Chronic pain can significantly alter your daily life and leave you feeling unhappy. If you suffer any chronic pain, you might have tried a number of therapies to gain some relief, but just like others who suffer chronic pain, you understand that it takes time and patience to find a therapy that works best. You can engage in these self-help pain therapies before visiting pain management doctors.
Identifying The Cause of Pain
It is a great idea to identify what causes your pain. Although you might need a diagnosis from a professional, you can identify some by yourself. For example, by tracking your diet you can narrow down the food that triggers pain. Identifying physical injuries or medical conditions that cause your pain can also help.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy involves using heat and cold to manage pain. You can sit in a hot tub, soak your feet in hot water, or use hot compresses to relieve muscular pain, promote circulation, and improve your healing process. You can also use cold compresses to reduce pain and inflammation. Pain management doctors also recommend cold compresses because they cause blood vessels to constrict, effectively reducing blood supply to painful spots and relieving you of the pain.
Exercise
You can gain a lot from simply exercising at regular intervals. Exercise improves muscle condition, strength, endurance and flexibility. Exercising can also help your mental state by improving your hormonal balance. Simple stretching exercises can reduce chronic pain around your joints and reduce muscular tension.
Food Therapy
Increasing your dietary fruit, vegetable, nuts, and legume consumption can make a big difference in your life. Some chronic pain has its roots in eating refined foods that are bad for your health. If you change your diet, good food can be your therapy.
Massage
Simple massage done by you or someone else may help reduce chronic pain. If you work long hours, take time to massage your joints and pressure points to improve circulation and reduce accumulated pressure.
When Should You See a Professional?
There is no fixed timing for consulting pain management doctors. If you have chronic pain that discomforts you, it is best to see a professional for treatment. Even if the pain does not discomfort you or hamper your daily activities, it is okay to see a professional. Sometimes, chronic pain may be a symptom of some other disease, and early detection will be great.
