Tips To Manage Chronic Pain

If you suffer from chronic shoulder pain, the doctors at Ogden Wellness Center are here to assist you using our proven treatment plan that consists of joint injections. Joint injections are a steroid or medication used to lubricate the joint. The medication inserted into the joint will reduce inflammation and swelling of tissue in the joint space.

Chronic pain is usually the outcome of many different conditions. And regardless of the person experiencing it, it can be a very overwhelming thing to manage. Chronic typically refers to pain that has lasted longer than six months and is capable of having intervals from mild, up to excoriating and downright incapacitating pain. Each person is different from the amount of pain they experience, and the amount that they are able to cope with it. The pain can be described in many ways, such as a shooting or aching sensation that will bring on feelings of discomfort. The pain can be caused by numerous conditions such as headaches, backaches, joint pain, and many other conditions or injuries, traumas or infections. Suffering from chronic pain not only has an effect on the physical body, but it can also have an effect on the mental and emotional health of a person, as well. Here are some tips we recommend to help manage chronic pain:

• Get Moving– Exercise has so many health benefits for those suffering from chronic pain; it gets the blood pumping into all the areas of the body! Exercise can loosen up tension in the muscles, ligaments, and joints. It also creates and releases endorphins which help to improve mood and block pain signals to the brain. Remember to get permission from your doctor first before beginning an exercise plan, then start off slow and gradually by adding time and complexity as time progresses.

• Meditate– Meditating can help with the stress management of chronic pain. Find time each day to meditate in a quiet area, and focus your thoughts and energy. Just like with exercises, begin small, then slowly add more time to your meditation routine. Start with small sessions of clearing your thoughts, and as time progresses, incorporate deeper breathing.

• Get Help– Counseling with a professional can assist in coping with chronic pain, and take away some of the stress it causes, allowing improvement. For the physical improvements of pain, consider getting professional help, as well. Regular visits with a chiropractor or massage therapist can really be beneficial in treating physical pain. For mental and emotional pain involved, see a counselor or therapist to talk about these feelings, which will allow you to keep a better handle on them.

• Maintain a Healthy Diet– It is so important to maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet and drink plenty of water. If your body is struggling to cope with chronic pain, fueling it with healthy foods and keeping it hydrated will surely help to improve the condition.

• Get Plenty of Rest– Your body needs time to reset and refuel after each day. Unfortunately, those with chronic pain can often have trouble sleeping at night. To reduce bedtime sleeping troubles, create a steady routine to help train your body to sleep better. Avoid things that might interfere with sleep patterns such as smoking, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.

• Share Your Experiences– Oftentimes, talking to a trusted friend or family member, or even a support group can reduce the stress involved with chronic pain. Find a place where you can share what you are experiencing, and hear from others that are experiencing similar instances. It’s such a great opportunity to be able to compare, relate and learn from others who are also suffering from chronic pain.