Top 7 ways to fight chronic pain

Chronic pain can be a major interruption to your daily life. Everyday tasks like climbing stairs or getting into your car may be harder for you to do. The term “chronic pain” generally refers to any pain that lasts 12 weeks or more. Many people experience pain differently and in different parts of their body. It can be the clear result of an injury like a ruptured disc or have an unknown or hard to treat source like fibromyalgia or chronic inflammation.

If you are experiencing long-lasting pain you should speak with your doctor. You can also try these seven great ways to fight your pain:

1. Dry needling – Dry needling is a physical therapy technique that uses tiny needles to deactivate pain anywhere in your body. This technique works deep in muscles and tendons to alleviate intense pain and reduce reliance on pain relievers.

2. Yoga – The American Pain Society says that practicing yoga can reverse the effect of chronic pain on your brain and even help with depression.

3. Walking – If you have chronic back pain the National Institute of Health recommends exercises like speed walking and other low-impact exercises to help strengthen your muscles. This will help to improve your chronic back pain.

4. Stop smoking – While for many people smoking may seem like a quick fix for lingering pain the long-term effects can be harmful. Smoking may even increase your sensitivity to pain.

5. Drink plenty of water – If you’re dealing with ongoing pain swap your soda coffee or beer for an extra glass of water. Proper hydration is an important part of your overall health and pain can be worsened by dehydration.

6. Get some extra shut-eye – If you aren’t getting enough sleep you could be fighting an uphill battle. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night so your body can take the time it needs to recharge.

7. See a symptom specialist – If you feel like there’s no relief for your long-term pain it might be time to see a symptom management team a team of professionals who will provide you with physical spiritual and emotional techniques to fight your pain.

These seven tips can help you manage your pain symptoms. But if you are struggling with pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks especially if it is debilitating it’s time to speak with a doctor or pain management specialist. Reid Orthopedic Center has experts ready to help you manage your chronic pain.