Chronic pain management does not refer to taking pain killers alone. It includes daily activities, exercises and changes in your lifestyle which will help you live a life that is not dictated by pain.
First, persons who are suffering from chronic pain should, like with all other illnesses, avoid or reduce stress and relax a lot more. There are many ways to reduce stress using common everyday activities. One is listening to music. It has been scientifically proven that music eliminates or diminishes stress. Stress has always been known as a factor that aggravates pain.
Persons with chronic pain should keep stress at a minimum in order to keep pain at bay. Aromatherapy is another effective way to drive away stress and pain. Similarly, a good massage can also melt all those worries and anxieties away leaving one in a completely relaxed state. It is also a good idea to take meditation classes. Learn to isolate the body from distractions and stress through meditation. If meditation classes are not an option, one can use deep breathing techniques instead. Quietly breathing in and out deeply for several minutes relaxes the body and the mind. Also, getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It does not matter which method is taken and people with chronic pain may even find their own unique ways of coping with stress. What matters is the understanding that one needs to treat his body well by allowing it relax more and not subjecting it to unnecessary stress.
Second, persons who suffer from chronic pain should not limit their activities. They should, in fact, exercise more. It has been proven that exercise increases the production of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals which are released by the pituitary gland that act as neurotransmitters or signals in the nervous system, similar to the neurotransmitters that carry pain signals. Endorphins are known for their analgesic-like qualities which generally reduces pain and promotes a feeling of wellness. Exercising is good not only for chronic pain management but also for building strength and endurance, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping the heart healthy.
Third, a person should eat well. Eating well means having a balanced diet. A healthy diet removes unnecessary strain by aiding body processes such as digestion and blood circulation. A good diet also helps reduce excess body weight which is one of the more common causes of joint pain and strain, especially on the knees. Persons suffering from chronic pain should also avoid any form of alcohol. Most chronic pain medications contain substances which should never be combined with alcohol.
Fourth, keep track of activities and monitor their effects. Know which activities are good for you and find out which ones work best in reducing chronic pain.
Lastly, it is important to have constant communication with a pain management doctor who can help design a pain management program that is suited to your needs. Though there is no single or uniform way of fighting pain, talking to other persons who are also suffering from chronic pain is also helpful. Sometimes, talking to someone who understands what you’re going through lessens the burden and eases the pain as well.
