Living with chronic pain takes a physical, mental, and emotional toll, as our sleep, concentration, relationships, and daily life activities are often affected. We may withdraw from social situations, miss more work than our peers, and have trouble getting out of bed in the morning — and this sometimes holds us back from leading the lives we truly want to live.
Fortunately, several coping techniques can help to reduce the physical, mental, and emotional impact of living with chronic pain. Massage therapy, for instance, alleviates pain, stress, and anxiety — and JL Therapeutics offers different types of massage to meet your specific needs. Some other coping techniques include stress-reduction activities, natural pain remedies, gentle physical activity, and support groups for chronic pain.
Read on to learn more about how you can live a fulfilling life while coping with chronic pain.
Keep Stress to a Minimum
As a chronic pain sufferer, too much stress in your daily life is the enemy. Stress exacerbates chronic pain, and it can negatively affect everything from the heart and lungs to the gut and immune system. Several ways to reduce stress for lessened chronic pain include:
Creating a healthier work-life balance. Whether you work for yourself or an employer, learning to delegate and prioritize tasks, say “no” when necessary, and take breaks from technology can all help with improving your work-life balance and reducing stress and pain.
Incorporating mind-body practices. Guided imagery, meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and tai chi are all excellent options for chronic pain sufferers.
Creating healthy sleep habits. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evening, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and wake up and go to bed at the same time each day.
Try Natural Pain Remedies
Several holistic remedies can help to alleviate chronic pain and improve quality of life, including aerobic activity, fish oil, turmeric, resveratrol, and heat therapy. Massage, acupuncture, stretching, walking, and laughter are also helpful for many people living with chronic pain.
As a few other options for natural pain relief, try soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath; eating plenty of anti-inflammatory fruits, vegetables and whole grains; and applying a cool pack to painful areas. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also beneficial in many cases.
Incorporate Gentle Movement
Strenuous exercise is not suitable for many chronic pain sufferers, but combining gentle cardio with activities that relax, stretch, and strengthen the body can decrease pain and inflammation. Swimming, deep breathing, and stretching and strengthening exercises are all recommended for reducing chronic pain.
If you’re new to exercising or moving your body, be sure to start small. Don’t push yourself too much in the beginning, and be sure to move at your own pace.
Look for Support
Living with chronic pain is certainly isolating at times, but connecting with other chronic pain sufferers can provide you with the emotional support you need to live your life as normally as possible. Try searching for community support groups on Facebook or check out resources such as the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association (NFMCPA), American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA), and Chronic Pain Anonymous.
As another option, websites like The Mighty accept guest submissions from those living with chronic health issues — giving individuals the opportunity to share their stories and struggles with others. Public and private support groups are also available on The Mighty’s website.
You Can Still Live a Fulfilling Life With Chronic Pain
Though it may not seem like it at times, it’s possible to lead a fulfilling life when living with chronic pain. Do your best to keep stress to a minimum, and try a few natural pain remedies like massage, stretching, gentle exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy. It can take some time to find the right solutions for your body, but don’t give up: Many pain relief techniques are available to help you live your life to the fullest.
Are you looking to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety while improving your mobility? JL Therapeutics provides therapeutic massage services such as deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, cupping therapy, and assisted stretching. Call 248-301-9777.