The National Health Interview Survey commissioned by the CDC in 2019 derived that more than 20 percent of adults have chronic pain. Roughly 7% of this population has high impact chronic pain, which prevents them from engaging in daily activities like work and household duties. McNulty Spine is a specialized clinic for handling all sorts of chronic pain, including sciatica, herniated discs, and osteoarthritis. Here are great tips for managing chronic pain:
Remain active
It is tempting to allow pain to rule your life and keep you from fulfilling specific responsibilities like caring for your family. Rest is highly recommended, but too much of it is counterproductive. Talk short walks or do mild stretches from home to distract you from pain and strengthen the affected muscles.
Get adequate sleep
You cannot underestimate the power of good sleep. Sleeping well can alleviate the problem if you suffer from chronic pain that would relent even with prescriptions. Your brain has time to sort and process whatever happened during the day and help organs heal. During this downtime, your immune system releases cytokines, small proteins that fight infection, trauma, and inflammation.
Reduce stress
Stress is a negative factor in your life that can significantly weaken your immune system. Chronic pain may be keeping you from a high-achieving job or sporting activity and yielding plenty of stress. Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, body massage, acupuncture, etc., will alleviate stress so you can manage pain better.
Support system
Going through episodes of debilitating pain is not easy and much less alone. Share your problem with loved ones who will care for and comfort you. A sound support system will also keep you accountable to address pain and keep you out of trouble.
Unfortunately, many people living with debilitating pain are unable to walk the path, and they succumb to the usual pitfalls of long-term pain, as follows:
Dependency on pain meds
Narcotics are good pain relievers, but many people are susceptible to becoming addicted so much that they can barely function without popping pills. Psychological addiction occurs when you crave the drugs even when you do not need them for pain relief. Physical dependency is where the body needs prescriptions to keep pain at bay, and no other intervention can work.
Depression
Chronic pain and depression have a symbiotic relationship where unrelenting pain can trigger an episode of sad feelings, and as the pain carries on, so does the sadness. In extreme cases, people living with chronic pain can find themselves ideating and attempting suicide.
Side effects of prescriptions
Most drugs come with a host of side effects that can impact your body’s functioning. Aspirin, for instance, is known to irritate the stomach, while narcotics can lead to constipation. When you go in for pain management, the attending physician will ask about known allergies to medications. They will advise on coping strategies for unavoidable side effects.
Overall, chronic pain management requires professional help and monitoring to help you live a healthy and productive life. Make an appointment to see a pain specialist today and start proper treatment.
