Unlike acute pain that goes away after a short period of time once an injury or illness heals, chronic pain can last for several months or even years. Chronic pain can range from mild to severe and can come in the form of a dull ache, stiffness, soreness or shooting pain. No matter the severity of it, eventually it takes a toll on the mind and body, affecting the quality of day-to-day life. Chronic pain can be rooted in different causes, from previous injuries to medical conditions, and often requires professional treatment or even surgery. However, there are some natural ways in which chronic pain can be managed.
6 Ways To Naturally Relieve Chronic Pain
Maintain a Regular Sleeping Schedule
Chronic pain can often lead to insomnia and poor sleep can worsen chronic pain. Because of this, it is easy to fall into the cycle where one continually worsens the other. In order to combat this, it is important to have a consistent sleeping schedule. Getting into a routine and having sufficient sleep will help the body better heal itself and manage pain.
Engage in Exercise
Regular exercise helps to strengthen and stretch the body’s muscles. This in turn can improve circulation and reduce stiffness in joints that causes chronic pain. Exercise also releases endorphins which are brain chemicals that improve mood and block pain signals. It is important not to overdo exercise however, as straining the body or engaging in high-impact exercises could potentially lead to injuries.
Watch What You Eat
Diet plays an important role in the body’s ability to control inflammation which is often linked to chronic pain. Certain foods like dairy, eggs and red meat can increase inflammation while foods like leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and soy products are able to reduce it. High-fiber diets have also been known to reduce inflammation.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause chronic pain to flare-up. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water daily and avoiding caffeinated drinks.
Avoid Alcohol & Tobacco
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, it is probably in your best interest to cut back on alcohol and tobacco consumption. Alcohol and tobacco can both worsen sleep problems and reduce the amount of oxygen circulating in the body, worsening circulation pains.
Practice Mind-Body Techniques
Mind-body techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help with chronic pain. Both techniques are able to loosen up tense muscles and aid in relaxation which can in turn lessen pain.
Pain Relief Treatment Near You
Millions of adults in the U.S. experience chronic pain and while natural remedies might be sufficient for some people, others require more extensive treatment. If you suffer from chronic pain and are tired of the way it negatively impacts your daily life, contact our South Florida pain relief clinic today. At BioCure, we specialize in regenerative medicine to restore the body’s natural healing abilities and alleviate chronic pain.
