Five Tips For Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is a common issue that many adults struggle with on a daily basis. Contrary to short-term pain, which typically heals quickly, chronic pain is ongoing and lasts more than three months. It can get in the way of your favorite hobbies, spending time with family, or even keeping up with your day-to-day activities. Although chronic pain can be difficult to cure, there are some steps that you can take to help manage your chronic pain and make progress along your path to wellness. This article will discuss the top five tips for chronic pain management and how you can implement these into your daily lifestyle.

Daily Stretching

Stretching daily must be part of your chronic pain management regimen. You don’t have to dedicate hours to stretching daily for it to be effective. Trying for as little as 10 to 15 minutes daily can be all you need to manage your chronic pain. Stretching is amazing for your body because it increases blood flow, loosens stiff muscles, and improves joint function. This will allow you greater freedom of movement and reduce inflammation throughout your body. 

For an effective, low-impact stretching routine, the key is to keep your entire body aligned as much as possible throughout the entire process. Engage your muscles to maintain your center of balance as you reach through your body to complete the movements. There are plenty of online resources and videos you can refer to for guidance through your daily stretching routine.

Reduce Stress

Another great way to manage your chronic pain is to take measures to reduce your stress levels. Stress causes you to tense up throughout your body, resulting in tight muscles and more intense pain. That’s why it’s important to participate in practices that help you stay calm throughout the day. 

If you think that eliminating stress from your life is easier said than done, you’re not wrong. However, many natural and effective methods are proven to reduce stress levels. For example, you can practice mindfulness, try out some breathing exercises, or focus on relaxing your muscles one by one. There are plenty of smartphone apps or podcasts that can help to guide you on the road to living a low-stress lifestyle.

Stay Active

Participating in regular physical activity is another great way to reduce chronic pain. Exercising for as little as 30 minutes a day can be all you need to reduce pain and inflammation throughout your body. You can participate in any sort of exercise that you like, from a leisurely walk to bike riding, to aerobics class. Regardless of your chosen activity, finding a way to get up and move your body is imperative to combat chronic pain. 

When it comes to staying active, consistency is key. Even if you don’t have enough time to schedule a full-body workout every day, you must move your body around to retain your entire range of motion while dealing with chronic pain. As you continue to practice physical activity, movements will become much easier, and you will find that you are dealing with significantly less pain. This will also positively impact your physical endurance and ability to keep up with others. 

Get Enough Sleep

When you don’t get a good night’s sleep, your body can suffer, and your chronic pain will likely worsen. First figure out if you are sleeping correctly, this could be a chronic issue following you daily. When you are sleeping, your body gets a chance to repair itself from the inside out. For that reason and many more, getting a good night’s sleep is essential to reducing or eliminating chronic pain. If you struggle with achieving a good night’s sleep on a regular basis, you’re not alone. In fact, many individuals report not getting enough sleep at night. 

To help you fall asleep easily, you should start by implementing a consistent nighttime routine. This might start with some light stretching, a soothing bath, or sipping on some chamomile tea. You can even practice some relaxation techniques to help you peacefully drift off. For the best results, make sure that your bedtime routine is something you can practice consistently. It’s also important to ensure that your sleeping position is comfortable and that your body is properly aligned to avoid any new aches or pains. Make sure to add sleep to your chronic pain management routine, after a few nights you will find that you can wind down easily, and your mind and body will heal quicker.

Fuel Your Body

Another way to help manage chronic pain is by eating healthy foods that fuel your body. It’s no secret that your body needs the proper nutrition to function at its best. Eating nutritious, vitamin-rich foods can help your body feel better and operate more effectively. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, it might be time to take a look at your diet. Try to reduce the amount of sugar and caffeine that you are consuming and replace junk food with healthier options such as fruit, nuts, or lean protein. 

It’s also important to stay hydrated and drink enough water throughout the day. When you are dehydrated, your body’s perception of pain is amplified, and your chronic pain will feel much worse. Drinking more water can increase your blood flow and help your joints and muscles repair themselves more effectively. When it comes to drinking enough water, a good rule of thumb is to divide your body weight by two and consume that amount of water in ounces per day. Your body will thank you!

Conclusion

Although chronic pain doesn’t have one specific solution, there are plenty of chronic pain management techniques that you can do to begin to manage your chronic pain. Things like stretching daily, staying active, and improving your diet can help you decrease your inflammation levels and help you move your body freely. In addition to caring for your body physically, reducing your stress levels and getting enough sleep each night can also help reduce your pain levels and help you make progress on your way to living a pain-free life. 

To learn how CORR can help you manage your chronic pain and optimize your health with our cutting-edge therapies, reach out to us today to speak with a team member.