When chronic pain becomes part of your daily life, your mental frame of mind can be altered as sleep and other functions are not maintained properly. How is it possible to live with something like this?
When pain hits us, one of the first things we think of is how quickly we can get rid of it, so many jump to over the counter medication to help alleviate their symptoms. This solution may be a quick fix temporarily, but long term could cause more harm than good.
Pain Is Common For Many Americans Across The Country
It is estimated that about 20 percent of Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain throughout their life and if you find yourself to be among the statistics, avoid the medicine cabinet and try some of these other remedies suggested by our Atlanta chiropractors.
Get Moving
It may seem counterproductive but physical activity can help combat chronic pain! We’re not suggesting starting off with a full marathon, however implementing exercises such as swimming, biking and yoga may be a good start to help build strength in those muscles and loosen the body up. Always start slow to avoid injury and consult your doctor if unsure of what you should or should not be doing.
Healthy Diet
When poor diet habits are practiced, the body is at higher risk for inflammation which can cause pain to increase.
Try to have six servings of vegetables a day and 1-2 servings of fruit.
Consuming foods with less fat and eating leaner protein as well as fruits and vegetables will allow for the body to have a balanced diet. Eating foods with high Omega 3 content like salmon, trout, and nuts also have added benefits such as reduction of inflammation.
Avoid processed foods and eat foods with only one ingredient.
If you are overweight, try to lose 5-7 percent of your body weight.
Pace Yourself
When chronic pain plays a factor in your life, activities and hobbies may be put on the back burner because pain is not being managed properly. In order to still participate in the events you love the most in your life, it is best to always pace yourself. Take breaks when needed, plan better, and avoid rushing. When you begin to prioritize, life becomes less chaotic and pain can become more manageable.
Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help distract the mind from chronic pain. If you are unsure of where to start, downloading a meditation app on your phone or computer can help guide you in the right direction to reaching a level of Zen like never before and you may be amazed by how relaxing some breathing techniques can be!
Want To Know More?
If you would like to learn about other practices for pain management and how to incorporate them into your daily life, contact our Atlanta chiropractors at (404) 889-8828 today!