When Pain Becomes Chronic: 7 Coping Tips

stress reduction, when pain becomes chronic, Boca Raton, FloridaWhen pain becomes chronic, even simple activities can become extremely difficult. The pain seems to overwhelm almost everything else, stealing your focus and keeping you from enjoying yourself through much of the day and often into the night.

While you may not be able to eliminate your pain completely, coping successfully with it is possible. Here are seven effective coping tips:

  • Reduce your stress: Depression, anxiety and anger produce stress and can actually increase your sensitivity to pain. Find activities that relax you and lift your spirits. Soothing music often helps, as do relaxation tapes. Do what you can to eliminate the stress in your life so that it doesn’t exacerbate your condition.
  • Exercise: When you exercise, your muscles grow stronger and release endorphins that boost your mood. As your mood improves, you may find that you experience less pain.
  • Meditate: Meditation, deep breathing techniques and prayer have all been found to reduce tension, increase relaxation and ease physical pain. Find a method that works for you.
  • Seek support: Groups and pain management counselors are good sources of shared wisdom when pain becomes chronic. Feeling understood, accepted and loved can go a long way toward reducing the emotional pain that often comes with physical pain.
  • Massage: Tension-eliminating massage is good for body and spirit.
  • Focus elsewhere: Do everything you can to divert your attention. Visits with friends can be helpful, as can continuing your much-loved hobbies or activities. Find ways to think about other things.
  • Keep track: Your doctor has many options for managing pain, but she won’t know how to help without an accurate description of what you’re going through. Track pain levels throughout the day, and discuss any patterns at your next appointment.

At Mar-J Medical Supply, we offer a range of products that can help you manage your pain or just make life a little easier. Visit our Boca Raton showroom, or contact us through our website. Let us help you get the most out of life.

Image via Shutterstock.com

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