Chronic pain impacts around three out of every ten people in the US. With short-term pain, you know that when your illness or injury heals, the pain will go, and you will be able to return to your life, so it feels easier to take the time to rest and recuperate.
Chronic pain can go on for months or years or indefinitely. This means that sufferers have to find a way to live their lives while dealing with pain at the same time.
What’s effective
for managing chronic pain will differ depending on the individual and the
underlying cause. However, there are a few methods that are usually effective
for most people.
Stretch
It can be tempting to limit movement when you’re in pain, particularly if it feels as though the movement is making the pain worse.
However, most people find that adding some movement into their daily routine is helpful when it comes to managing chronic pain because it helps to keep the muscles healthy. It also helps with mental health and wellbeing, which helps with pain.
Exercise that
focuses on stretching, like yoga, is effective for chronic pain and other practices like Tai Chi. However,
if you plan to take up exercise, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor or
pain management team first to ensure that you choose the right kind for you and
your condition.
Stress
management
Stress often exacerbates chronic pain because it leads to muscle tension and contributes to inflammation in the body. This means that managing stress usually helps with chronic pain.
If you are struggling with stress, it’s a good idea to take a look at your routine to make sure that you aren’t overloaded with work. Mindfulness and meditation can also be helpful.
Some people also
like to use CBD to help with stress and the inflammation that it causes. It’s
worth noting though that there isn’t conclusive evidence to suggest that CBD
helps with stress, and you must consult with your doctor before taking it. You
can buy CBD from simplycbdwales.com.
Stay
connected
Mindset is an important part of managing chronic pain, so you must focus on things that will improve your wellbeing in general.
One of those things
is staying connected with people in your life and making a point of connecting
with other people who are dealing with similar issues to you. This will help
you feel less alone, and you may get valuable help and advice.
Quit
smoking
Smoking affects
your circulation and your heart and lungs, which will make chronic pain worse.
Moderate
alcohol
Drinking isn’t a great idea if you’re dealing with chronic pain because alcohol can cause inflammation, which makes your pain worse.
Alcohol also
interrupts your sleep. Sleeping well is an important part of pain management,
so it’s important that if you do drink, you stop at least three hours before
you go to bed so that it has time to wear off before you’re trying to sleep.