Whether affected by an injury, the gradual wear and tear on the body, or diseases like arthritis, many people are battling or living with some form of chronic pain. Pain is categorized as chronic when it lasts three to six months or longer and often ranges in sensation from constant to irregular.
Chronic pain, especially those in essential areas like the back, neck, feet, hands, shoulder, and others, can make it hard to perform simple daily activities. In the wake of constant pain favorite activities like looking after children, cleaning, getting dressed, or hobbies can seem impossible. However, there are ways to effectively and safely manage chronic pain, and when paired with expert pain management guidance can help those suffering take back their lives.
The below tips are several ways to help those with chronic pain to adopt a positive mindset, feel better and get back to what they love. If you are interested in more tips or medically guided programs to help manage chronic pain, please contact us today.
Stay Active
Pain, or the fear of pain, can lead people to stop doing the things they enjoy. It’s important not to let pain take over your life. Staying active helps keep the body limber, prevent stiffness and manage weight. All of which help ward off pain. Most importantly, staying active (even around the home) helps keep us on a routine and progressing towards achievable goals, which is essential.
Know your limits
Continue to be active in a way that acknowledges your physical limitations. Accepting and abiding by your unique limitations can help keep pain from escalating or worsening. Listen to your body and know when it says to stop or take a break. Pacing yourself can dramatically help reduce reinjury or next-day soreness. Never push yourself to do more than you can handle.
Exercise
Stay healthy with low-impact exercises, such as stretching, yoga, and swimming. These activities help reduce joint pain and improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Furthermore, cardiovascular exercise, like walking and biking on a stationary bike, helps keep your heart in shape. If you are new to exercise, talk to your doctor about what exercise routine may be best for you.
Double down on social connections
Call a family member, invite a friend to lunch, or make a date for coffee with a pal you haven’t seen in a while. Research shows that people with greater social support are more resilient and experience less depression and anxiety. Also, consider support groups or professional counseling. Working through the pain with the help of others who can empathize is an invaluable tool.
Find a healthy distraction
When pain flares, find ways to distract your mind from it. When you’re thinking about something else, you won’t be thinking about your pain as much. Watch a favorite movie, knit, work on a puzzle, engage in another hobby, or get out and visit a museum. Pleasant experiences can help you cope with pain, just make sure the selected activity is low-impact and doesn’t further exacerbate the condition.
Don’t lose hope
Having the right mindset starts with acceptance. Rather than feeling helpless or sorry for yourself, think about your problem as one that can be solved with a proactive action plan. With the right guidance and treatment, many people learn to manage their pain and think of it differently. If you’re reading this, you’ve already accomplished this mindset, keep going!
Follow prescriptions carefully
If medications are part of your treatment plan, be sure to use them as prescribed by your doctor to avoid possible dangerous side effects and mitigate the risk of addiction. Physician-guided pain management plans are a powerful resource for getting back to the activities we love, however it should always be done responsibly.
with you.
