Does the thought of getting static shot off the tongue freak you out?
If you answered no, you are probably a lone pragmatist. Millions of people all over the world hate getting the typical needles doctors use to inject patients with their antibiotics.
Read on to learn the steps for managing chronic pain and getting the relief you need.
Utilizing Natural Therapies
This includes physical activity, a healthy diet, as well as adequate sleep, and stress management. Exercise such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong have been shown on managing chronic pain. Herbal and dietary supplements can alleviate symptoms and support overall wellness.
Aromatherapy, acupuncture, and massage can reduce stress and help to relieve tension and muscle spasms. Essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus can be used to reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation.
Developing Healthy Habits
This should include regular physical activity to build strength and flexibility, getting enough rest and sleep, eating a balanced diet, learning healthy coping mechanisms for stress, and finding enjoyable activities that can help distract from the pain. Additionally, talking to a mental health professional about effective healthy strategies to manage chronic pain is beneficial.
Establishing a regular routine that includes these activities is the best way to keep on top of chronic pain. If activities become too painful, taking a break can help, but it’s important not to let the pain last too long and to resume activity as soon as possible.
Understanding Your Treatment Plan
Developing a successful plan may involve a combination of treatment options, including physical therapy, exercise, medications, and lifestyle changes. Knowing the pros and cons of each option will help you choose the best approach.
If you are prescribed medication, take the time to learn about the side effects and communicate any concerns with your chronic pain doctor. You can also consider requesting an appointment with an Advanced Pain Institute to provide some relief from your symptoms.
Building a Supportive Network
It is important to have access to physical and mental health providers who can suggest ways to manage pain and make life easier. Friends and family can provide emotional support and can help make daily time management tasks easier too.
It is important to maintain a supportive network of both family and healthcare professionals who can offer advice and encouragement in navigating the challenges of living with chronic pain treatments. Sharing stories, successes, and problems can help to build relationships and provide support.
Managing Stress to Reduce Pain
It requires the individual to assess his or her own pain and symptoms and gain knowledge about what kind of stress may be contributing to their pain. Therefore, it is important to take the time to understand one’s own body and how it changes in response to stress, and also to begin to develop tools to manage stress and reduce pain.
Some ways to manage stress include mindfulness-based practices and biofeedback, relaxation practices, physical activity, and improving overall lifestyle choices such as good sleep and nutrition.
Read More About Managing Chronic Pain
Chronic pain management is complex, but by partnering with healthcare providers, making small lifestyle changes, and utilizing management techniques, it is possible to significantly reduce or even eliminate your pain.
If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic pain, we recommend reading more about managing chronic pain to learn effective ways to cope.
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