Meet CJ Hello! I'm CJ, the little otter behind CRPSJourney. You'll usually find me exploring new possibilities, improvising solutions to everyday challenges and occasionally taking a very well-deserved nap. My red foot represents CRPS, my crutches help me get where I want to go, and my backpack carries a few useful lessons gathered along the way. I believe that living beyond the pain scale isn't about pretending pain doesn't exist. It's about finding ways to keep doing what matters, even when the route looks a little different. Welcome to the journey!
This November, landmarks around the world are lighting up orange, communities are coming together, and people living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) are making their voices heard. Every November, something special happens. Buildings, bridges,…
From the first breath of a newborn to the last breath of a dying person, to breathe is to live. Maybe that’s why we marvel when wonderful things take our breath away — and remember…
Water can be wonderfully relaxing. A warm bath, a refreshing swim or simply floating without having to support your own body weight. For some people living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), being in water…
In This Article When the Pain Scale Falls Short “On a scale of zero to ten, how much pain are you in?” It’s probably one of the most familiar questions in medicine. And one of…
I recently read many of Joe Dispenza’s books. I recommend them all and will post more about them in future. Here is a little insight from “You Are the Placebo” that explores the power of…
How affection, oxytocin, and a four-legged friend may help with chronic pain Dogs Are Sensitive to Pain The bond between humans and dogs is a tale as old as time. Our loyal, furry companions have…
Why The Need for Pain Scales? Most people who suffer from CRPS will tell you they never experienced such pain before. This is because of the intense nerve pain we don’t usually get exposed to…
When your nervous system seems to have rewritten the rules. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually develops after an injury, surgery, or another physical event. Sometimes the original injury…
Winners Use Visualization Visualization is a technique that’s been used by athletes, performers, and other high-achievers for years to break goals and set records. The idea is to create a mental image of yourself successfully…
Living with CRPS can make it difficult to find a quiet moment, even when everything around you is perfectly still. Pain demands attention. Your nervous system may be on high alert, reacting to sensations that…