Terri Ramsey Beavers It is estimated that up to 50 million adults in the US experience chronic pain. If you are struggling to cope with persistent discomfort, and it’s impacting your daily life, here are some tips to help you manage pain.
Seeking medical advice
Often, when we have pain, we try to bury our heads and soldier on, hoping that it will dissipate. While it is possible to experience short-term, temporary discomfort linked to injuries or stiffness, it is also common for pain to become more severe with time. If you have symptoms on a regular basis, or your pain has got worse, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. There may be an underlying cause, which can be treated, and your doctor may also be able to recommend treatments or self-help techniques to relieve pain and make you feel more comfortable.
Pain management techniques
If you have chronic pain, it might not be possible to cure the problem or reach a point where you are 100% pain-free, but there are techniques and therapies you can try to reduce discomfort and target other symptoms associated with pain, for example, swelling. Solutions often recommended for alleviating pain include ice or heat therapy, massage and hydrotherapy. If you are considering going for a massage, always make sure that the therapist has experience in treating people who have chronic pain.
Medication and natural supplements
It is common to take medication to manage and reduce pain. Only take medication that is prescribed for you and always follow the dosage instructions. If you’re not keen on taking prescription drugs and you’re interested in natural supplements or remedies, you may be thinking about trying CBD for pain or Kratom. You might have heard rumors about the unpleasant Kratom taste, but there are ways to avoid experiencing the bitterness, including buying capsules or adding lemon or orange juice. It is always beneficial to seek medical advice before introducing any supplements or natural remedies into your diet.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can be used to promote healing and increase mobility after injury or an accident, condition the body, and reduce pain. If you experience chronic pain, and it affects your flexibility, suppleness or mobility, you may benefit from going to see a physical therapist. Therapists use targeted exercises and movements to gradually build strength and improve your range of movement. They will guide you through exercises during your sessions with them and encourage you to exercise at home. As well as helping to make the body stronger, more supple and looser, physical therapy is also designed to condition the muscles and joints to lower the risk of injuries. It can also help to repair and restore the body after physical activity.
Many adults live with pain. There are varying degrees of discomfort but even mild pain can start to impact your life if it is persistent. If you’re struggling, the first step is to reach out and seek advice. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and explore treatment options. There are many different types of treatments, therapies and self-help techniques that can be used to alleviate discomfort from medication and heat and ice to massage, physical therapy and natural supplements.