pain has gotten so bad once I had to call out of work because physically I could not get out of bed without being in pain.
4
Coping Strategies
I go to physical therapy two times a week for my back and I do stretches and wear braces to cope with the pain.
5
Challenges at Work
I am supposed to collect carts at my job but it often makes it difficult with the constant twisting in my wrist and back, also like I said I had to call out once.
6
Relationships and Understanding
My relationships are not really affected, they just don't really understand the gravity of my pain.
7
Passion for Guitar
Carpal tunnel is common with guitar players but I'm too passionate about it to quit lol
8
A Message to Others
Its not just older people that have these pains, younger people can also feel this way and we shouldn't make them feel bad about it.
Shelby - Muscle Pain
The pain varies from day to day. Sometimes it feels like my shoulder is just being torn apart by the muscle, but other days it could be a dull throb. Emotionally, it's gotten better over the years, but at first I thought the emotional effect was worse than living with the pain itself. I've had to change my day-to-day life to accommodate it and in some cases I just had to completely give up on something. Since I've had chronic pain for a long time and I've been able to grow with it, the emotional impact has lessened but sometimes I think of what life could have been or could be, and that's just the worst of it.
The Shifting Landscape of My Life
Altered Physical Perception
Living with chronic pain changed how I view my physical capabilities and how far I want to push myself.
Settling for "Easier" Paths
It's changed me from wanting to pursue what I actually wanted to do in life to settling for the second option, which definitely became apparent in how I conduct myself in life. I've stopped striving for what I really wanted and simply just went for whatever was easier, a habit that is utterly destructive.
Academic Obsession
Not only did I stop striving for what I wanted, I started being obsessed with my grades. I was so limited in what I could do physically, I felt like I had to prove myself by being top of my class.
Finding Understanding Amidst Misconceptions
While chronic pain is more common than how my doctor made it seem, surprisingly I haven't met anyone who shares something similar to me even if they also have chronic pain. The pain is centered in my shoulder, but I've really only met people with pain in their knees or lower body so they always have vastly different experiences than I do, making it harder to actually feel like someone understands it. However, the misunderstandings run rampant. One time, I was telling someone about how I struggled to do a little bit more of a basic task and they brushed it off saying I was overreacting or it was all just a mental issue. Which did not help anything at all, but it was such a common comment that after a while I stopped caring.
The Devastating Loss of Competitive Swimming
One thing that was absolutely devastating when I started having chronic pain was giving up competitive swimming, and for a while swimming in general. I couldn't do it for as long or as fast as I used to, and I went from winning competitions to basically learning how to swim again. I practically gave up my dream just because I couldn't perform at the level I needed to be at and I've never been able to reach that level since then.
Managing Pain: Medications and Past Therapies
I do take over the counter pain meds for it and I am on track to get prescription meds, once my doctor agrees to actually prescribe them. The meds help on days where it's not that bad, but if it ever gets worse, it doesn't really do much. I was in PT for awhile, but the most it ever did was make the pain worse the next day so I eventually stopped. Honestly, most days when it's manageable (relatively speaking), I take meds and ignore it or try to limit how much strain I put myself under.
An Unforeseen Career and Academic Shift
Chronic Pain completely altered my career path, bringing me from being on track to be a professional swimmer, to looking at less physically demanding careers. I've settled on psychology, which is still one of my top passions but will never compare to what I wanted to do in life. This change also bled into academics, changing my sights in class from barely passing to only being the top in the class.
Relationships and Adapting to Limitations
My relationships always have a strong foundation, but my life has been so altered from a normal life because of my pain that sometimes newer relationships come under strain. I can't do the most adventurous things people my age might want to do and I might need extra help with daily tasks, which especially tests relationships. However, several of them, more long-term relationships, have adapted as well, whether it be people offering to help or being understanding when I'm not always sunshine and rainbows. A few people have opted to become more helpful, but I ask for help so often that people sometimes get frustrated or angry.
Adapting Hobbies: What Stays and What Goes
I've been able to keep a few hobbies and passions, like reading and storytelling, but I've had to give up all sports and the majority of my hobbies. One hobby that I haven't necessarily given up is writing, which I still do, but is significantly harder to do for long periods of time. After a while, writing begins to cause a significant flare up in my shoulders, whether it be from posture or straining it too much. One hobby I completely gave up was crotchet. Surprisingly, I learned this the hard way, but crotchet uses a lot more shoulder muscles than one would expect. I learned that through my initial recovery from the injury that caused the chronic pain, and I've just never been able to crotchet beyond just a few chains.

Something I wish more people knew about living with chronic pain isn't just pain, it's a reinvention of a life that sometimes can never be changed and all it takes is just a little bit of understanding.
Additional Research Participants
Additional voices from my research reveal the diverse ways chronic pain manifests and impacts daily life.
