Aging is a beautiful thing…until you get the chronic pain that comes along with it.
Chronic pain is pain that is ongoing and typically lasts longer than six months. This type of pain can continue even after the injury or illness that caused it has healed or recovered because pain signals can remain active in the nervous system for weeks, months or years. While anything can contribute to chronic pain, some of the most common injuries or conditions that lead to it are:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Muscle sprains
- Fibromyalgia
- Nerve damage
- Lyme disease
- Broken bones
- Cancer
- Acid reflux or ulcers
- Endometriosis
- Surgery
Chronic pain is difficult to deal with, especially once depression and anxiety sets in. May seem easier said than done but life doesn’t have to stop because of chronic pain. Get back in control and take back your life by trying a few of these healthy approaches to dealing with chronic pain:
| Consult with your physician | Chronic pain research is ongoing so you never know when a new medication or treatment may become available that can be effective in treating your pain. Keep your doctor up-to-date on how you are feeling and always address any/all concerns with them so that they can figure out how to best help you! |
| Take pain relievers | Avoid opioids as much as possible as opioids can be highly addictive and cause you more pain and anguish in the long run. When the pain gets to be too much to bear, try taking Tylenol, Motrin, Advil or another over-the-counter medication to help provide some relief. |
| Implement mind-body practices | An idle mind can oftentimes exacerbate pain symptoms. The mind and body work best when they are in sync. Simple practices like Tai Chi, Yoga or Meditation can be extremely helpful in not only alleviating pain but also improving mood and overall mental health. |
| Physical therapy | While physical therapy is usually temporary on the road to recovery after a surgery etc., there are many people who benefit from physical therapy and require regular physical therapy sessions. If your chronic pain is becoming more of a nuisance, start setting up a regular schedule with your physical therapist to get your muscles working for you, not against you! |
| Try counseling | Chronic pain can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. These feelings mixed with the chronic pain can be a recipe for disaster but help exists! Everyone, no matter what their situation is and no matter how they are feeling, can benefit from some counseling. Getting a regular appointment with a therapist on the schedule is a good idea as it gives you a set time to be able to speak to someone about the physical pain you are feeling as well as any other external factors that might be bothering you. |
| Educate yourself | Many people jump to conclusions thinking that medication is the only thing that can help them manage their chronic pain but this is simply not the case. If you have a specific condition or if your chronic pain is a result of a surgery, take the time to research your condition so that you can become as well-versed as possible to be your own healthcare advocate. |
| Exercise | Exercise doesn’t have to be dreadful or strenuous. Just a 30-minute walk or a few brief strolls throughout the day that add up to 30-minutes is all you need! It helps keep your body moving and your endorphins (the “happy hormones”) high. If you have trouble walking or unable to walk, no problem! You can still benefit from all that exercise has to offer. Mind-body practices like Tai Chi are easily adaptable based on your capabilities and can deliver as optimal as a result as walking can! |
| Focus on nutrition | Having a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for many reasons and it can also play a key role in helping you manage your chronic pain symptoms. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide antioxidants to the body and antioxidants help your body reduce inflammation and promote healing. High-protein diets that limit carbohydrates and salt intake are among the best for patients with chronic pain. |
