Managing chronic pain is no easy feat. It puts people at a higher risk for anxiety and depression.
This is because pain greatly impacts their worldview and makes them less hopeful for the future.
However, if your mental health has tanked and you feel like giving up, remember that there are ways to lift yourself up.
While it’s difficult to quickly and completely eradicate pain, you can minimise its effects on your life.
By taking helpful steps, you can eventually improve your quality of life.
Start by steering clear of mistakes that can increase your pain levels and worsen your discomfort, such as the following:
1. Eating Unhealthy Foods
Different food groups have different effects on your body.
Some can improve your memory and brain capacity, while others strengthen your joints and muscles and help you become better in sports. Still others slow down the signs of ageing and help you fight fine lines and wrinkles.
However, not all food items affect your body in a positive way. In terms of pain management, you’ll want to avoid food groups that increase inflammation in your body and cause pain flareups.
These include processed meat as well as foods that contain lots of refined carbohydrates (like white pasta and white bread).
2. Forgetting to Exercise
It can be tempting to become a couch potato when you get injured or develop a health condition that causes chronic pain.
However, becoming sedentary isn’t advisable since it can actually slow down your body’s healing processes and weakens your joints and muscles, which leads to a higher risk for further injuries.
You also don’t want to miss out on these 12 benefits of exercise.
To avoid getting sucked into a sedentary lifestyle, build a weekly routine that includes walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and/or other kinds of gentle exercises.
Of course, before you start, consult your medical team to know how often and how long you should exercise to avoid fatigue and overexertion.
3. Taking Too Much Pain-Relief Medicines
Most physicians will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and other types of medicines that reduce pain.
If you get prescribed these medications, take each of them at the right time and at the correct dose.
Don’t take more than what your physician indicates, and never take medicines that aren’t prescribed for you.
Remember: self-medicating can lead to dangerous drug interactions and severe adverse reactions, so resist the temptation to experiment with various medicines or doses just to obtain pain relief.
4. Not Getting Professional Help
No man is an island, especially when it comes to pain management.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, allow your loved ones to assist you with household chores, doctors’ appointments, and other tasks so you can conserve your energy and avoid injuries.
You should also contact experienced and trusted professionals who specialise in pain management.
Start by looking for a physio in Ryde, NSW, and booking an appointment.
Physiotherapists use evidence-based methods to resolve the root cause of the pain and not just the symptoms you’re experiencing.
They’ll help you obtain long-term relief and focus more on building a fulfilling life.
Conclusion
Coping with chronic pain can feel like going on a lengthy and exhausting journey with no end in sight.
However, if you’ll improve your daily routine and avoid the pain-causing issues listed above, you can effectively alleviate discomfort. Prevent it from controlling your life!