Ghena - Migraines
"the headaches are really intense and sometimes it just makes me upset because it's difficult to do the things or chores I need to do"
"i often have cant stay outside long on intense sunny days which is kinda upsetting because not only do I get hot but also in pain"
"drinking water and eating or relaxing/sleeping don't fix it but they do help make it a little more bearable"
Crew member - Menstrual Pain
"This pain is very present in my life. Every month, I dread starting it because I know the pain that will come for the next few days. I feel tired all day and I have no appetite. It is hard to focus in school because the pain will suddenly cause harsh cramps. This pain also makes me feel down and less likely to want to hang out with my friends."
"During the sports season, it would cause me anxiety. When I get my cycle, I cannot even do practice without some sort of painkiller, but even that doesn't take away all the pain. It causes me to be tired as well. This made me unable to perform as well on erg tests, which were spontaneous and decided whether or not you would race with the team."
"There were many times where I felt I could have done better or had more chances to race, if it was just during a different time of month. This made me feel horrible because I wasn't doing well, but then I have to realize that it is not my fault. I didn't choose the pain and I try my hardest despite it, and I should be proud of that. I wish people would know that and understand that many women, unlike most men, cannot be at their best physically all the time. And that it is ok."
Ray - Ankle Pain
Physical: "recurring sharp flashes of pain in right ankle."
Emotional: "Angry and Annoyed from the reality of it"
"At first I thought that my ankle was still injured and it caused me to spend a lot of time missing out on things in an effort to let it heal. Eventually, I did realize that it was healed. But the constant use caused phantom pains to flare up during random intervals. Figuring out that it was more the emotional trauma helped me understand it more."
"I needed to stop tap dancing. At first it made me angry and upset. But I didn't really like tap anyway, so it was more the unfairness of the situation. I also can't run well, which makes me feel unhealthy and incredibly insecure (…especially during the pacer test!)"
"I wish more people knew that it can be caused by the emotional impact of an injury."
More Voices: Levy & Karina
Continuing with more voices from my research, I share the experiences of Levy, who battles constant tremors, and Karina, who navigates the challenges of an ankle injury.
Levy - Tremors
"I have constant tremors throughout my body. I have no control over what part of my body shakes but it is mostly my legs. It makes me feel weak and I am often in pain when I shake. Sometimes it becomes difficult to do simple tasks. I am often emotionally drained after a long day of dealing with tremors."
"I often feel very weak throughout the day. sometimes I struggle a lot with it and it takes a toll on my mental health. In some aspects I guess you can say I'm disabled. I am not supposed to climb any sort of stairs or walk for too long because of how my tremors affect my balance."
"It is frustrating not knowing the cause of my tremors. not being able to do things like write or draw when needed is infuriating and often holds me back from doing what i am supposed to do. Sometimes i can't complete assignments on time for my tremors because i can't control my limbs."
"I can't draw that often or stand for long periods of time anymore. which is saddening but i try to make the most of it. I often try to push myself but when i can't i can't."
"I wish people understand that I'm not fragile, I just need time to adjust."
Karina - Ankle Injury (and Jumper's Knee)
"The pain feels like a deep ache and burning right at the back of my ankle, especially when I point my toes or jump. Emotionally, it's frustrating because it holds me back from pushing myself in cheer. I get anxious before practices, worrying if it will flare up."
"It's made me question my identity as a strong athlete. I used to see myself as someone who could always push through, but now I have to consider my limits. It's tough because cheer is a big part of who I am."
"My coach understands when I need to modify a skill, and that's a relief. But sometimes, teammates think I'm just being dramatic, especially when it's not visibly swollen. That's frustrating because they don't feel the constant ache."
"I've had to let go of the idea that I can always go full-out in every practice. I've had to reinvent my training to focus more on strengthening and flexibility to support my ankle, which is boring but necessary."
"Physical therapy exercises, especially calf raises and stretches, help manage the pain. Icing after practice is a must. Complete rest is the worst, it makes it feel stiffer. Painkillers only mask the problem."
"I wish people understood that chronic pain isn't just a physical thing. It affects your mental state and your ability to live your life to the fullest. It's not something you can just push through."
Leah's Mother - Chronic Migraines
My pain is related to Chronic Migraine (having more than 15 episodes a month). There wasn't a medicine approved to specifically treat migraine until 2018. Before then, any medicines used to prevent/treat migraine episodes were secondary "off label" usage. My life before/after these medicines is dramatically different and changes my answers below. I'll refer to both.
Physical & Emotional Experience
Before the newly approved anti-CGRP medicines, my migraine episodes lasted about 20 days a month. Now that I take a monthly injection (Emgality), the episodes are reduced to less than 5 a month! There are both physical and neurological symptoms. When I have a migraine, I have intense pain on the left side of my head, neck, and upper shoulder. I cannot tolerate light or sounds as it makes the pain much worse. I also have intense nausea and will vomit. Neurologically, my speech becomes impaired and word recall is affected. I will also get a little clumsy. I have aura with most episodes. That shows as roaming blind spots and wavy lines in my vision. Emotionally, it is very taxing. Knowing that life passes by while I have to "hide away" is very difficult. It's hard to accept that my body is doing something to hinder my life and I have no control over it. I have environmental triggers and am always "on guard" to try to keep them away. Also, this chronic condition isn't seen by others and it can be hard having an "invisible" ailment.
