Chronic pain is a serious medical conditional defined as having pain on all or most days over the span of at least 6 months and can lead to further health problems if left untreated. Many chronic pain sufferers develop depression and anxiety as a result of the condition and many take pain relievers in order to live as close to a normal life as possible. However, there are alternative treatments for chronic pain which don’t involve taking medication on a regular basis.
Physical Therapy
Depending on the underlying cause behind your chronic pain, your doctor may suggest that you try physical therapy in order to help treat the underlying reasons. Not only will physical therapy help manage your chronic pain, but it may even help to reduce it in the long run. Physical therapy can be prohibitively expensive though and if you can’t afford very many sessions, ask your physical therapist for exercises which can be done at home to continue your journey towards a pain-free life..
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into targeted areas of the body in order to interrupt the pain signals sent to the brain and studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions including back and neck pain. Acupuncture promotes a self-healing process by stimulating specific acupuncture points and may include pressure, heat, electrical stimulation, and the application of topical medicines to further increase its effects. You could even enjoy your favourite https://roulettecanada.com/review/spin-casino/ while receiving acupuncture treatment!
Local Injections
While we don’t suggest taking pain relievers on a regular basis in order to treat chronic pain, you may find that local injections may help to alleviate the symptoms of your chronic pain – however this may not treat the underlying cause. If you suffer from nerve pain or muscle spasms, a medical professional may offer to inject local anaesthetic or steroids into the effected nerve which will help with pain control and help you regain a better quality of life.
Exercise
It is recommended that sufferers of chronic pain remain physically active, particularly those with common pain conditions such as lower back pain, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. While you may find it uncomfortable to get started, consult a medical professional on which exercises will be safe to do with your condition and create a fitness regime. Not only will exercise help you become fitter and healthier, but being physically active also stimulates the release of endorphins, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin which boost your sense of wellbeing.
Mind-Body Techniques
There are many mind-body techniques which may help sufferers of chronic pain to increase levels of relaxation and alleviate symptoms. Consider trying one or more of the following:
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Breathing exercises
- Hypnosis therapy
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Progressive muscle relaxation
It may seem like impossible at first, but it is possible to manage chronic pain without the use of pain relievers and your quality of life will be greatly improved by adjusting your lifestyle accordingly.