How to Manage Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain can cause depression and anxiety. When someone is in pain for most of his day, it can affect his career, sleep patterns and social life. Patients can learn alternative methods to manage their chronic pain and claim more control over their lives while discussing permanent solutions with their doctors.
Instructions
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Choose the doctor who's right for you. Just because you've been going to him for years is no reason to keep him as your primary care physician. Nor should you be doctor-hopping, going from doctor to doctor until you hear what you want to hear. The first and most important step in managing your chronic pain is finding the doctor with whom you feel most comfortable discussing every aspect of your health in order to be treated properly.
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Keep your life as normal as possible. By cutting yourself off from family and friends and avoiding social situations that might lift your spirits, you invite stress and depression. On those days when you're feeling better, accept invitations and get involved.
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Start an exercise program. With your doctor, discuss the best way of beginning an exercise program and what methods of exercise are best for you. Engaging in regular physical activity keeps your body strong, reduces pain and improves your emotional state by helping you feel empowered and positive.
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Set realistic goals for yourself. Creating objectives that boost your sense of personal accomplishment will help you to feel better and motivate you to heal. Discuss these goals with your doctor so that you know you aren't overdoing it. Your doctor can guide you to reach each goal at a healthy pace.
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Recreate your home environment so that it fosters healing. If you smoke, stop. If you drink, get rid of all the alcohol in your home. If you're using drugs, quit. While it may be tempting to use these addictions to mask your pain, it will only exacerbate the problem in the long run. Surround yourself with a pleasant home atmosphere and positive people who want to help you to feel better.
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Keep your pride in check. Don't refuse help. You may be trying to resume a normal life, but that doesn't mean doing everything by yourself. Part of healing and managing your chronic pain is knowing your limitations and allowing those who care about you to assist you when necessary. Accept the meal, the trip to the store or the house cleaning.
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Give yourself a reward for reaching your goals. Treat yourself to something special. Go to the spa, take a friend who has been supportive to dinner or buy something you've always wanted.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid people who sap your energy and sever all those ties that seem unhealthy. It's time to focus on you.
Take naps when your body tells you to. You need rest to heal.
Focus on the positives in your life rather than allowing yourself to get bogged down in self-pity.
