Imagine experiencing pain that completely impacts your life every day. The type of pain where you can’t sleep, it takes everything in your body just to walk form the bedroom to the living room and even the thought of the simplest of tasks become so daunting it leads to a deep depression - not to mention, isolating. What we are describing are the symptoms of chronic pain.
What is Chronic Pain?
According to a recent study, more than 51 million people in the United States (more than 20 percent of adults) suffer from chronic pain. And 17 million of those individuals suffer from high-impact chronic pain.
So, what exactly is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is a condition in which pain is experienced for more than three months. Unlike acute pain, which is a natural response to injury or illness and typically resolves as the underlying issue heals, chronic pain persists for weeks, months, or even years.
It can range from mild to severe and is caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and nerve damage. Those suffering typically experience fatigue, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, and a decreased quality of life that impacts an individual’s physical well-being to emotional and social aspects.
Chronic Pain And Mental Health
As you can imagine, living in a state of constant pain takes a toll on a person’s emotional well-being. It can be frustrating and isolating when your inner circle doesn’t understand an invisible illness such as chronic pain. This can lead to depression, feelings of anxiety and even anger.
Think about it like this: when a person experiences pain, the pain signals are processed in the brain along with emotional responses, which can intensify the perception of pain causing more frustration and stress. It’s a never-ending and vicious cycle. Luckily, there are ways to cope.
Coping Strategies for Living with Chronic Pain
Exercise: With any ailment, there are ways to help cope with the pain and manage your symptoms. One of those coping strategies includes exercise. When a person exercises, it releases endorphins which can help reduce pain levels. Exercises such as yoga are also beneficial due to the various poses that encourage blood flow and the breathing techniques that help reduce stress and improve a person’s overall well-being.
Stay Social: Maintaining social connections is crucial for a person’s mental health. Whether that is communicating openly with friends and family about chronic pain to seek their understanding and support or participate in social activities within your comfort level to combat isolation.
Know Your Limits: While it’s important to try and live life as normal as possible, it’s also imperative to learn your boundaries. Manage your activities through pacing and incorporate regular rest breaks when needed to prevent overexertion and exacerbation of pain.
Natural Remedies for Managing Chronic Pain Symptoms
Depending on the severity of an individual’s pain, treatment options can vary and should focus on both physical and psychological components of the condition. You can find chronic pain relief by incorporating the following natural remedies.
- Physical Therapy
- Heat and Cold Therapy
- Exercise
- Diet and Nutrition
- Relaxation Techniques
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Herbal Remedies such as Turmeric and Ginger
All of the above all can help to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve quality of life for those living with chronic pain.
Exploring Support Resources for Living With Chronic Pain
When dealing with an invisible illness such as chronic pain, having a support system is an imperative part of your treatment plan. It can be isolating dealing with a silent disorder, which is why reaching out to family, friends and healthcare professionals is crucial for emotional support. Despite how you’re feeling, you are not alone and chronic pain support groups can be found online.
Remember, through a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, psychological support, and maintaining social connections, those suffering with chronic pain can work toward a better quality of life.
