5 Effective Ways to Manage Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a common condition in America, with 50.2 million adults having reported experiencing pain daily or on most days in 2019. It impacts daily life and work activities and has been associated with depression, high suicide risk, substance use and abuse, and Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Long-term pain is psychologically and physically stressful. Its continuous discomfort may result in frustration and anger with oneself and others. While living with chronic pain is challenging, implementing the right tricks and techniques can help you cope just fine. This post outlines five effective ways to manage chronic pain.

Use CBD products

CBD (cannabidiol), a non-intoxicating element in the cannabis sativa plant, can help manage chronic pain. It's best for pain management because it doesn't have addictive potential. CBD is anti-inflammatory, meaning it can minimize arthritis-related joint pain. Its anti-oxidative nature allows it to fight oxidative stress to lower systemic inflammation and reduce autoimmune symptoms.

You can use CBD isolates, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products to manage chronic pain. A CBD product for chronic pain should have a distinct terpene profile and high concentrations. However, you should get your doctor’s approval, advice, and suggestions before purchasing any CBD product.

Manage stress

Stress is a common behavioral element that interacts with physical factors in chronic pain perpetuation. When stressed, your reaction is usually physical and behavioral. Persistent chronic pain stress can affect the immune and nervous systems. Living with chronic pain may also result in depression, causing the brain to perceive more pain.

Acquiring robust stress management skills is crucial for effective chronic pain management. Know what stresses you and try avoiding it; if you can't, find ways to deal with it. You can also find relaxation techniques to help reduce stress and manage pain.

Get enough sleep

Chronic pain affects your ability to get quality sleep, while sleep deprivation can aggravate your pain. Bad sleep and long-term pain may cause mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Chronic pain makes it difficult to fall and remain asleep. Also, you may have trouble altering your sleeping position if you have arthritis or back pain, leading to more aches and discomfort and forcing you to wake up.

Good quality sleep can help minimize pain severity and intensity. To sleep well even when experiencing chronic pain, consider taking your pain medication before bedtime, create and maintain a consistent sleep schedule, and exercise for good sleep hygiene. Practicing relaxation techniques and upgrading your pillow or mattress can help you sleep better.

Consider physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps those with chronic pain build the skills they require to cope with pain, enhance their quality of life, and increase activity. When you visit a physiotherapist, they'll examine you and personalize a treatment plan suitable for your needs and goals, including soft tissue mobilization, acupuncture, or massage. They can also advise and instruct you on movements for mobilizing joints, regaining and maintaining fitness, strengthening supporting muscles, and other pain management techniques.

Start exercising

Physical activities like swimming, walking, dancing, and more can boost your well-being by relieving joints, ligaments, and muscle stiffness and tension, cutting weight, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis, falls, and poor balance. Consult your medical provider for recommendations on the best exercises for chronic pain management.

Endnote

Living with long-term pain significantly impacts quality of life and a victim’s physical and mental health. Implement these tips to manage chronic pain effectively.