Dealing With Chronic Pain Using Simple Practices
It seems that in spite of all the advances science and medicine have made over the past few decades, chronic illnesses and pain-related diseases are on the rise. Millions of people in the United States alone are on one or more medications for long-term pain management. Having more than one illness can up the risk for dangerous drug interactions, and may even make a patient sicker.
You can make a cocktail of drugs that not only balance out the significant symptoms of the disease or diseases but minimize the side effects that you may experience. This may include how the drug is administered as well as dosage. If an opiate manages your chronic pain, the thought of being on one or more of these medications, possibly for the rest of your life might be unappealing.
Not to worry
There may be an alternative or at least a way to minimize the amount of medication you have to take in the long term. There are a few doctors out there taking a different approach. You might just need to make a few changes.
Changing Your Lifestyle May Impact Your Chronic Pain Issues
There are steps you can take to minimize your pain and maximize your quality of life. They seem simple, but you won’t believe how much of a difference just a few small adjustments to your daily routine can make.
Diet
Take some vitamin D. Did you know that vitamin D is referred to as “The sunshine vitamin”? Well, there’s a reason for that. The greatest main source for vitamin D production in the body is from the sun. It does occur naturally in a few foods, but if you spend a lot of time indoors, you might want to take a supplement. Some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include pain in the joints and muscle weakness. So, take a step outside and turn your face to the sun.
Go for a walk
This might be difficult for some people that have trouble walking due to their illness or chronic pain. The fact of the matter is that laying on your couch “resting” actually isn’t helping you. Your joints cushion your bones, and your muscles protect your joints. Chronically weak muscles and stiffened joints cannot repair themselves.
Drink more water
You may be de
hydrated and not even know it. Do you find yourself grabbing the soda out of the cooler when you’re out shopping, or coffee on your way to work? Put it down and drink water instead. While it’s true that coffee contains antioxidants that are essential for cell repair, it still doesn’t quite have the hydrating impact of a glass of water. As for the soda, that’s just basically a can full of chemicals.
One thing to keep in mind here: these tips are not meant to be a substitute for medication if you suffer from a serious illness. However, they can go a long way in minimizing the amount of pain, fatigue, and mental stress you experience.