If you are one of the millions in the United States who experience chronic pain, you’ll know how big of a problem it can be. While short-term pain normally heals, chronic pain can last for much longer and impact daily activities. Instead of suffering in silence, there are some things you can do to regain control. Here are five tips on how to manage chronic pain and get your life back.
Daily Exercise
When suffering from chronic pain, it may be worth making exercise a priority. This is because physical activity releases endorphins in the brain which can boost your mood and block pain signals. What’s more, being active has other pain-reducing effects. Not only does exercise strengthen muscles, but it can also help prevent further injuries and pain. Before beginning any exercise program, it’s always best to discuss it with your doctor first. If you’re new to health and fitness, you may benefit from working with a trained fitness professional who you can establish goals with.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing techniques are commonly used as a way to help your body relax, which could ease the pain. When doing these exercises, deep breathing can regulate your blood pressure and heart rate, which helps to regulate the pain response in the brain. Other advantages of deep breathing include increased energy levels, better sleep, and reduced anxiety. To reap the full benefits of deep breathing techniques, you should find a quiet location that allows you to filter out distracting thoughts. Also, make sure you’re in a comfortable body position before getting started.
Sleep
If you constantly have poor sleep, this can increase chronic pain. You need to practice good sleep hygiene to help you wake up feeling well-rested and refreshed. Research suggests that those who have six hours or less sleep each night have a higher level of inflammatory proteins in their blood when compared to those who get more. Your body needs a chance to rest and recover during the night, so if you are constantly tossing and turning with no hope of drifting off, there are changes you can make for the better. Freeing your bedroom of distractions like your smartphone and having an hour or two to unwind before climbing into bed can both help in getting more sleep.
Diet
When it comes to managing chronic pain, it’s wise to look at your general health and wellbeing. What you eat and the pain you experience is often connected and being overweight or obese can significantly contribute to joint pain. This means it’s more important than ever to start eating a healthy, balanced diet. If you’re not eating the right foods, this can impact your immune system, and make your chronic pain worse. Making minor changes to what you put on your plate could be the answer to improving your quality of life. Therefore, throwing away junk food and buying plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best place to start. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help in controlling inflammation. It can be difficult to know where to start, so it may be worth speaking to a dietitian for further advice.
Kratom
Kratom has gained popularity in recent years, most notably for its potential pain management benefits. While many people take Kratom in capsule form, as a powder, or in a tea, another option to consider is the use of extracted Kratom. In some instances, a good extract of Kratom has been used to manage chronic pain linked with conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Although chronic pain can be debilitating and interfere with your daily life, trying any of the above may help in alleviating pain and discomfort.