Tips to manage Chronic pain

Chronic pain can be tough to live with, but these daily habits may help you ease your discomfort and enjoy your life.

Read on to learn how you can make your life simpler:

1. Stay active: Exercising may be the last thing you want to do when your body hurts. But physical activity has been shown to ease chronic pain. Staying active also helps you maintain your ability to do everyday tasks, which is essential to good health and independence. The goal of many chronic pain programs, in fact, is to help people maintain function despite pain. Research suggests that low to moderate exercise—walking or pedaling a stationary bike can reduce pain and improve your fitness level. Talk to your doctor about activities appropriate for you. Try to do at least half an hour of physical activity most days of the week.

2. Restyle Your Home: Moving around your home can be challenging when you’re living with chronic pain. To aid pain management, recommend these steps: Place objects that you use every day within your reach, and shuffle closets, cabinets, and shelves to make your your daily activities a little easier and less stressful.

3. Try something new: If conventional activities don’t inspire you, try something new—yoga, for instance, or water aerobics. Tai chi, a Chinese practice that combines meditation and movement, is also popular. Qigong, another Chinese discipline, focuses on posture, concentration, balance, and confidence. Check out your recreation department or local gyms to see what they offer. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.

4. Find a supporting hand: Chronic pain can wreak havoc in your personal lives. Discuss your condition and your feelings with family and close friends. Never fail to communicate. Keep lines of communication open. Ask for a helping hand in case you feel overwhelmed. This practise can benefit both you and your loved ones, who may not be sure how to offer assistance. Online or in-person support groups can also play a significant role in your pain management, as can discussing your feelings with your pain treatment team.

5. Eat healthy. Cut down on Junk: An easy to digest diet that is free from processed ingredients can alleviate inflammation. Also, consuming a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fresh green vegetables, low sugar fruits and soy products can help to maintain a good health.

6. Maintain a diary: Keeping a diary and noting down everything related to the most painful episodes can be of great help when seeking treatment. Also, it is important to note the factors that precipitate the pain. Any foods, posture or any activity that made you feel better or worse is an important piece of information.

7. Ask for Medical help: When diet and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medical professionals can be the best choice to manage chronic pain. You can find a private doctor that suits your time choices and coordinate with them. A lot of reputed private medical clinics like IPSA Medical are available in London. Having a medical support not only helps improve medical conditions but also discussing pain with them can be emotionally helpful. They will provide the most appropriate options for managing pain and customise a diet that suits you by taking your detailed medical/lifestyle history. Your pain specialist will work alongside you, respecting your assessment of the intensity, level and timing of your pain, in order to develop the most suitable pain-management plan.

To book your same-day appointment at IPSA Medical clinic for chronic pain consultation, book online or call your nearest IPSA Medical clinic.