The New Year is the perfect time to clear your slate, re-set your priorities and resolve to do things differently. If you’re someone who suffers from chronic pain, you may feel like you’ve tried everything available to get relief from your pain. It’s likely that your pain has left you feeling stuck in a rut. This year, reset with some fresh options to manage chronic pain.
Eat right and get enough sleep
Your diet should include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and adequate protein for effective healing. Getting adequate rest a minimum of 7 to 9 hours a night is also vital for healing the body.
Find a support group
If you feel lonely and misunderstood, find a support group in your area for people who are experiencing similar challenges or connect with others through an online support group. Being surrounded by people who can empathize with what you’re going through without judgment can be a wonderfully therapeutic experience.
Relax, stretch and strengthen
Many people who suffer from chronic pain find relief and control through regular yoga practice. Yoga focuses on breathing, releasing body tensions, changing the way the body responds to pain and, perhaps most importantly, the way the mind views the pain. Studies have shown that people who practice yoga just twice a week for 8-12 weeks can make significant gains in strength, flexibility, endurance and pain relief. Of course, it’s important not to push your body further than it can comfortably go, or yoga could aggravate your pain.
Harness the power of your mind
It has been proven that chronic pain sufferers have a few simple psychological tools and techniques at their disposal to help them handle their pain. These include:
1. Breathing and visualization to achieve deep muscle relaxation.
2. Shifting your attention away from pain signals through simple counting techniques.
3. Thinking about images or sounds that are pleasant to you.
4. Using your mind to detach and distance yourself from the physical pain.
Conserve your energy
It’s important for people with chronic pain to learn how to pace themselves. Some days are naturally easier than others, so it’s important to not get carried away with activity on easy days. If you do, you run the risk of draining your energy and possible causing yourself pain flare-ups the next day.
Learn about your options
It is estimated that of the 50 million people who experience chronic pain, 75 percent don’t get effective treatment. If you’re suffering from chronic pain, schedule an appointment to learn about effective treatment options.
Take the First Step Towards Pain-Free Living Today
It was really nice that you pointed out important fruit and vegetable diet was in getting rid of the chronic pain as well as a good 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. However, I get the feeling that it didn’t work for me because that’s been my lifestyle since I was in college. There must be something else that’s contributing to my pain, and I need a professional to help me figure out what. I’ll still follow your tips though. Thanks!
Great Post!!!
You have mentioned some very effective points to manage chronic pain. Thanks for sharing this information on this blog.
Helpful tips!!!
Wondering if there is any place in Portland, Oregon that treats neuropathy pain
I’ve been experiencing chronic pain for almost a week now. Yes, I am eating right, however, I cannot get enough sleep because of my graveyard shift. For that reason, I am unable to get some exercise and stretching. Aside from what you have suggested, can you still recommend me with any other options?
It’s good to know this about pain management. I like how you said that eating right and sleeping enough are two vital points for this. Sleeping has always felt like a waste of time to me, but I think I need to get more of it.
I really like your suggesting that you should try and find a support group. I’ll have to keep this in mind as I continue to help my mother. I want to look into finding a new pain treatment for her. Hopefully, I can find something that works for her.