How to Effectively Manage Chronic Pain

Whether your pain stems from an injury or affects you in the absence of an illness, there are effective strategies available for chronic pain management. Chronic pain can range from slightly bothersome to continually debilitating. It can affect your quality of life and last for months or even years. Here are five things you can do for relief.

1. Recognize your pain symptoms.

When is your pain at its peak? Try to identify any possible pain triggers throughout the day. Does stress make it worse? Do flare-ups happen with certain physical activities? Look for patterns in symptoms to create your own daily interventions.

2. Reconnect with your breath.

Take deep breaths, inhaling slowly and deeply. Try stress management techniques like meditation or relaxation exercises. Managing stress is integral to managing chronic pain.

3. Reframe stress.

Stress is not necessarily harmful. According to recent research, thinking about stress as helpful and necessary to living a meaningful life can lead to better health and emotional well-being. Adopting a positive mindset can make your pain more manageable.

4. Relax.

If you can’t eat, work properly, or enjoy life, give yourself permission to relax. Take time off to slow down. Try easing your discomfort with light exercise, or alternate between hot and cold treatments to reduce pain. 

5. Reach out for help.

Join a chronic pain support group or talk to someone you trust about what you’re going through. Realize you’re not alone; there are people out there who can help.

To speak with a medical professional about managing your chronic pain, schedule an appointment with an expert at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group.

Sources:
Chronic Pain
Managing Work-Related Stress
Health Tip: Work Through Chronic Pain