Pain can often be an indicator of some changes your body may be going through. This pain could be acute or chronic, and paying attention to it is essential. While acute pain occurs suddenly and disappears if there’s no underlying reason, chronic pain often changes your life significantly as you’ll have to adopt some lifestyle changes to manage it effectively. Statistics reveal that about 26% of adults in the UK deal with chronic pain. Are you experiencing such pain and wondering how you can deal with it? Here are some tips to guide you.
- Identify stress factors and try to avoid them
Your body’s pain sensitivity can be heightened by emotions such as anxiety, tension, and stress. However, you can find practical ways to deal with such situations and help you feel calm even in the face of such challenges. You can start by identifying the things that trigger you, so you can respond appropriately and avoid them altogether if possible.
You can also improve your mood by listening to peaceful, soothing music. Thankfully, several playlists are available, specifically made to help you relax and envision calming scenes in your mind. Another option is relaxation exercises, such as taking deep breaths and yoga. Some applications focused on mindfulness and relaxation are readily available on your phone and can help you feel less stressed while taking your mind off the pain you’re feeling.
- Fully participate in your physiotherapy session
You can manage severe pain by engaging in physical therapy, popularly known as physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is a safe and effective option to strengthen specific body parts for long-term use and reduce your dependence on painkillers. If you want pain-free exercises or techniques to help reduce your pain, it’s best to consult your physio for professional advice. Doing this will increase your strength and mobility and lessen your pain in the long run.
There are other hands-on approaches that can complement your physio efforts, as well. For instance, many people speak to the effectiveness of a good chiropractor, who can help to relieve tension in the back by manipulating the affected muscles and joints. Just make sure you keep your health providers in the loop on what treatments you’re seeking so they can work in tandem.
- Stay connected with others
Isolating yourself can aggravate your chronic pain and make you feel you’re facing everything alone. Maintaining relationships with loved ones contributes significantly to your well-being and can make you feel much better. If you can’t leave the house to meet relatives, you can call a friend, invite loved ones over for a drink, or chat with your neighbour if possible. It will help to talk about your pain and get the support you need. Additionally, spending time with your loved ones can help take your mind off your pain and improve your mood.
- Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is a great way to help you deal with chronic pain as it helps you to feel well-rested. Remember that your body requires enough sleep to handle the discomfort you feel when you’re in pain, while lack of quality sleep worsens your pain. Therefore, it’s best to get at least six hours of sleep, as recommended by healthcare professionals, to help ease your pain and give you the rest you need. You can adopt some habits to improve the quality of your sleep, such as listening to relaxing music before bed, not eating too heavily before bedtime, and so on.
The tips above will help take your mind off your pain and improve your quality of life.
