How to Manage Your Chronic Pain

pain and wellness

One of the biggest challenges that people face is managing chronic pain. Unfortunately, some people don’t take responsibility for the pain they experience and relapse into old habits. But there are ways to overcome this problem and improve your quality of life. By incorporating self-management techniques, you can conquer chronic pain. Here are a few ways to get started. First, set a baseline. Determine how much pain you feel before and after activities. Then, gradually increase your activity level. Set small goals and make sure to keep a log so that you can see how you’re progressing. Generally, you should increase your activity level by one minute every three days.

Chronic pain is often the result of a dysfunction or tissue damage. It is persistent and keeps recurring despite medical treatment. Pain signals travel along sensitive nerve endings to the spinal cord and brain. They are processed by complex pathways, containing biological gates that open and close. When these gates are closed, the pain signals are reduced, while when they are open, the pain messages continue. Chronic pain cycle is a result of these biological gates being jammed open, which results in persistent pain.

People suffering from chronic pain send out signs to receive attention. This could include limping, groaning, or a pained facial expression. These signals are subconsciously broadcast to gain sympathy. However, this is counterproductive. The symptoms of chronic pain will likely be worse if you try to ignore them or try to avoid them entirely.

At the Sage Pain and Wellness Institute, you can find treatment for pain in all areas of the body. Specialized programs, including podiatry foot care, weight loss, and chronic pain management, can help you find relief and get back to a thriving life. The staff at Sage Pain & Wellness will work with you to find the best treatment for your condition.

Acute pain lasts a few minutes, but chronic pain can last for weeks or months. It’s often triggered by trauma, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate further damage. Chronic pain occurs when the nervous system, nerves, or brain fail to function properly. This leads to a constant barrage of pain signals, which leads to disease.

Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can help manage chronic pain. These oils come from a wide variety of sources, including cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel. Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed oil and whole flaxseed. These oils have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve your pain control regimen. It is also important to limit your intake of fried and processed food.

Physical activity is also vital for chronic pain patients. Although physical activity can be a daunting task, inactivity can lead to a worse state of pain. Increasing activity levels can help alleviate pain by releasing natural pain-relieving substances in the brain. In addition, exercise can improve the body’s immunity, improve mood, and improve self-esteem.

Endorphins are a group of natural brain chemicals that play a key role in the experience of pain. These substances act on special receptor sites in the brain to block pain signals. Endorphins have the same chemical structure as morphine and other opiates. While these drugs are useful for pain management, they can also cause other side effects, such as sedation and addiction.