Few things are more maddening than chronic pain. Whether caused by an injury or some other condition, such as arthritis, having to deal with pain as a normal facet of life is never fun.
Of course, you know this. And while there is often little you can do to completely remove chronic pain from your life, there are ways to manage it.
Here are five that don't always get talked about that are not always discussed in pain management but that can be very effective in helping you manage your situation.
Focus on Your Mental Health and Stress
Your mental and physical health are connected. The exact link isn't always understood, but we now know that if your mental health is in rough shape, it's harder to maintain good physical health, and vice versa. Stress, in particular, has been shown to make chronic pain worse.
The trouble with chronic pain, though, is that it in and of itself can be stressful and harmful to your mental health. Its constant presence is enough to wear down even the toughest.
Therefore, it's essential you pay attention to this aspect of your wellness. Meditation and other mindfulness-based activities are really helpful, as they help you maintain perspective and learn to deal with the uncomfortable nature of your condition. But therapy is also effective, as are many other things. Find out what works for you and make it a part of your routine so that you can manage your pain better and enjoy your life more.
Get Some Exercise
It might seem counterintuitive to say that you should exercise to manage your pain. But one of the many benefits exercise provides us with is a nice release of endorphins, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate swelling and inflammation, as well as our pain response. By making exercise a regular part of your life, you can access this natural healing mechanism more easily.
Of course, don't do any exercise that is going to harm whatever it is that hurts. But there are lots of other things you can do.
For example, if you are plagued by arthritis, consider doing some sort of aqua aerobics or swimming. These low impact exercises are super beneficial and can be done without causing you pain.
Don't Exert Yourself
While exercise can be an effective pain management tool, you shouldn't be doing anything that causes you to exert yourself. The point is to try and get the blood flowing and experience an endorphin release, not set a Guinness World Record.
This applies to other areas of your life. Avoid heavy lifting, straining of any kind, awkward positions, and ladders. Also, think about finding alternatives to chores you have to do around the house. For example, instead of standing behind and pushing the lawn mower, or riding on it, get an automatic lawn mower to do the job for you.
The fewer of these things you do the better, for this will allow your body to rest more and pay more attention to your pain.
Use Pain Relief Creams and Ointments
When you have chronic pain, it's tempting to want to take pain medication. This may work for some but it's not always the best idea. Some of these remedies have side effects that some people don't want to or can't tolerate.
One alternative is to use a topical pain reliever, such as a cream or an ointment. These are great because you apply them right to the area, allowing you to target the pain directly. They also sink right into your skin and take effect immediately, giving you instant relief. Such an approach is also great for those with new tattoos. The pain from the procedure can linger and it's much better to treat it with an ointment than anything else.
Try out a few different pain relief creams and ointments as all of them are different and use their own set of ingredients. But there is sure to be one out there that can at least provide you some relief from your chronic pain.
Record Your Pain Levels
The body is a complex machine with many moving parts. For this reason, pain can be unpredictable. Even if the cause of your pain is localized, it can flare up in other areas, or be impacted by how other parts of your body are feeling.
Part of managing your pain is keeping track of how you're experiencing it. Recording your pain levels, alongside notes about your diet, exercise, mood, sleep, etc., is so useful because it will help you better understand your pain. From there you can spot patterns and learn what contributes to more pain and less, and adapt your lifestyle accordingly to ensure that you live with as little pain as possible.
Stay Strong and Keep Trying
Chronic pain can be both mentally and physically debilitating, especially when there isn't an obvious cause or solution.
So, the important thing is to stay strong. There are so many different potential remedies, that the best thing you can do is keep a positive attitude and continue looking for something that world. Eventually you'll find something that works and allows you to live a full life despite your chronic pain.
