7 Tips for Chronic Pain Management

You might not be able to escape pain entirely, but it doesn't have to control your life. We've covered routines that may be causing your pain previously, but what about chronic pain that can be difficult to treat? Here are some helpful tips to improve your chronic pain management:  

1. Use Deep Breathing Techniques.
Meditate and calm yourself. Focusing on a pattern of breathing calms the body, allowing pain-causing muscle tension and tightness to drift away.

2. Take Over-The-Counter and Prescription Medications.
It can help in a pinch! Short-period use of Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are three of many over-the-counter medications used to relieve pain and swelling.

3. Manage Your Stress Level. 
Although it's much easier said than done, it's essential to keep your stress levels low when dealing with pain. Eating a healthy diet, getting an adequate amount of sleep each night, and taking breaks during the day can help. 

4. Try Acupuncture. Medications.
It's soothing! This traditional Chinese medicine relieves pain by manipulating specific points on the body, which stimulates the body to release pain-reducing brain chemicals called endorphins.

5. Exercise Regularly.
You may think that moving is the exact opposite of what you should do when you're in pain, but this is not the case. Your body needs to move! Exercising acts as a natural pain reliever that releases endorphins like acupuncture.

6. Get A Massage.
Relax. Massaged can reduce inflammation and provide streff relief by decreasing the movement of inflammatory cytokines, proteins that cause inflammation and pain. 

7. Distract Yourself.
Focusing on your pain will only make you miserable. Find an activity that you enjoy and regularly participate in it. Doing this will keep you thinking about things other than your pain.

If you experience chronic pain that is too unbearable, our skilled Pain Management Specialists team, at McLean County Orthopedics, will sit and discuss with you the location, severity, type of pain you are experiencing, and probable causes of your pain. This will unveil the recommended course of treatment that will help you find the relief you seek.

MCO has your best life in mind. Please don't hesitate to call and schedule an appointment at 309-663-6461 or by contacting us online if your pain becomes too much to manage. Our pain specialists will discuss with you the location, type, and probable causes to begin the best possible chronic pain management technique. Get back to the life you love today!