Do you know the feeling of having pain and not being able to do much of anything to reduce or minimize it? Managing chronic pain can be difficult and frustrating, especially when over-the-counter medication just doesn’t seem to relieve symptoms.

• Exercise – Make an effort to get active and move around more. The endorphins your body produces during a workout can act as pain relievers. Stretching properly can eliminate muscle and tendon tightness as causes of pain. In addition, exercise may help reduce your risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and more.
• Healthy Diet – Eat healthy and choose smart food options. Healthy eating, especially a low-fat diet, encourages improved digestion, circulation and weight control.
• Sleep – Get a good night’s rest. This can help restore your energy and body functions. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
• Relaxation –Reduce the stress in your life and take time to relax (whether through meditation or scheduling time to unwind). We all get stressed out and lives get hectic, but tension, soreness and tightness may be reduced through relaxation techniques.
• Alternative medicine – Look into trying additional therapy options, such as massage and acupuncture.

Chronic pain often cannot be cured, but when managed properly its effects on your body and lifestyle can be minimized. As with any change in your routine, please consult with your physician if pain worsens or persists.

What pain management techniques work best for you?