Living with chronic pain can be incredibly difficult. It can sap your energy, make it hard to concentrate, and make even the simplest tasks seem impossible. If you are one of the millions of people who suffers from chronic pain, don’t despair! There are things you can do to help relieve your pain and make your life a little easier. Here are six things you should do if you suffer from chronic pain.
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks. It can be caused by a variety of things, including injury, illness, and nerve damage. Chronic pain can make it difficult to do the things you enjoy, and it can have a major impact on your quality of life.
There are many different types of chronic pain, and the causes can vary from person to person. Some common types of chronic pain include headaches, back pain, arthritis pain, fibromyalgia, and pain from cancer or cancer treatments. While the source of chronic pain is clear in some cases, it can be difficult to diagnose some types of chronic pain, such as back pain and joint pain. Often there are multiple aspects that feed into chronic pain. For example, in the case of back pain, it could be posture, an old injury and muscle weakness that combine to create the pain.
Here are six things you should do if you suffer from chronic pain.
1. See A Doctor
If you are suffering from chronic pain, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. Your doctor can help diagnose the source of your pain and rule out any serious medical conditions. They can also prescribe medication to help relieve your pain and recommend other treatments. Many people delay seeing a doctor hoping their chronic pain will go away, but it’s better not to put it off, in case the pain gets gradually worse.
2. Consider Supplements
There are a number of supplements that have been shown to help with chronic pain relief, including omega-three fatty acids, magnesium, turmeric, and Full Spectrum CBD Oil. Talk to your doctor about whether any of these supplements could be helpful for you.
Omega-three fatty acids are found in fish oil and can help reduce inflammation. Magnesium is a mineral that many people are deficient in and can help with muscle pain. Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory properties. CBD oil can also help reduce inflammation.
3. See Other Specialists
If you’re not getting any answers in relation to the cause of your chronic pain, take control of the situation by seeing other specialists. This could include a chiropractor, osteopath and physiotherapist. You could also try to get an appointment with a medical doctor, such as an orthopedic surgeon. They will each have their own methods for diagnosing your pain, and you may be able to get some relevant x-rays and scans done via them too.
4. Exercise
Exercise can help improve your overall health and reduce stress, which can worsen chronic pain. Some types of chronic pain are caused by weak muscles that need to be strengthened. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. It’s important to start slowly if you’re not used to exercising and build it up gradually. Swimming is a great form of exercise for people with chronic pain as it’s low-impact and easy on the joints.
Yoga and Tai Chi are two other forms of exercise that can be beneficial for people with chronic pain. Yoga can help improve flexibility and Tai Chi can help improve balance. Both of these forms of exercise can be done in a gentle way, making them suitable for people with chronic pain. Talk to your doctor about what type of exercise is right for you.
5. Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques can help you to cope with the pain and stress of chronic pain. Some people find that deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation help them to relax. There are many different relaxation techniques, so it’s important to find one that works for you. Relaxation techniques can be done anywhere and at any time, making them a convenient way to manage chronic pain.
Guided imagery is another relaxation technique that can be helpful for people with chronic pain. This involves picturing yourself in a peaceful place where you don’t feel any pain. Guided imagery can be done by listening to a recording or following along with written instructions. There are many apps available that offer guided relaxation and meditation exercises specifically for people suffering from pain.
6. Pain Management Program
If your chronic pain is severe, you may need to participate in a pain management program. These programs are usually run by hospitals or specialized clinics. They typically involve a team of healthcare professionals who work together to help you manage your pain. Pain management programs can last for several weeks or even months. They often include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and psychological counseling.
A pain management program can be very helpful in managing chronic pain, but it can also be expensive and time-consuming. If you’re considering a pain management program, talk to your doctor to see if it’s the right option for you.
There are many different ways to cope with chronic pain. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why it’s important to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.