Recently my co-worker sprained her ankle and is spending several weeks walking awkwardly in an immobilizing boot. She came to our three-day meeting armed with some over-the-counter medication and asked for extra room so she could put her foot up. Uncomfortable as she is, she knows her situation is temporary and is counting the days until the boot comes off. She will be back in high heels in no time.
Pain gets our attention. When was the last time you stopped and said "Hey, I don't have a headache."? The minute you get a headache however, you are looking for an aspirin and unable to concentrate. Imagine dealing with pain most of the time. Imagine days and weeks and even months of discomfort. A recent survey by the Arthritis Foundation said that 42% of adults suffer from pain daily. read more here
Instead of letting the constant state of pain decide who you are and what you do, here are a few alternatives. None of these should replace sound medical advice so be sure and talk to your health care provider for ideas specific to your condition.
1. Become an advocate
According to one research study as many as half of adullts suffering from chronic pain are mistreated. Take time to read about your condition, so you can make the most of your office visits. Information about your condition will give you insight into what to do and not to do. You may also learn what other people who have the same condition are doing. A list of organizations from the National Institute of Health
2. Stay as active as possible
It's tempting to take it easy when you aren't feeling well.Get a doctor's approval and then get moving. People who have back pain tend to want to stay in bed. In fact, it's much better to move around. You may not be able to jog at the park but perhaps a ride on a stationary bike or some yoga will work perfectly.
3. Medicate carefully
If you are seeing multiple health care professionals, be sure to carry a list of all the medications you have been prescribed. A pharmacist can also help you balance medications. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor about side effects and how the drugs interact with other medications and with certain foods.Don't forget to talk about over-the-counter medications. Recent reports show that these readily available pain relievers are not safe at high dosages. I was surprised to read that taking the recommended daily dose might be too much.
4. Accept help
Ok, it's time to disclose that I suffer from chronic pain due to a genetic arthritic condition. I get most irritated when I cannot do something that is normally easy to manage. On my worst days, I need help getting dressed. This one is especially difficult for me. Let your friends and family assist you. They will feel good about helping. Give them the opportunity.
5. Watch for triggers
If yard work causes weeks of pain, give it up. Knowing what types of activities or situations exacerbate the pain will help you plan ahead. I have trouble walking long distances so on a recent trip to a children's museum with my niece and nephew, I rented a wheelchair. It wasn't as embarrassing as I thought AND I was able to enjoy the event instead avoiding it.
6. Tell your friends and family
I know, you don't want to talk about it. Apparently you aren't alone. I found several articles with advice for loved ones including one showing that a spouse's reinforcement was the best predictor of managing pain.read more here
7. Join a support group
Studies say having a support group and social network make a difference in the perception of pain. Attend services in your faith community, have lunch with your friends, attend a local chapter meeting. Your companion doesn't even have to be human. One study showed chronic pain patients who spent 30 minutes petting an animal reported lower levels of pain after the event.
8. Make love
Good sex elevates oxytocin and endorphin levels in the brain which can greatly reduces the feeling of pain for several hours afterward. Intimacy and pleasure have multiple benefits which are often topics in medical research.read more
9. Focus on someone else
Ever notice that when you're busy and engaged in something, time flies? The same holds true for pain. We are less aware of the pain when our minds are occupied. Several studies reveal people who experience chronic pain and engage in passive activities have higher levels of depression and report more flare ups than patients who find active ways to cope with pain.
10. Talk to your counselor or mental health professional
Several techniques exist for managing chronic pain. I read about self-hypnosis and deep breathing exercises. Research also mentioned that people who suffer chronic pain are much more likely to suffer from clinical depression. read more
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