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7 Proven Tips to Manage Chronic Pain Without Surgery

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    Chronic pain refers to any form of pain that lasts three months or longer. The pain is usually triggered by an underlying medical condition. Common culprits include migraines, arthritis, cancer, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.  

    Now, chronic pain varies in intensity. Some people may report mild aches. To others, the pain could be unbearably excruciating and even threaten to degenerate into a debilitating condition.  

    Chronic pain could also vary in duration and pattern. The pain could come and go, often leaving the patient temporary relief. Also, it could be persistent, causing the victim unending anguish and frustration.  

    The good news is that most forms of chronic pain are manageable, even if not entirely curable. You only need to go for a proper diagnosis to understand the cause. That will help you adopt the right treatment course.  

    Many forms of chronic pain are treatable using surgery. But surgery should always be the last resort, coming after you’ve exhausted all other possible treatment options.  

    This post looks at the top seven proven tips to manage chronic pain without surgery. 

    Embark On Physical Therapy Sessions 

    Exercise is unarguably the foundation of chronic pain treatment. It’s the first treatment option recommended by doctors for chronic pain patients.  

    To have better luck recovering from chronic pain, remember to undertake your exercise sessions under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist. If you can, insist on a physician specialized in spinal alignment.  

    Experts strongly advise against creating your exercise plan if you’re already suffering from chronic pain. That’s because each patient is unique, and what works for someone else might not necessarily work for you. Therefore, consult your physician and have them tailor workouts specifically for your condition and symptoms.  

    Consider Analgesic Herbs 

    There’s a long list of herbs that can help with chronic pain management. Examples include kratom and cannabis.  

    Cannabis deserves a special mention due to its potential pain-relieving properties. The herb can work against chronic pain by boosting the performance of pain-signaling receptors spread throughout the endocannabinoid system.  

    To make the most of marijuana’s analgesic effects, you’ll need to select the right strain from a reputable supplier. Fortunately, there are multiple established cannabis stores where you can order now the best hybrid weed strains and enjoy the herb’s powerful pain-relieving properties. 

     

    Take Care of Your Posture 

    Good posture habits play a crucial role in accelerating recovery from chronic pain. That’s especially true for pain that affects your lower spine.  

    Fortunately, there are several ways to improve your posture and avoid back pain 

    For instance, stand up or switch sitting positions often, primarily if you work a desk job. Also, avoid twisting at the waist. Instead, turn your entire body.  

    And when you walk, keep a straight gait. Avoid slumping at all costs.  

    If it comes down to it, consider investing in a posture corrector. Intended for wearing around the abdomen, posture correctors can go a long way in helping you maintain a straight gait while sitting. 

    Try Mindful Meditation 

    Chronic pain is not only a physical problem. It’s also a mental, emotional, and psychological one. That explains why people with chronic pain also tend to suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).  

    Mindful meditation can help manage the anxiety and frustrations associated with chronic pain.  

    Meditation improves concentration while also helping to block negative emotions associated with the feelings of pain.  

    Mindful meditation may also increase the release of the happiness hormones endorphins while inhibiting the stress hormone cortisol. 

    Give Yoga a Chance 

    Yoga is often paired with meditation. However, the benefits of yoga for chronic pain go beyond mind control.  

    Yoga is a form of physical exercise by itself. It allows you to gently flex your muscles and joints in a manner that could offer pain mediation.  

    Yoga also increases blood circulation. Therefore, it might help to increase the flow of oxygenated blood and essential nutrients to affected muscles and joints. This is highly useful in mitigating feelings of pain. Mind What You Eat 

    Certain foods are notorious for inducing or aggravating chronic pain. Examples include highly inflammatory foods such as trans fats and refined sugars.  

    You should cut back on processed foods. If you can’t eliminate processed foods from your life, insist on products manufactured by reputable brands.  

    Besides inducing inflammation and ultimately triggering chronic pain, processed foods are infamous for causing unintentional weight gain. That’s especially true for foods high in trans fats 

    Note that weight gain is another risk factor for chronic pain. More weight exerts undue pressure on your spine, increasing your susceptibility to physical injuries like muscle sprains and bone fractures. Worse yet, weight is a risk factor for numerous chronic illnesses, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 

    Have A Good Night’s Sleep 

    Adequate sleep is one of life’s most effective natural healers. During sleep, the body repairs microscopic damages to muscles, tissues, and joints.  

    Having a good night’s sleep might also help combat the daytime anxiety triggered by feelings of pain. Besides, you’re unlikely to experience pain for the duration you’re sound asleep.  

    You can achieve a good night’s sleep by avoiding bad bedroom habits like using smartphones late into the night or shunning stimulating foods like coffee right before bedtime.  

     

    Final Word 

    Without timely interventions, chronic pain can make life unbearable. Therefore, ensure you implement the above-listed tips early enough as a way of speeding up your recovery.