Do you live with a chronic pain condition? It might be constant and consistent back pain,
Do you live with a chronic pain condition? It might be constant and consistent back pain, neck pain, or joint pain. Arthritis is another painful condition that many regular Australians live with. Whatever the diagnosis, chronic pain can be debilitating and disabling and can impact your quality of life. However, with some strategies and valuable tips that this helpful article will share, you can enhance your quality of life.
There is a wide range of therapies and strategies available to people living with chronic pain, from hydrotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy, and physiotherapy to using supplements or natural therapies. In this article, we’ll share the best strategies and treatments to help you manage your pain and live a more fulfilling and productive life. Read on to learn more.
Hydrotherapy
This type of therapy uses warm water combined with gentle exercise to address chronic pain conditions. The natural buoyancy properties of the water place less stress on your joints, and the warm water will relax tense, bound-up muscles and can help improve movement. The hydrostatic water pressure will also help to reduce swelling and can soothe post-exercise pain. Using this effective treatment as part of your pain management strategy can help to reduce pain and stiffness, improve movement and boost your mood and well-being.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
A key feature of Chinese Traditional Medicine, acupuncture involves needles placed in critical points of the body that align with the meridian system. The idea is that the puncture points will promote energy flow through the body.
Another needle therapy for pain management is dry needling, where needles are inserted into specific parts of the body and manipulated to reduce tension and inflammation.
Both of these techniques could be added to your pain management toolkit as potential strategies to employ.
Heat Packs
An excellent strategy for chronic back, shoulder and neck pain is a good old-fashioned heat pack. Heat therapy works because applying heat to an affected area will improve circulation and blood flow to the area due to the increased temperature. Increasing the temperature of the afflicted area even slightly can soothe discomfort and promote flexibility. Heat therapy can assist in relaxing and soothing muscles and healing damaged tissue, and it is perfect for those wanting to treat chronic muscular pain.
Osteopathy
An osteopath, who is a registered health practitioner in Australia, focuses on your whole body, including your soft tissues, spine and central nervous system, and may use a variety of different hands-on physical therapy methods, including:
- Spinal manipulation
- Gentle massage
- Soft tissue massage
- Stretching muscles and joints
- Visceral manipulation
As osteopathic techniques include a gentle approach, they are ideal for those with high levels of chronic pain and discomfort.
Another healthcare professional you can utilise is a physiotherapist, who will often perform massage or ultrasound treatment and can give you a range of exercises to perform to help manage your chronic pain condition.
Pain Relief Medication
Part of effective pain relief strategies should include some medication, particularly to manage flare-ups or severe chronic pain. You should consult with your GP or a pain management specialist who can prescribe the appropriate medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are often used to manage pain conditions, and paracetamol is also helpful. Opiates should be prescribed with caution and are only effective for short-term pain management as they are highly addictive and can have a range of harmful side effects.
Supplements
There is some evidence to suggest that certain supplements can assist people experiencing chronic pain. For instance, magnesium can be used to relieve muscle tension and cramping, and turmeric has some efficacy in reducing inflammation. Always consult with your healthcare professional before using supplements, as they may interact with other medications that you are taking for various conditions.
Support Groups
Another viable strategy in your pain management toolkit could be peer support. There may be support groups in your area where people with a shared chronic pain condition meet to support each other. Often structured and facilitated by people with a lived experience of pain, a support group can be a great place to connect with others and get peer support to help you manage your pain more effectively. Social connection is also essential, as this can improve overall well-being and quality of life.
Meditation or Mindfulness
Finally, a vital tool in the pain management box is practising meditation or mindfulness. By becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings as they relate to your pain, you can find some peace and acceptance of your condition through these practices. Some nifty apps slowly introduce you to the concept of meditation and mindfulness that you can try on your phone.
A Strategic Summary
This helpful article has shared about chronic pain management, and you’ve learned some strategies that can hopefully enhance your quality of life.
