🌻 Flava Wellness: Pain, Breath, and Balance

Living with radiculopathy and arthritis has taught me more than I expected — not just about pain, but about myself.

Early on, I noticed something: my anxiety and anticipation of the pain often made it worse than the pain itself. I would tense up, worry, and expect the worst. That extra layer of fear made everything heavier.

Learning this gave me a new kind of strength. I realized I do have some control — not over every ache or flare-up, but over how I respond to it.

That’s why I practice BreathWork and mindfulness meditation alongside my prescribed treatment. My primary care provider started me on a medication combination that helps ease pain (Duloxetine, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen as needed). But what makes the biggest difference is the way I pair it with calming my mind and body.

BreathWork helps me release the tension that wants to build before pain even arrives. Mindfulness teaches me to acknowledge what I feel without letting it take over. Together, these practices help me loosen the grip that pain and anxiety once had on me.

I’m not here to give medical advice. But what I do want to share is this: we all have some control. Even if it’s as simple as one deep breath in the middle of a hard moment, that breath reminds us — we are more than our pain.

Because wellness isn’t just about relief. It’s about balance, courage, and finding peace within the journey. 

✨ “Seasoned SoulZ this isn’t just about my story — it’s about ours. I share openly because I believe in the power of connection, reflection, and support. If something here speaks to you, know that you are not alone. My hope is that you carry these words with you into your own journey — whether that means a conversation with your primary care provider, a quiet moment of BreathWork, or simply knowing someone else understands. Together, we can honor the beauty, lessons, and strength of this season of life.” 🌻

Sometimes the hardest step is reaching out. If you ever want to share your story or talk about ways to bring these questions to your primary care provider, I’m here to support your story or to help you with the words to start the conversation.