Impact on Self-Identity
I have had to come to terms with the fact that I cannot control this aspect of my life.
Moments of Understanding & Misunderstanding
My family and close friends have been very supportive. When I have an episode, I need to stay in a dark room for 4-7 hours. That means that my husband has had to take over all parenting duties when our kids were younger. Now that they are older, it means they can help out. One way in which I have felt misunderstood is when someone hears about my migraines and responds with, "Oh, I get headaches, too." Migraines are WAY more than "just" a headache. Those comments can feel insensitive and minimize what I go through.
What Had To Be Let Go Of Or Reinvented
I have had to learn to be ok with last minute change of plans and learn to be ok with having a weakness.
Effective & Ineffective Therapies/Coping Strategies
Before the anti-CGRP medications, I took a plethora of off-label medications. I have been prescribed barbiturates, seizure medications, blood pressure medication, and antidepressants. All of these medicines can help prevent migraines but not ever fully. And as they start to wear off, drs increase the dosages and that brings many unwanted side effects. The seizure medicines have permanently changed my brain and my word recall ability. Other than medications, managing my sleep and stress level have had the most beneficial effects in prevention.
Impact on Work Life
I have had to leave work many times. When I try to work through the pain, I can make mistakes.
Relationships Adaptations or Strains
My family has had to fill in the gaps when I have an episode. I've also missed out on family events. They are always supportive, but it's sad to miss things!
Hobbies & Passions
A high heart rate has become a trigger so I've had to stop running which I used to love. One hobby I've been able to keep is working outside in the yard. It's a great way to reconnect with nature and see beauty. It's also convenient that I can do it on my schedule/ability.
What Others Should Understand
I wish people understood how all-encompassing chronic pain can be. It goes way beyond physical pain and expands into relationships, ability to earn wages, and social engagement. Without a supportive network of family/friends, it can become very oppressive and depressing.
Call to Action: Creating Change Together
Understanding Chronic Pain is just the beginning. Real change requires action from all of us—in our schools, workplaces, communities, and personal relationships.
Normalize Believing People
When someone says they're in pain, believe them. Validation is powerful and costs nothing.
Build Real Accommodations
Integrate meaningful support into schools and workplaces as standard practice, not exceptions.
Shift the Narrative
Move from "toughing it out" to creating real emotional and physical support plans.
Encourage Open Conversations
Discuss the emotional and physical complexity of pain to make it less isolating.
Treat Pain as Complex
Recognize chronic pain as worthy of structural change, increased research, and empathy.
Get Involved
Follow @beyondtheacheproject on Instagram for ongoing advocacy, resources, and community stories.
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Thank you for taking the time to learn about chronic pain and the individuals who live with it every day.
AMA Sources
Ask A Biologist. A Nervous Experiment Packet. AskABiologist.asu.edu. Published last updated 2014. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/sites/default/files/resources/experiments/nervous_exp/nerve_experiment_packet_0714.pdf
American Medical Association. Pain Management: Opioid Dose Reduction. 2018. Accessed December 7, 2025. https://edhub.ama-assn.org/pages/pain-management
American Medical Association. 2021 National Pain Strategy Progress Report. 2021. Accessed December 7, 2025. https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/ama-pain-care-task-force-report.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain Among U.S. Adults, 2019. 2023. Accessed December 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db390.htm
Christidis M. The subjective experience of living with chronic pain: a systematic review. PMC. 2025. PMC
Dahlhamer J, Lucas J, Zelaya C, et al. Prevalence of Chronic Pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain among adults—United States, 2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2018;67(36):1001-1006.
DeBar LL, Mayhew M, Wellman RD, et al. Telehealth and Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Based Treatments for High-Impact Chronic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. JAMA Network
Durham University News & Events. New study unlocks pathways to treat chronic pain. Published June 5, 2025. https://www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/latest-news/2025/06/new-study-unlocks-pathway-to-treat-chronic-pain/
Institute of Medicine. Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2011.
Mayo Clinic. Chronic Pain: Symptoms and Causes. 2023. Accessed December 7, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588
National Institutes of Health. NIH Analysis Shows Americans Are in Pain. 2019. Accessed December 7, 2025. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-analysis-shows-americans-are-pain
Palermo TM. Promoting Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Pain Science. Pain Medicine. 2023. OUP Academic
Texas Orthopaedic Associates. Five Common Myths About Chronic Pain. Texas Orthopaedic Associates blog. Accessed December 7, 2025. https://www.txorthopaedic.com/blog/five-common-myths-about-chronic-pain/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Clinician's Guide to Treating Pain in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans. 2023. Accessed December 7, 2025. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/chronic_pain_guide.asp
The mystery of chronic pain. YouTube. 2010. https://youtu.be/CZ0gIiwjk_0
Why Things Hurt. YouTube. 2015. https://youtu.be/gwd-wLdIHjs