Tips for Living with Chronic Pain
When an injury is the result of an accident or or fall, we may experience pain but we expect it will eventually go away. However, some pain, chronic pain, can come and go with, what feels like, no end in sight. Living with chronic pain can be difficult. Here are some tips on how to deal with it. (Read more about the difference between acute and chronic pain.)
Stay Active
Sometimes it’s difficult to stay active when your body is in pain. But, even small bits of activity or exercise can help. Walking is a great way to stay active and get some exercise. Start with short walks and you’ll soon find you can do more and more each day.
Be Kind to Your Mind
Chronic pain and depression often go hand in hand. Dealing with pain can be a real downer. Find some ways to boost your spirits. Some ways to boost your mood include:
- meditate or practice mindfullness
- speak with a therapist or counselor
- schedule time for fun activities
- find individuals you can lean on for emotional support
Find Treatments to Minimize Chronic Pain
If you have a chronic or degenerative condition it doesn’t mean you just have to deal with the pain. Oftentimes there are ways to treat the pain. For chronic back or neck pain treatments like exercise, physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications can often help minimize pain. Others find that massages help.
If none of these treatments are helping to minimize your chronic pain, it may be time to consult with a doctor. He or she can help diagnose the cause of your pain and work with you to develop a treatment plan. If you’re in the Saratoga, Glens Falls or Plattsburgh region, give us a call and we can discuss options.
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