In the world of law enforcement, chronic injuries are almost as common as coffee and doughnuts — except they don’t disappear as quickly. Studies show that a significant number of us are walking around with musculoskeletal issues, particularly in the back, knees and shoulders. These are the hot spots where the wear and tear of the job really sinks in, leaving us with a pain that, much like a bad ex, just won’t leave. Whether it’s the relentless strain of lugging around a duty belt that feels like it’s filled with bricks, the constant crouch-and-jump routine of getting out of a patrol car or the full-body workout that comes with wrestling a suspect who just doesn’t want to go to jail, these activities turn our bodies into ticking time bombs of pain.

And let’s be honest, while the public might think popping a few Advil or getting the occasional massage will do the trick, we know better. Those quick fixes might take the edge off, but when you’ve got a back that’s been contorted by years of bad posture and heavy gear, you need more than just a temporary solution. So we turn to what works — unconventional methods like physical therapy sessions that rival boot camp, posture garments that squeeze us into something resembling a human shape and stretching routines that make yoga instructors raise an eyebrow. These aren’t exactly miracle cures, but they keep us in the game.

The badge of honor: Normalizing pain

For many of us, pain isn’t just something we deal with — it’s something we’ve made peace with. It’s the kind of peace you make when you know the battle isn’t winnable, but you keep fighting anyway. We’ve turned pain into a sort of badge of honor, a testament to our toughness and resilience. But here’s the kicker: that badge comes with a price.

Physical challenges: Let’s face it, the physical challenges we deal with aren’t just bumps in the road — they’re full-on roadblocks. Persistent pain — whether it’s in our back, knees or shoulders — isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a condition that can affect everything we do, both on the job and at home. The daily grind of managing this pain without proper rest (because who has time for that?) often leads to a vicious cycle where the symptoms only get worse. Over time, this can erode our physical capacity, making it harder to chase down suspects or handle confrontational situations — something that’s not exactly optional in our line of work.

Psychological impact: But the toll isn’t just physical. When pain becomes a constant companion, it starts to mess with our minds too. The need to push through the pain, to keep going no matter what, ramps up stress levels until they’re off the charts. This not only affects our decision-making but also chips away at our enthusiasm, drive and overall sense of fulfillment in the job.

Over time, chronic pain becomes a distraction, clouding our judgment and making it harder to think clearly when the pressure is on. It wears us down emotionally, leading to irritability, anxiety and even depression. This mental toll makes it harder to maintain the focus and commitment our jobs demand, ultimately impacting our performance.

A personal revelation

The motivation for writing this piece hit me a few months ago, right after wrapping up a grueling weeklong course for police instructors. The day after the final class, I woke up feeling like I’d been run over by a freight train — mentally and physically. As I got ready to tackle some errands with my wife, she took one look at my face and knew something was wrong. She initially tried to rush me out the door, but then she stopped. “It’s back, right?” she asked. “Sit down, take your time. No pressure, we can go later — or not at all.”

At that moment, it hit me: I wasn’t the only one who had learned to normalize this pain. My wife had, too. She recognized the signs, knew what was coming and had adjusted her expectations accordingly. I couldn’t help but think, “This can’t just be me. There must be so many of us out there who’ve made peace with pain as if it’s some kind of twisted daily bread.” And that realization was as sad as it was eye-opening.

So here I am, writing about it because this is real. We all know it. And right now, as I type, I can feel that familiar stab in my lower back, the pressure and numbness shooting down my left leg, ending in a throbbing pain that wraps around the sole of my foot like a vice. This is the reality we live with, and it’s time we confronted it together.

The search for effective pain management

Conventional versus unconventional treatments: When it comes to pain management, the general public might think a couple of painkillers and some light therapy will do the trick. But for us, dealing with injuries that are as unique as the job itself, those conventional methods often miss the mark. Wearing heavy gear, sitting in a patrol car for hours or suddenly engaging in a physical confrontation — these are the realities that create specific types of injuries. And let’s be honest, no amount of over-the-counter meds is going to fix a back that’s been contorted by years of wearing a duty belt that weighs more than some people’s toddlers.

Adaptations: That’s why many of us have turned to more unconventional methods to stay in the game. We’ve become experts in physical therapy that would make a Navy SEAL sweat, and we’ve embraced posture garments that feel like wearing a full-body corset. Exercises like yoga and Pilates, which were once the domain of the “health nut” crowd, have become essential tools in our pain management arsenal.

But it’s not just about the physical stuff. We’ve also developed mental resilience strategies to help us cope. Mindfulness, meditation, controlled breathing — these techniques might sound a bit out there, but they work. They help us manage the pain, keep our focus and stay emotionally stable, even when our bodies are screaming for relief.

A call for better support: The need for tailored solutions

Given the unique challenges we face in managing chronic pain, it’s clear that more needs to be done. We need pain management techniques specifically tailored to the demands of our job. This could mean developing gear that’s easier on the body, creating physical therapy programs that fit our schedules or offering mental health support that addresses the psychological impact of living with chronic pain.

This is an issue I’ve tried to tackle head-on in my book, Not Today: 260 Empowering Affirmations for Law Enforcement, which aims to provide not just words of encouragement but actionable points and tools for officers to improve their resilience beneath the armor. Law enforcement agencies also need to step up and prioritize officer wellness. Regular wellness checks, access to specialized health care professionals and a culture that encourages seeking help rather than stigmatizing it — these are the kinds of changes that could make a real difference.

Encouragement for officers

To my fellow officers, I want to say this: Don’t ignore your pain. Don’t dismiss it as just another part of the job. Chronic pain can have serious, long-term consequences for your career and your life. It’s important to take care of yourself, to seek out the help you need and to remember that doing so isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of strength. The resilience strategies I share in Not Today are just one way to begin building the mental armor we need to keep going. We’re in this together, and we need to support each other in staying healthy, strong and hard to kill.

Conclusion: Resilience in the face of pain

The resilience of police officers who continue to serve despite chronic pain is nothing short of extraordinary. Every day, we show up ready to protect and serve, even when our bodies are begging for relief. This resilience is a testament to our dedication, our commitment and our unwavering sense of duty.

But let’s not let that resilience come at the cost of our long-term health and well-being. As a community, we need to acknowledge the reality of chronic pain in law enforcement and work together to find better ways to support those who are affected. By addressing this issue head-on, we can ensure that officers not only survive their careers but thrive in them, continuing to serve with the strength and effectiveness that our communities rely on.