Most of us will experience pain at some point in our lives. In some cases, pain comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, causing short bursts of severe discomfort, while in others, pain is chronic. If you’re dealing with pain, and it’s impacting your daily life, here are some simple, effective steps to take.
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Seek advice
It’s normal to experience pain after a slip, fall or a sports injury, but if there is no clear cause of your pain, or your symptoms persist or get worse, seek advice. It’s important to see your doctor if you experience recurrent pain, or your level of discomfort has increased. There are treatment options available, and in most cases, it will be possible to alleviate or improve systems if there is an underlying cause. Many people turn to search engines or natural remedies like flavored hemp oil before seeing their doctor. If you are thinking about trying treatments, always ask your doctor first. It is particularly important to check before you take any new medications or add supplements to your diet if you are already taking drugs for pain or any other health issues.
Look after your body
If you are struggling with pain, make a concerted effort to look after your body. Make sure you get enough rest, take time out to recover if you’ve had a busy day and eat well. Take care when moving your body. Exercise can be beneficial for people who suffer from chronic pain, but not every activity will be suitable. It’s wise to work with a personal trainer or a physical therapist or to ask your doctor for tips and advice before you start a new fitness regime or up your activity levels. If you have trouble sleeping due to pain, try to ensure that your bedroom is calm and relaxing, use your evenings to wind down and make sure you have a comfortable mattress and pillows. You may find that adjusting your sleeping position or using additional pillows helps to alleviate discomfort.
Identify and avoid triggers
Many people who experience pain regularly find that their symptoms get worse in response to certain triggers, for example, different types of exercise, sitting for long periods, traveling or standing up for a long time. If you are prone to bouts of pain, start taking notes when you develop symptoms. This will help you to identify triggers. Once you know what makes your pain more intense, you can take steps to avoid those triggers.
Self-help techniques
Medical professionals can help to treat and manage pain, but there are also some effective self-help techniques you can employ at home. Examples include targeted exercises, heat therapy and ice packs, massage and taking time out to rest. If you see your doctor, or you attend physical therapy sessions, you can get ideas for safe exercise. Activities like swimming, for example, could help you improve flexibility, mobility and suppleness without making your pain worse.
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Most of us will experience bouts of pain in our lifetimes. If you’re currently trying to manage pain, seek medical advice, look after your body, try to identify and avoid triggers and utilize self-help techniques.
This is a collaborative post.
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