4 Methods To Help You Cope With Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a very serious health issue. It makes life much more difficult day to day, and studies show that people who suffer from chronic pain are more likely to develop other medical conditions as a result. When left untreated, chronic pain can lead to depression, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, and even heart disease. Luckily, there are things you can do to treat your chronic pain. Here are four ways that a chronic pain service can help you cope with your condition:
1. Medication
Prescription medication is an important part of any pain reducing regimen. Your doctor can work with you to prescribe you medicine that can help you cope with your pain levels. You may be prescribed opiates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or some combination of the two. Remember that over-the-counter medicine can interact with your prescriptions, so make sure to check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking any additional medication Chronic pain management services have staffs that include qualified doctors who are experienced in dealing with pain management.
2. Acupuncture
Relying too much on medication isn't good for your body. Many medications can have harmful side effects, so it's good to limit your use of them and use alternative methods of pain management when possible. According to the Journal of Pain, acupuncture is a safe and effective way to help manage chronic pain. Studies show that acupuncture reduced the pain of patients suffering from osteoarthritis, migraines, back pain, and neck pain.
3. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is often known simply as CBT, and it's a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns. CBT encourages patients to be mindful and actively develop new, healthier though processes in order to manage their issues. It can be helpful for patients suffering from chronic pain because it can help learn better ways to cope with their pain.
4. Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a lot like physical therapy. It includes gentle exercises to help you strengthen and stretch any muscles that might be sore or weak. Your occupational therapist will also teach you new ways to do common everyday tasks, if necessary. They will help you modify your daily routine so that it's more accommodating to your condition. This will help you feel less pain overall.
Living with chronic pain is difficult, but you don't have to handle it alone. A chronic pain management clinic can help you reduce your pain level and feel more like your old self again, and many of them provide all of the services included in this list. These are a just a few of the things you can do to improve your quality of life.
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