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Who Else Wants To Live Without Chronic Pain?

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Life hurts.

Stepping out into the bright sunlight after a three-hour movie hurts. Stubbing your toe really hurts.

But living with chronic pain always hurts.

Why not give yourself some pain protection by taking a few simple steps to avoid chronic pain?

Exercise the Mind-Body Connection

Research suggests pain involves the body and the mind. These techniques can help you override the pain signals:

Activate the Relaxation Response.

  • Sit in a comfortable position in a quiet space and close your eyes. Take deep “belly breaths” by inhaling deeply so that your belly sticks out as far as possible. Hold each breath for a few seconds, then exhale.
  • Concentrate on your deep breathing. When thoughts interrupt, think of or whisper a word or phrase to regain focus (like ‘cool breeze,’ ‘calm,’ etc.). Do this for 10 to 20 minutes. Lastly, sit quietly for a minute or two, open your eyes and sit quietly for another minute.

Activate Mindfulness.

  • Total focus on an everyday activity you enjoy, such as cooking, reading, playing an instrument, gardening, or writing. Focus on what you are doing and the ways your emotions and senses are reacting to it.

Do Mind-Body Exercises.

  • Tai Chi and Yoga incorporate breath control, stretching, and muscle-building.

Stay Positive.

  • When we are depressed or sick, it’s easy to focus on what we don’t have or how we want things. Focusing on what you do have can help you stay positive. Try keeping a daily journal where you record positive thoughts.

Eat to Reduce Inflammation

You eat every day. Why not make your diet help you fight pain? Try adding some of these antioxidant, inflammation-reducing superfoods into your diet:

  • blueberries
  • raw vegetables: spinach, broccoli, beets, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower
  • green tea
  • dark chocolate
  • salmon
  • ginger
  • turmeric

Diets low in refined carbohydrates such as the Mediterranean or Vegan diets can help you lose weight and reduce inflammation and pain.

Get Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

Please see a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible if you think you have depression.

Your risks of developing chronic pain syndrome or worsening your chronic pain are higher when you are depressed and anxious.

Hire A Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are body-movement experts who can help you avoid chronic pain by exercising.

They help you achieve your body goals, whether you need to rehab an injury, get in shape, or learn to exercise more effectively.

 

Texas Pain Physicians: Expert Chronic Pain Treatment

Almost everyone experiences chronic pain at some point. Our board-certified pain management doctors are experts in treating and managing chronic pain.

Take a step toward being chronic pain-free by giving us a call at (972) 636-5727 or booking an appointment online today!