[Rhapso]

Ironically, chronic pain drove me the other direction.

Programming gave me "I forgot I have a body" levels of engagement with a problem. It was a way to actually find relief from pain. My addiction to programming was very useful in my development.

I was lucky in so many ways. My pain wasn't caused by the kinematics of my body, instead it was a heart condition, cancer, Celiac and Crohn's and I have managed to cure a nontrivial part of it over the years (heart surgery, diet change, immunosuppressants).

Ultimately i do not recommend the "cause yourself so much pain you seek refuge in flow state and become an expert" method. It results in a lot of maladaptive behaviors, damaged relationships and needing a lot of therapy (but also the money to pay for the therapy).