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Originally Posted On: https://coloradopainexperts.com/10-pain-management-techniques-for-getting-and-staying-healthy/

 

Did you know one out of five Americans deal with chronic pain? Coping with pain management and learning new strategies might feel overwhelming at times. If you want to learn about comprehensive pain management, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over different techniques to try out. Some strategies include light stretching, connecting with friends, or seeking counseling.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading.

1. Remain Active and Stretch

It might seem counterintuitive to try and exercise if you experience chronic pain. Yet, full-body stretching, even for 10 minutes a day, can help you.

You will strengthen your muscles, improve your mood, and have a distraction from pain.

Over time, you might begin to look forward to your stretching break. You could put on some relaxing music, light a candle, and focus on gentle stretches.

You can also find stretching classes on YouTube if you need extra motivation or help.

2. Try Relaxation Techniques for Stress Reduction

A lot of people experience stress. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress can worsen your pain.

Try a few different relaxation methods. Some people will try progressive or passive muscle relaxation. You can try relaxed breathing or mindfulness.

People with chronic pain can soothe their chronic headaches or arthritis. Some people will pursue tai chi or yoga. These practices use meditation, breath control, and movements to stretch your muscles.

Deep breathing during your chronic pain can help. If the pain begins to feel super intense, people often start taking short and rapid breaths.

These shallow breaths will make you feel anxious or dizzy. Focus on taking deep, slow breaths instead.

You will feel more in control instead of panicked. Also, you can help relax any tense muscles and prevent the pain from worsening.

Learn more about pain management by checking out this comprehensive guide.

3. Don’t Overexert Yourself

There’s a delicate balance between how much you should do and how little you should do each day. Try to make a plan for each day.

Create a balanced list of daily tasks to accomplish. Having some recreational time mixed with responsibilities creates a structured routine.

If you start experiencing pain, you should take a break. This way, you can prevent a massive pain flare-up. Begin to notice when your body’s giving you warning signals. Don’t push yourself too hard.

4. Seek Counseling for Mental Health Issues

Your emotional well-being can affect the experience you have of pain. Learning to cope with your pain will ultimately improve your quality of life.

Look at treating depression or anxiety to help reduce your chronic pain. Treating your mental health issues will also end up boosting your quality of life.

Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if you notice any problems with depression or anxiety. You could also research pain management doctors in your area.

5. Pursue Your Hobbies

Trying to manage your pain can feel like your primary focus.

Yet, you should also make time for your hobbies and passions. Try to continue to schedule a few leisure activities throughout the week. Doing something fun will help lower the effects of pain signals in your body.

6. Keep Connecting With Your Social Network

It’s important to continue reaching out to friends and family members. If you can’t meet them in person, try to video chat or call them on the phone.

Talking to friends and family will help you focus on the pain. Explain to your friends and family what you deal with and how your chronic pain impacts your day.

Look into joining a community support group. Community support groups are excellent because you meet other like-minded people.

7. Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Poor quality of sleep can often worsen chronic pain. Aim to improve your sleep hygiene by developing a nighttime routine.

You should try relaxation techniques. Try reading a book an hour before bed instead of using technology.

Try not to drink caffeine or eat sugary foods before bed. If you’re hungry, have a small snack.

8. Consider Occupational or Physical Therapy

A physical therapist will help you through a series of different exercises. These exercises can improve or even preserve your mobility and strength.

An occupational therapist can take time to teach you how to complete daily activities. They will show you how to do things without aggravating the pain.

9. Biofeedback

Have you heard of biofeedback before?

This is a technique that involves learning breathing and relaxation exercises. You also use a biofeedback machine. The biofeedback machine turns data on physiological functions.

For example, your blood pressure or heart rate will appear as visual cues. Watching and modifying these visuals helps you have control over your pain response.

10. Music Therapy

For music lovers, you might feel encouraged by this option. Music can help relieve some pain in people with fibromyalgia. Some people report improved mobility, as well.

Try listening to any music to help distract you from your discomfort. Classical music has proven to work well. See what works best for you.

Contact Us Today for Help With Pain Management

We hope this guide on pain management was helpful. Try out a few of these methods and see what works best for you. You could always connect with a local pain management clinic as well.

Do you need help with pain management? Consider scheduling an appointment with Colorado Pain Experts.

Learn how to improve your quality of life and make some lifestyle changes. You can also find more helpful guides like this on our blog.