Chronic pain can be debilitating, and the fight against it can be a life-long one. However, that doesn’t mean that there is no chance to find some real relief. Here, we’re going to look at a few common methods worth trying if you suffer from chronic pain.
Find relief with exercise
Exercise can help us in a variety of ways. First of all, it’s known that a sedentary lifestyle and too much bed rest can exacerbate chronic pain, especially back or joint pain. Furthermore, getting back into exercise can help release endorphins that not only improve our mood but can also block pain signals from reaching the brain. Of course, it’s important to take it slow and get into exercise gradually to reduce the risk of injuring yourself further.
De-stress your mind and body
The mind and the body are deeply linked, indeed. So much so that when we are stressed, our body’s sensitivity to pain increases. Pain and stress have a cyclical relationship, often making each other worse. However, finding whatever means you can use to relax, whether it’s listening to soothing music, meditating, is an important step in battling them both at the same time. Getting physically relaxed where possible can help, too.
Combat inflammation naturally
When it comes to back and joint pain, inflammation is often at the core, and when we get inflamed, it can make our experience of the pain all the worse. There are a variety of foods that can fight inflammation, such as fatty fish like salmon, olive oil, and tomatoes. For more immediate relief, CBD gummies are a natural supplement that can act a little more quickly. If you’re feeling particularly achy, try using a cold compress to open up the blood vessels in the pained area, helping the blood flow better, bringing in oxygen and carrying away the tension causing hormones.
Do what you can to improve sleep
A good night’s sleep offers physical comfort, relaxes the body, and regulates the production of tension increasing hormones, all of which can fight pain. Getting to sleep while in pain can be difficult, of course. However, there is a range of sleep improving tips worth looking into, including switching out your mattress for one that’s designed specifically for people with chronic pain. You might find some profound changes after a good night’s sleep.
Track what causes and what alleviates pain
Fixating on pain is never a fun time, but if you’re having trouble focusing on little else, you should take the time to keep a pain diary. Write down what helps it, what seems to make it worse, and your pain levels throughout the day. It can help you get a better idea of what specifically helps you combat chronic pain in the long run.
If you find a method that works well for you, don’t hesitate to tell your doctor about it and ask for advice. It may be able to lead to treatment options that are even better for managing your chronic pain.
