Chronic Pain Took Shelly Spears All the Way to the Bottom

First, it felt like the flu, with body aches. Then her chronic pain consolidated and made Shelly Spears, 57, feel like there were two fists pushing into her back, day and night. Tests showed arthritis, sciatica and a curved spine that was sitting on her nerves. No longer able to work as a social worker, Spears couldn’t pay her rent and was evicted from her house. With her job went her health insurance. For three years, she endured debilitating chronic pain.

This was the beginning of a long road for Spears who was eventually helped by Empowered Relief, a chronic pain treatment program through Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health. This innovative approach relies on intervention consisting of cognitive behavioral skills, mindfulness exercises and education.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 21% of U.S. adults experience chronic pain. While it’s your body’s way of telling you there’s something wrong, it can easily overshadow your ability to function and enjoy life. This was the case for Spears, who, after losing her home, was forced to move into her car. Unfortunately, her pain continued and wasn’t helped by her cramped living conditions.   

Once she was able to get medical assistance, Spears went to see pain medicine physician Laura Deschamps, DO, with Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute. The two discussed chronic pain management options such as nerve ablation, which can be performed using heat, cold or chemicals to block pain signals. Dr. Deschamps began by prescribing pain medication and suggesting Spears try Empowered Relief. 

“I was pretty angry,” Spears says. “I needed relief, and they were suggesting I talk to someone. I just couldn’t see how it would help, but I went, and it was life-changing.” 

After the initial two-hour session, Spears continued meeting with Empowered Relief counselor Amanda Green at the Advanced Spine Center. “I learned about the root of my chronic pain and how the mind and body are connected,” she says. “The program helped me eliminate the stress in my head and relax my body. The calmness quieted down my pain. It’s incredible how that works.” 

Spears “grew up in church” with her minister father, who said, “God made your body, and he can heal you.” This belief stayed with her when she developed neuralgia in her face last year. She also has reoccurring surges of chronic pain, including one that sent pain shooting down her back. Prayer has helped along with her dedication to the principles of Empowered Relief. 

“It’s got a lot to do with how we move and treat our bodies and the consequences of that,” Spears says. “I rely on my faith, and I am doing Empowered Relief. I stretch and start the connection with my brain and body. I’m walking around because of that.” 

Spears also says she’s paying more attention to her diet and eliminating foods that increase inflammation. These include fast foods, sugar and carbohydrates such as bread and rice. “I’m eating only meat and vegetables and adding turmeric to recipes. I am also drinking protein shakes.” 

Feeling better, Spears has been able to secure employment again and has moved back to her house, now owned by a family member. She is enjoying her three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with activities like, “visiting and going to football games and the movies,” she says.  

She is grateful for the help she received from Empowered Relief and LVHN and is especially impressed with how seriously the staff takes chronic pain management. 

“One of the most important things is being heard when you are going through this,” Spears says. “Pain is not something you can see, so people tend to dismiss you. Even doctors do sometimes. It’s important to be sensitive and address any kind of pain, because the pain is real.”