Chronic pain is a typical issue that affects three in every ten adults in the United States. Although short-term pain usually heals, chronic pain can last for months or years. Chronic pain can occur for many reasons, including injuries and illnesses like arthritis, neck pain, sciatica, and cancer pain, among others. Chronic pain shouldn’t be ignored as it can affect your everyday life and reduce productivity. However, this deadly condition can be managed with treatments and lifestyle changes as directed by Dr. Mahan Ostadian below. These practical tips will be instrumental in managing your chronic pain and fastening your recovery process.

1. Do away with stress & practice good relaxation techniques

Pain is more mental than physical. Negative mental feelings like depression, anxiety, and stress will only intensify your body’s sensitivity to pain. Such situations will only exacerbate existing conditions of chronic pain. If you realize certain activities are stressful, try avoiding them and practice relaxation methods to prevent stress from worsening your chronic pain. While relaxation techniques may vary with individuals, try the one that usually cools your mind. 

2. Stretch, move gently, and practice good posture

Living with chronic pain, especially in your joints, can significantly impact your posture. Focusing on your posture is typically challenging, and you might worsen your condition without your knowledge. Chronic spine pain requires you to practice an excellent sedentary lifestyle constantly. Furthermore, your provider can instruct you on the practical physical activities to incorporate that will not intensify your chronic pain.

3.  Cut on alcohol and smoking as they intensify your condition

Chronic pain makes sleeping a challenge, and alcohol is the same. Moreover, excessive drinking of alcohol can make you susceptible to injuries and accidents, which can inflict more harm on your condition. On the other hand, continuous smoking habits can worsen pain and increase your risk for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. If you’re a chronic pain victim, limit your consumption of alcohol and avoid smoking.

4. Practice healthier sleeping habits

Healthy sleep is typically paramount, especially when living with chronic pain conditions. When you’re asleep, your body can effectively manage chronic pain and inflammation. Specialists often recommend that it’s crucial to get enough sleep and quality and healthy sleep. Try to commit to a disciplined sleeping schedule and cut on activities that can distress the quality of your sleep.

5. Pace yourself

What you do towards your chronic pain can impact its increase or decrease. Planning your typical schedule with tasks, recreations, and other activities can significantly boost managing your chronic pain. Moreover, tracking your condition’s progress can help you and your doctor with the proper treatments and medications. With this, you will be able to comprehend activities that flare up your pain and avoid them when necessary.

It’s a challenging task to live with chronic pain. Nevertheless, with the help of a knowledgeable pain management expert, these tips will significantly boost chronic pain management. Furthermore, don’t ignore when your condition is deteriorating; seek urgent medical help to alleviate your pain. Nothing works better than walking your recovery journey with the help of an experienced pain management specialist.