Chronic pain is, for many people, an unfortunate fact of life. Pain can be exhausting and it can make itself worse, especially if you tense up and can’t sleep from pain, which only leads to more pain. Sometimes it feels like a constant battle against your own body. But this doesn’t have to be a battle that you lose.
There are ways to manage chronic pain more effectively and, in some cases, reduce it or even eliminate it so you can enjoy a much better quality of life. Of course, there are different causes of pain, which means that there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution, but there are strategies that you can try.
Get a Diagnosis
This can be much easier said than done. Chronic pain is a symptom of many different health conditions, some of which don’t have definitive tests. It can take months or even years to get a diagnosis. Does this mean that it’s not worth trying?
Not necessarily. If your doctors are able to find the root cause of your pain, they can treat the cause, rather than the symptoms. This is often one of the most important and effective ways to eliminate pain, especially if the underlying condition is curable.
When speaking to your doctors, try to be as specific as possible when describing your pain. Talk about how it affects your daily life, as well as if and when it gets worse. Write things down if it helps you to remember. This all makes it easier for your doctor to hopefully figure out what is going on.
Good General Health
One of the best things you can do for a chronic condition is to look after your general health. As a general rule, good general health reduces the risk and severity of chronic conditions. This doesn’t mean that a chronic condition is anyone’s fault, but it is something that you can impact and control.
By improving your health, you give your body the tools that it needs to look after itself. Being fit and active, for example, can strengthen your joints and reduce joint pain.
However, you do need to bear in mind that you might have limitations. While exercise can strengthen your body, if you push yourself too far, you might injure yourself. So always consult with your doctor and listen to your body.
Managing Your Pain
In the meantime, it’s important to find ways to manage your pain. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers that can reduce the pain you feel, which makes it easier for you to do more each day. You can also find other options at My Pain Center, such as CBD pain medicine. If you’re using prescribed medicine, always make sure to talk to your doctor about changing or adding to your regime.
Some people also find things like massages to be helpful for pain relief. Warm baths, especially with added salts, can reduce joint pain and help you to sleep at night.
