Dealing with Pain: 13 Ways to Manage Chronic Pain

Pain is a natural phenomenon that alarms the brain when something is wrong with the body. It can be a throbbing, stabbing, and pinching sensation in any part of the body. Pain can also bring other physical symptoms like vomiting or drowsiness, if not appropriately tended. There are sorts of pain. But it can be categorized in terms of how long the pain is felt in the body.

Pain can be categorized as acute or chronic. Acute pain is severe but short-term and usually a signal when your body is injured. On the other hand, chronic pain is a spontaneous sensation of pain, which lasts longer than 12 weeks. This type of pain can range from mild to severe and is often a result of an occurring disease in the body.

According to Health Report Live, though both types of pain should be managed and taken care of, chronic pain is more complicated than the other. Experiencing chronic pain can be because of arthritis, diabetes, back pain, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel. Chronic pain should not be endured and should be treated regularly. With that, these are options of how to manage chronic pain.

Seek Professional Help

One of the most obvious ways to alleviate chronic pain is by seeking professional help. Any disease can cause chronic pain. Ergo, finding the root cause of this pain will give a solution to your problems. The medical answer is one of the best ways to manage the pain because doctors are trained to treat irregularities in the body.

Try Chiropractic Massage

This type of treatment has been increasingly used by the public nowadays. This type of treatment is simple; chiropractic care enhances the blood flow in the body. With that, it reduces stress and relieves tension in the body.  Moreover, studies show that chiropractic manipulation has been effective in treating chronic pain, especially back pain.

Bioelectric Therapy

Another option from chiropractic care that you can try to alleviate pain is through bioelectric therapy. It works by blocking pain signals to the brain. It is a non-invasive and non-toxic method to deal with chronic pain. Other benefits when using this method include stimulation of the motor nerves and increased blood circulation.

Trying Drug Therapy

There are many ways to combat chronic pain. One of the fastest ways to deal with it is to take medicinal drugs. There are hundreds of options that can help you manage the pain. There are anti-inflammatory drugs available over-the-counter, while some drugs need a physician’s prescription to be bought. However, don’t forget that self-medication is dangerous.

Try Out Alternative Methods

Medication and massage are not the only ways to alleviate chronic pain from the body. There are alternative methods you can try, like acupuncture, herbal therapies any many more. However, there isn’t enough scientific research and evidence to prove that these methods work. Nevertheless, some people still use alternative methods when dealing with chronic pain.

Track Pain Level Daily

Tracking your pain level daily will help you manage the pain in the long run. Keeping a journal of your daily activities while noting the pain level will help the doctor assess your problems more manageable. It is a smart way of understanding how your way of living can affect the level of pain you are feeling every day.

Boost Natural Endorphins by Exercising

Endorphins are natural chemicals released from the brain. This chemical interacts with the receptors in the brain to reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins are spontaneously released when you are working out. Thus, exercising is beneficial for your physical fitness, but it also alleviates the chronic pain you are feeling.

Cut Off Stresses in Life

Psychological stresses also influence the worsening or the alleviation of chronic pain in the body. Anxiety and depression caused by stress increase the body’s perception of pain. Subsequently, learning to cut off or reduce daily stress can help you manage your chronic pain. Listening to music or finding a passionate hobby can cut off the stresses in life.

Stop Smoking

One of the side effects of chain-smoking is insomnia or sleeping problems. Besides being awake at night, you’ll also have to endure the pain in your body. With that improving your quality of life will also help you alleviate chronic pain.

Try Meditation and Other Mental Escape Activities

Chronic pain is also caused by muscle tension. Meditation offers a solution as it helps relax the tensed muscles in the body. Meditation provides a psychological way of alleviating chronic pain. People have different approaches to dealing with pain. However, meditation has proven effective in managing chronic pain by focusing on breathing and ignoring negative thoughts.

Eat a Balanced and Healthy Diet

Improving your quality of life to combat chronic pain also means eating a healthy and balanced diet. By eating healthy food, you reduce heart disease risks, keep normal body weight, and improve blood circulation and other benefits. Thus, eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet and regular intake of fruits and vegetables will help combat chronic pain.

Join Support Groups

Chronic pain is a common phenomenon that is experienced by many, mainly middle-aged people. Because of this, concerned and affected individuals have created support groups in their community. Joining support groups offers a psychological solution in dealing with chronic pain. You don’t have to suffer alone; there are lots of people willing to support you.

Distract the Self from Pain

Another psychological way to combat chronic pain is by distracting yourself from pain. When a person becomes absorbed and focused on a particular activity, the brain tends to forget that there is pain. This solution emphasizes the saying mind over matter. Thus, finding activities to do will help you ease the pain and help you enjoy life.

Takeaway

Though these methods are easily achievable, seeking professional help is recommended when a person is experiencing pain longer than 12 weeks. Medical professionals can perform a thorough scan of the body to pinpoint the cause of the pain. They can also prescribe the appropriate method or drug to manage chronic pain.