April 25, 2017, by Brooke Chaplan – Studies show that over 76 million people in U.S. suffer from chronic pain. Research further indicates that most people do not get treatment for their pain. Furthermore, people who take prescription medicine for their pain end up falling into drug abuse. Lasting pain can cause emotional reactions such as fear or terror based on what you think about the pain. Many experts have indicated the crucial role that the mind plays in pain management. The following web page seeks to define pain and ways of coping with chronic pain.
What is Pain?
Pain is your body’s way of telling you that there is a problem. It can emerge suddenly or develop gradually. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, acute pain accelerates to chronic pain if it’s not treated. Acute pain is mainly attributed to a physical issue like a disease, injury to tissues, or an inflammation. This pain resolves after its cause has been treated. On the other hand, chronic pain lingers longer compared to acute pain. It may last for more than three months. The most common forms of chronic pain include arthritis pain, muscle pain, back pain, and cancer pain.
Strategies For Handling Chronic Pain
Stay Hydrated
According to research by Mayo Clinic, dehydration aggravates the symptoms of chronic conditions such as back pain and headache. Coffee, juice, and soda do not count as good sources of hydration. Experts recommend water for hydration because it does not have sodium, caffeine, or any extra calories.
Diet
Inflammation is one of the major causes of pain. Chemicals found in food can exacerbate inflammation. Some of the foods that instigate inflammation include chocolate, dairy, eggs, high-fat meat, processed foods, wheat products, coffee, soda, tea, and red wine.
A study by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine states that a diet that is easy to digest and is not made from processed foods is capable of alleviating inflammation. Foods that are capable of reducing inflammation are low sugar fruits, soya products, leafy greens, and foods that are high in omega 3 acids.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy does not only cause one to relax but it also helps lower your body’s sensation of pain. Massages promote the flow of blood which helps to heal and nourish soft tissues in your body. Massage also encourages endorphins to help you feel relieved.
Chronic pain is devastating for many and could easily lead to depression. Though many people spend a lot of money in treating chronic pain, there are easy and cost-effective ways of managing the pain. Hydration, diet, and massage therapy are simple methods you can use to cope with chronic pain. It may also be worth looking at publications and resources like Chronic Pain Daily or medical journals to stay up to date on treatment options.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.