Chronic pain can be complex. Depending on its severity, it can significantly impact quality of life and result in depression, sleep problems, social isolation, and dependence on medication, to name a few. And its prevalence in the United States alone shows the lack of proper management techniques to keep it at bay.
The good news is that there are many ways to control and reduce the pain you experience over time, and most don’t require using opioids. With that said, here are a few techniques you can use to ease your pain.
1. Cold and hot therapy
One of the safest and most common techniques to minimize pain is cold and hot therapy. The former has been shown to reduce blood flow and pain-causing inflammation and generally involves the application of ice packs on the affected area. On the other hand, heat can aid muscle relaxation while dilating blood vessels. It may also promote quicker healing after sustaining an injury.
2. Massage therapy
Another way to alleviate some of the pain you feel is through massage therapy. Its benefits include, but aren’t necessarily limited to relaxation, increased flexibility, reduced inflammation, improved posture and circulation, and reduced stiffness. However, keep in mind that you need to secure the services of a qualified professional to achieve the desired results and avoid aggravating the pain.
3. Acupuncture
While not as common as the previously mentioned therapeutic methods, research suggests that acupuncture may be able to help in pain management. Some of this technique’s proposed benefits are reducing muscle spasms, promoting relaxation, and minimizing inflammation. Because the method involves the application of needles on the body, it’s a rule of thumb to opt for a certified practitioner.
4. Ginger and turmeric
While commonly used as a food spice, ginger and turmeric may help relieve your pain. After all, their active compound, curcumin, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can keep pain at a minimum. Some studies even suggest that their efficacy is comparable to many over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Best of all, you’ve got many ways to consume ginger and turmeric. Apart from making teas out of them, there are products available, like turmeric latte mix, that could potentially help you manage your pain better.
5. Exercise
Lastly, specific types of exercises may allow you to reduce the pain you feel considerably. For example, yoga can strengthen, relax, and promote flexibility through stretches and poses. Not only has it been shown to help participants cope better with their pain, but in some cases, it has also been able to reduce it successfully. Moreover, it’s safe, accessible, and inexpensive, as there are many resources online you can defer to instead of hiring an instructor or joining a class.
Conclusion
Anyone who has experienced or continues to experience chronic pain understands how hard it can be to live with the condition. However, it doesn’t always have to be the case. So give these techniques a try. They may help you better cope with and manage the pain.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
