Ever wonder what the right and the wrongs are to manage your pain (Pain Management)?

Have you tried Googling your pain? If so, you may have found a variety of resources all suggesting various ways to manage your pain. The resources are endless! It’s overwhelming, confusing, and time-consuming to decipher what will help you manage your pain and what will not. Mismanagement of your can pain can be harmful to your health either by increasing your pain or causing a serious health condition.

Don’t fear! There are common ways anyone can follow to help guide them to manage their pain effectively, regardless of the type of pain. We will discuss the do’s and don’ts that anyone can follow in their steps toward pain management.

Do speak to a healthcare professional

If you have been suffering from chronic pain or acute pain, you need to say something before it escalates. You are the best advocate for your health so if you feel pain or notice something is out of the ordinary, then you NEED to say something to your healthcare professional. If pain is left untreated, it can lead to other physiological problems. Your healthcare professional can help determine the cause and seek out a treatment option best suited to you. Don’t try to fight it off on your own, it is okay to ask for help!

Don’t look for help on the Black Market

Everyone wants a quick fix, myself included. Be cautious, those quick fixes may be more harmful than what they are promising. As said before, talk to your healthcare professional as they may prescribe medication. This medication that they prescribe is SAFE as they take in many factors to ensure effectiveness and most importantly, safety.

Don’t buy prescriptions from private individuals or sites offering prescriptions as they are not regulated and can be potentially harmful or even deadly. Always consult with your doctor before taking any prescriptions or over-the-counter to ensure your safety.

Do try to relax

The stress and anxiety you have been experiencing are not only affecting your brain but also may be causing or amplifying the pain you are experiencing. Stress causes your body to respond through increasing your heart rate and breathing rate, your muscles become tense and much more. Experiencing stress or anxiety for long periods of time will have major effects on your health.

The best way to combat this is to RELAX. Easier said than done, with work, family, kids, pandemic, the list goes on of all the stressors in your life. But, taking even just five minutes a day to relax through meditation or deep breathing may help you manage your pain. Remember, relaxing is for everyone, regardless of the pain you feel.

Don’t stop moving!

The normal response to any pain one may be experiencing is to sit still. But, contrary to popular belief, it is best to keep some activity part of your daily routine. You’ll want to incorporate light to moderate exercise which will strengthen your muscles, increase blood flow, decrease your stress, and increase your mood. All these benefits are a great recipe to improve your pain! Keep in mind the only exercise if it doesn’t cause you pain or exacerbate your pain.

Do your research

When it comes to your pain, you know what is best. Researching your pain can bring you down the rabbit hole or it can be extremely helpful. Just as you were taught in school to find credible sources, the same applies to when you research for your own purpose. Before reading an article scroll to find the author or where the source is coming from to determine its credibility. Be cautious of those claiming quick fixes as there is no such thing, sorry for the spoiler alert.

Don’t focus on your pain

Don’t let your pain impact your life! Don’t focus solely on your pain and what you can’t do but, focus on what you can do. Your pain shouldn’t define you and limit what you want to accomplish in your life. Start to take back the control today! Set small goals for yourself to accomplish each day as simple as going for a short walk or finishing that list of chores you been putting off. Your life doesn’t need to go on hold, so get up today and get started!

At the end of the day, your pain can be managed. Regardless of what your pain is you can follow the above to take the next step with your pain management. Your pain doesn’t define who you are, it only makes you stronger. Take a deep breath and begin your next step in your pain management today.