Chronic pain is a problem that extends beyond the strict definition of pain. It affects people mentally and emotionally as well as physically.
Having pain that resists treatment and persists day and night, day after day, is enough to distract you, deprive you of sleep, and interfere with your ability to enjoy normal activities.
Emotionally, it can drive a person to despair.
And it is said that more than 60% of all chronic pain sufferers also end up suffering from some degree of depression.
The most important thing is to learn how to deal with chronic pain before it overwhelms you.
Here we will provide you with some useful tips.
Some of the following techniques will work well for some people but not so well for others. The important thing is to try them all until you find one, or ideally several, that give you some kind of relief.
Exercise:
While not all people who experience chronic pain will be able to exercise, many will do. Exercise can get your blood flowing at a faster rate, which should help relax your muscles and get more oxygen to your brain. Vigorous exercise also releases endorphins; compounds that produce the effect of pleasure.
Meditate:
Meditation has been used for thousands of years to help people clear their minds and relax. It can be very helpful for those seeking relief from chronic pain. Meditation can also help calm your body and mind so you can get a good night’s sleep. Very important if you want to feel your best.
Relaxation techniques:
Although meditation is undoubtedly an effective relaxation technique, it is not the only one. Deep breathing techniques can go a long way in easing emotional distress and helping you calm down. There are hundreds of videos of deep breathing exercises freely available on the internet. As well as countless websites where you can learn breathing techniques from renowned experts.
Visualisation techniques:
Sometimes called “visual imagery and distraction”, this technique involves conjuring up pleasant and peaceful images, either from your imagination or memory, and concentrating on them. Sometimes there can also be word associations involved. And other times, the word association will be a separate relaxation technique. The goal is to take the mind off the pain and toward other more productive and calming stimuli.
Biofeedback:
With biofeedback, the patient learns to gain precise control over their bodily functions, including muscle tension, heart rate, and more. As you become more adept at controlling various aspects of your physiology, you can essentially command a tense or painful area for you to relax just by thinking about it. While it is considered somewhat controversial, countless people are confident in the effectiveness of this technique.
CBD oil:
CBD oil is a good alternative to medicated pain relief. It has proven benefits and is beneficial for many areas of health from pain relief to easing anxiety and depression.
Check out my articles to learn how to use CBD for pain and 10 health benefits of CBD to get started in learning more.
Hypnosis:
Hypnosis has been used for decades to help people cope with past trauma, quit smoking, and more. It is also sometimes used to help people with chronic pain. Sometimes the hypnotist gives the patient a post-hypnotic suggestion. Other times, the patient is taught self-hypnosis, which he then uses as a way to mitigate pain during, particularly difficult periods.
Other techniques:
Other techniques sometimes used to treat chronic pain include massage therapy, acupuncture, and TENS electrical stimulation machines.
There are many self care techniques and professionals who can help to relieve chronic pain to enable you to enjoy life. Take time to find out which methods work for you and don’t be afraid to try something new or alternative.