Millions of people are living with chronic pain, which can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Many people don’t know how to cope without risking addiction to powerful medications. While some herbal supplements like CBD may be helpful, learning techniques to help you cope is essential to being able to live your life with chronic pain.
Pharmaceutical medications can certainly help with pain, but they also come with risks. A high percentage of patients become addicted to pain medication, leading to a series of life-changing problems. Learning how to ease your pain symptoms by making lifestyle changes can reduce your dependence on opioids.
For many people that suffer from chronic pain, mobility is a challenging issue. Repeated visits to the clinic to get shots or have blood tests done can seem impossible. With the help of at home lab services that you can get the tests you need right in your own home. Let’s take a closer look at a few methods that can ease chronic pain:
Meditation
Meditation and deep breathing techniques have been used to quiet the body and the mind for thousands of years. Through repetitive mantras or rhythmic breathing, you can release the tension in the muscles that causes pain. This release can also be felt in the nervous system that controls pain signals from the brain. You can try guided therapies on a meditation app to get started.
Stress Management
Stress is the enemy of pain. When you have anxiety, depression, or high levels of stress in your life, your pain could be worse than it needs to be. Learning to recognize and manage your stress may give you some relief. Listening to soothing music or trying progressive muscle relaxation can help you to cope with your chronic pain.
Cut Out Alcohol
When you are in pain, it can be difficult to find a comfortable position in which to sleep. As a result, many people turn to an alcoholic nightcap to help ease their tension. While having a few drinks may make you sleepy, drinking alcohol will actually decrease the quality of your sleep.
Exercise
You may not feel like exercising if you are in pain, but moderate movement each day will help to boost your mood. When you exercise, feel-good endorphins are released into the body along with serotonin, both of which can help you to cope with your chronic pain.
Massage
Working the tension out of your muscles can release you from some of your pain. When you are hurting, your body naturally tenses the muscles that surround that pain. While this is a defense mechanism, it can result in worsening your pain. Visit a massage therapist to have them help you ease the tension out of your sore muscles.
Get Support
If you are suffering from chronic pain, it can be difficult to deal with everyday tasks. Accept the help that your friends and family offer, and take the time to rest when you are in pain. If you don’t have family, consider bringing in an in-home care team to give you some support.
If you are living with chronic pain, you are not alone. Follow these tips to help you learn how to manage your pain and get on with the business of living your life.
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