Chronic pain is often defined as pain that goes beyond the expected period of healing. One in five people in British Columbia suffers from chronic pain, and studies have shown that people with chronic pain tend to have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.Chronic pain can be life altering and difficult to deal with on a daily basis, but the following five suggestions may help you reduce chronic pain naturally and get back to enjoying your life!
Reduce Stress
We all know that frequent stress can lead to serious health problems. But did you know that it also increases the body’s sensitivity to pain? By learning to manage stress, you may be able to lessen some of your pain.
There are several techniques that can help you manage stress. For example, meditation can help your body relax and allow your mind to slow down. There are many types of meditation and plenty of mediums you can use to learn new techniques, such as classes, online videos, and apps. The important thing is to find something that works for you and practice it daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. An Occupational Therapist can provide helpful advice on how to reduce stress in the work environment.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to stay fit and reduce the risk of many diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. It’s also a great way to lessen your pain through the release of endorphins. Endorphins are brain chemicals that boost your mood while also blocking the pain signals in your body.
Many activities will trigger the release of endorphins in your body, such as running, walking, and yoga. Start slowly if you’re new to exercise, keep trying new things until you find something you enjoy, and always check with your doctor before you start any exercise program. Kinesiologists are anatomy experts and a great resource if you are looking to rehabilitate your injuries and set up an exercise routine at the same time.
Get a Massage
A massage can relieve tension in the body and relax muscles, both of which can help in the reduction of pain. Massage is also thought to increase blood and lymph circulation, which can enhance the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and encourage healing. Massage can also be targeted to specific areas, allowing your massage therapist to focus on areas that are causing you the most pain.
Talk to your doctor or a registered massage therapist to find out what kind of massage therapy program might work best for your needs.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can not only decrease your quality of life and lower your life expectancy, but it can also increase your chronic pain symptoms. Smoking can worsen circulation problems, increase your blood pressure, and decrease the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. It has also been linked to fatigue and slower healing, factors that make painful conditions more prominent.
Quitting smoking can be a daunting task, but there are resources out there that can help you come up with a plan to quit. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your options, and consider quitting with a partner, friend, or coworker to give you some added support.
Join a Support Group
Chronic pain can make you feel isolated or detached from your loved ones and like no one understands what you’re going through. A support group can connect you with people who are experiencing something similar, offer you comfort when you’re having trouble coping, and point you in the direction of resources that may help you manage your pain. Look for a group that is lead by an Occupational Therapist that specializes with Chronic pain.
Most Canadian cities have a local chronic pain support group. Talk to your doctor or check online for a support group in your area.