Pain Management Methods for People Living with Chronic Pain

Different types of chronic pain include arthritis pain, cancer pain, lower back pain, and pain caused by injury, nerve damage, or disease. Many people live with chronic pain, and there are various ways to manage chronic pain ranging from visiting a chiropractor to taking pain medication. It is vital to choose a method or combination of methods that works for one’s pain. Here are some pain management methods that patients can consider.

Deep Breathing and Meditation

Meditation and deep breathing are simple ways people living with chronic pain can manage their pain. Both techniques help with relaxation, which results in reduced pain. Deep breathing can be done by sitting in a quiet spot, taking deep breaths, and breathing out. Patients can meditate by repeating a mantra that helps them relax.

Reducing Stress

Stress increases the body’s sensitivity to pain, so it is crucial for people living with chronic pain to reduce stress. There are different stress reduction methods, including mental imagery relaxation, which involves creating a peaceful mental image. That provides an escape that reduces stress and hence pain sensitivity.

Seeing a Chiropractor

Chiropractors are specialists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. They make use of spinal manipulation and other types of alternative therapies to help patients with chronic pain. Manipulation can help restore joint mobility and reduce the occurrence of pain. By using deep tissue massage, chiropractors can help people dealing with pain from fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Spinal manipulation also helps with lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

Exercise

Exercise produces endorphins, which boost pain relief by blocking pain receptors. Endorphins boost mood and enhance muscle strength, which prevents re-injury. It can help patients with diabetes lower their blood sugar, lose weight, and reduce heart disease risk. However important, it is important to talk to a doctor before engaging in exercise so that they can advise you on the safest choices.

Reduce Alcohol, Consumption, and Stop Smoking

People living with chronic pain should reduce the amount of alcohol they drink to worsen sleeping problems and pain. Since alcohol is dehydrating, it can increase joint inflammation and pain. Smoking cigarettes makes painful circulation problems worse and is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

Taking Prescription and Non-prescription Drugs

Mild pain can be relieved using drugs patients can purchase over the counter, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Drugs like Ibuprofen are in a group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and not only help with muscle stiffness but also reduce inflammation. Patients can also use topicals, which include creams and balms that are applied to painful areas.

Doctors prescribe stronger painkillers like codeine, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, steroid injections for extreme pain. People living with chronic pain should ensure that they inform their medical history doctor before taking any medications.

The treatment of chronic pain takes patience and requires a combination of methods. For example, Seeing a chiropractor coupled with relaxation exercises or medication; can go a long way in helping patients live comfortably.

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