Six Tips to Manage Chronic Back Pain
Whatever the cause, chronic back pain can be debilitating. It can keep you from the things and people you love most, and living with the condition can make you feel hopeless. Fortunately, there are some everyday things you can do at home to help manage, and even relieve, some of your back pain, so you can return to doing what you love most.
While none of these tips should ever replace talking to your doctor and following their care plan, these six everyday steps or changes can help you manage your pain more effectively.
#1 Breathe
When the pain sets in, it can be very easy to tense up. Instead, try relaxing and taking deep breaths. You can even focus your breathing on the area that hurts. This will help you relax. You can also try other stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation.
#2 Allow Yourself to be Challenged Physically
Are you taking it too easy? While chronic back pain can be debilitating, you should still be getting exercise, as activity will help you manage your pain. Just be sure you’re taking it slow, and stopping when your body tells you it’s time to stop. Speak with your doctor about the types of physical activity they recommend for you.
#3 Pace Yourself on Your Good Days
When a good day comes around, it can be tempting to want to do it all. However, be sure to set realistic goals and pace yourself so you don’t overdo it and cause more problems.
#4 Practice Positive Self Talk
It can be simple to fall into the habit of saying you can’t do things because of your chronic pain. Consider replacing this negative thinking with positive self talk. Encouragement starts from within, and you’d be amazed at what you can do when you’ve convinced your brain you can do it.
#5 Find Support
Conditions such as chronic pain can be isolating at times. Don’t allow your pain to come in between relationships. Fight back. Reach out to a support group or counselor, or even just your friends or family so you have an outlet to speak about what you’re going through.
#6 Reduce or Eliminate Bad Habits
Bad habits, such as drinking or smoking, can actually increase your pain. Alcohol makes it harder to stay asleep and affects your overall health, while smoking (among other things) is linked to degenerative disc disease, which is a leading cause of lower back problems.
About Minivasive Pain and Orthopedics
At Minivasive Pain, we specialize in chronic pain management. It is our mission to treat the causes of your pain with both the highest standards of care and quality. With several locations throughout the Houston area, caring for your back pain is easy. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, visit https://minivasivepain.com/contact-us/ or call us at (346) 800-6001.