Common Remedies to Managing Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is incredibly complex, and there are a range of different treatments available to try and rectify it, all of which come with different levels of practicality and invasiveness. The fact is, it can take people a long time to find out what methods might actually work for them and which simply have no impact.

Some of the options available range from the likes of hot and cold therapy, Yoga, and even drug treatments. Realistically, to fully take productive steps towards managing your chronic pain, you should contact specialists such as those at ChartSpan. Here, you will be met with one of the nation’s leaders in chronic care; they will be able to fully assess you and recommend the necessary treatment methods.

Of course, while you are waiting for an appointment, there are some simple remedies that a lot of people find effective. This article will discuss these methods in greater detail.

Physical Techniques

Starting with physical techniques, a lot of these can prove to be effective. Of course, it may be something you wish to speak to a professional about first, as a lot of these methods can cost money, so you want to ensure that whatever you spend will be going towards something that will genuinely ease your pain.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy is a common and safe method that a lot of people use to try and reduce the pain that they experience. There is a difference between the two. Heat tends to relax the muscles in your body and consequently dilate the blood vessels while also promoting healing after an injury. In contrast, cold therapy reduces blood flow in the body and can therefore treat cases where pain has been caused by inflammation. The method of cold therapy usually involves applying an ice pack to the affected area and wrapping it in a towel.

Massage

A lot of people would likely happily receive a message even if they weren’t suffering from chronic pain; however, the result of one really can have a huge impact on any tender areas around the body. It can especially be useful if you pair it with physical therapy and pain medication. Some of the benefits of massages include:

  1. Improved relaxation
  2. Increased flexibility
  3. Reduced inflammation
  4. Improved circulation
  5. Improved posture
  6. Improved stiffness

This is certainly a method worth considering if you find yourself suffering from lower back pain, as a review in 2007 found that it can be a great remedy for it.

Acupuncture

This is the practice of a trained professional applying thin needles to the skin at precise points of the body, all with the outcome of reducing pain and alleviating stress. Thanks to some information put forward by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is a good amount of evidence that suggests this technique could help people to manage a variety of different pain conditions.

The proposed benefits of acupuncture include:

  1. Pain relief
  2. Improved relaxation
  3. Reduced muscle spasms
  4. Reduced inflammation

This is a safe practice but if you opt for it, ensure it’s been done by trained practitioners and using sterilized needles.

Mind-Body Techniques

Of course, not all treatment methods have to be physical, as there are various mind-body techniques that can also help alleviate chronic pain.

Yoga

Yoga is a form of exercise that aims to relax, strengthen and keep the body flexible through a variety of different stretches. There was a study carried out in 2010 that found yoga isn’t necessarily the best way for patients to reduce their pain; rather, it allows them to cope with it better and become more in control of it. It is an incredibly accessible practice as there are apps and videos online to talk you through sessions, so it is definitely worth considering.

Tai Chi

This is another form of exercise therapy that involves slow, continuous, and fluid movement of the body, combined with breathing and relaxation techniques. It is an incredibly gentle technique that eases the joints and muscles, so as a result can also reduce the pain you feel.

Simple Relaxation Techniques

Dealing with chronic pain can be an incredibly stressful experience, and so there are a lot of reasons as to why people would need to generally practice trying to remain calm and destress. These methods are also helpful as they can ease the tension in your body, reduce muscle spasms, aches and pains. Essentially, by relaxing, you will be easing stress, which could assist in reducing your chronic pain as a result.

Deep Breathing Techniques / Meditation

There are a lot of slow breathing techniques that are great for reducing stress; this includes box breathing. In the same vein as deep breathing, you can also practice meditating as this is a very effective way of shutting off from the outside world and turning your attention inward. This is a very accessible practice, thanks to a number of meditation apps that are available.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This is a relaxation method that involves tensing and relaxing each muscle group for 10 seconds each, all the way from your head to your toes. While you’re doing this, you should focus on breathing and also avoid using muscles that feel painful to contract.

Think Calmly

This practice also falls into the realm of meditation, but if you close your eyes and go to your “happy place” which could be a calming scene of something like a sunny afternoon in nature or on a beach, it can be a great way to alleviate your stress.

Conclusion

People all over the world suffer from chronic pain. If this includes you, you should seek advice from a medical professional; however, above are some of the most common methods that people employ to reduce the overall pain they feel. These vary from physical activities to mind-body techniques to different methods of relaxation.