Tips to Manage Chronic Pain

With more than three million US cases per year, chronic pain is defined as persistent pain that lasts more than six months. Chronic pain is caused by a variety of factors and can manifest in many areas of the body. Headaches, joint pain, injury and backaches, as well as generalized muscle or nerve pain, can develop into chronic pain conditions.

Hydrate

Dehydration can make some chronic pain conditions, like headaches and back pain, feel worse. Try to drink at least 64 ounces of pure water every day and limit the intake of diuretic beverages like coffee, soda or juice, which can actually dehydrate you. Keep a 32-ounce water bottle with you to refill throughout the day.

Eat right

Because a lot of chronic pain conditions are caused by inflammation, make sure you are consuming foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties that can ease swelling in your joints. Certain types of fish, like salmon, halibut and tuna are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, dark green veggies, nuts and sweet potatoes. Incorporating certain spices, like turmeric, into your recipes can also help reduce inflammation.

Foods to avoid

Just like it’s recommended to eat foods that fight inflammation, it is important to avoid the ones than can stimulate inflammation. There are few common ingredients in a lot of the foods we consume every day that can cause inflammation. Try to avoid foods that contain refined sugar and carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans fats, msg, gluten and casein and aspartame.

Yoga, meditation and deep breathing

Excessive stress can cause your muscles to spasm and tighten, which can exacerbate chronic pain. Yoga, meditation and deep breathing are perfect to relieve stress on your mind and body to help relieve pain, all while strengthening your muscles and joints.

Posture at your desk

Many people today work an office job that can involve long periods of sitting. As the day wears on sitting at a desk, your back can become hunched over into the “C” shape, putting added pressure on your entire body. Be sure you are maintaining a good posture throughout the day to avoid any extra pain.

Exercise

In addition to yoga, regular exercise can actually help those with chronic pain. Exercise helps release endorphins, which can boost your mood and help block pain signals. In addition to endorphins blocking pain signals, exercise will also strengthen muscles and joints, making your body less susceptible to injury.

Massage

Receiving regular massages from a certified massage therapist can help ease chronic pain caused by arthritis, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, as well as many other pain conditions. Massage therapy releases serotonin, the body’s natural anti-pain chemical.

If you or someone you love have been suffering from chronic pain, give the pain specialists at Pain Management and Injury Relief a call today at (877) 724-6349 to book your appointment.