Steps to Lessen Chronic Pain
Chronic pain plagues hundred of millions of Americans everyday and while disease, injury, and depression can be at the root there are plenty of other factors that can dictate the intensity and frequency of the pain itself. I have created an infographic to provide a series of steps to lessen symptoms of chronic pain by decreasing any factors that increase pain and inflammation. In combination with these steps I would pair this with an anti inflammatory diet - download your copy here. This is in no way meant to diagnose, treat, or cure, any illness or injury but by decreasing any factors that contribute to our pain it provides us a clearer view on the root issues and allows us the ability to take charge and feel powerful in a time of weakness.
Some additional tips for reducing pain:
1) Kick the butts
Cigarette smoking slows healing, worsens circulation, and increases the risk of degenerative disc problems, a cause of low back pain. I can appreciate the fact that smoking can lessen the immediate stress of pain, I would encourage you to look at the big picture and understand it is a habit that serves no purpose for your health or lifestyle. Explore hypnosis, support groups, and finding a cause that you can get behind to finally kick the habit.
2) Skip the booze
While alcohol can temporarily reduce pain and may help you fall asleep, as it metabolizes, it promotes shallow sleep, reduces important REM sleep, and may even wake you. If pain is keeping you up at night I would strongly encourage you to try self hypnosis. I have a download in my store that I use constantly to help me fall and stay sleep available for purchase below. If this idea of trying self meditation/hypnosis sounds wacky to you, I would challenge you that everything you are doing hasn't worked so far, so what do you have to lose?
3) Set limits
How you care for yourself dictates how your pain is managed. Over-booking, over-extending, and over-committing to events can lead to stress, anxiety, and in turn will cause a pain spiral. Mitigate expectations to all the people in your life so they are aware of your limitations and are not hurt when you can not be present for certain events. This will make you feel vulnerable and possibly embarrassed but trust me, people do better with more information, not less. Be bold, speak your truth, and trust in the fact that if anyone refuses to understand your situation they shouldn't be in your life in the first place. Your health is your number 1 priority so cut out the noise and put your needs first.
4) Just breathe
Try meditation, breathe work, and self hypnosis. Staying in control during pain can feel like an impossible task but trust me its very important to not allow your pain to overtake you. I know for a fact that our minds have incredible powers if we take the time to tap into them. The next time you are in an episode of pain try this download for pain management. You will learn techniques for tapping into your powers of controlling your pain that will allow you to calm the immediate stress of your situation and empower you with the tools to tackle your pain the next time it strikes.
DON'T FORGET TO SHARE YOUR TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN BELOW IN THE COMMENTS!
If you find that you are still struggling to control your pain and your attitude surrounding your pain I would encourage you to reach out to me to see if one on one coaching is the right fit for you. I know the struggle inside and out so never think you are alone. We are all in this together.