How do you cope with chronic pain?

Chronic pain affects a lot of people with different chronic conditions. For many patients, chronic pain takes over their life, keeping them from doing the things they love. That can, in turn, make pain worse. Here we want to share with you some tips and advice for coping better with pain and enjoying life.

1. Find a hobby: distracting yourself can be a really powerful solution to pain. This comes from a theory called the gate control theory of pain, which supports the idea that stimulation of positive emotions and thoughts can actually stop pain signals from reaching the brain. So find something that occupies you and that helps to keep your mind off the pain.

2. Try acupuncture: In acupuncture, thin needles are inserted under the skin to realign the flow of energy, or qi, in the body. Experts say that acupuncture could help prevent acute migraines as well as drug treatments do and with fewer adverse side effects. 

3. Enjoy yourself: A lot of people with chronic conditions cut down all the fun and pleasurable things they love to do for fear of being in even more pain. Studies have shown that setting a goal for achieving something you dream of, or just enjoying an activity you like can reduce the pain and let you perform these activities without even thinking about the pain. 

4. Meditate and/or do Yoga: Negative feelings like depression, anxiety, stress, and anger can increase the body's sensitivity to pain. By learning to take control of stress, you may find some relief from chronic pain. Various meditation techniques can be used to focus attention and quiet the mind from distractions such as chronic pain. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to boost relaxation and balance the mind, body, and spirit.

5. Socialize: Some people with chronic conditions and chronic pain sometimes isolate themselves. But spending time with people you can talk to and that can understand, is a really good way of forgetting about pain and even fighting against it. We don’t realize the benefits of being heard and even getting some advice, but give it a try and you’ll see how much it helps.

6. Exercise: Endorphins are brain chemicals that help improve your mood while also blocking pain signals. Exercise has another pain-reducing effect; it strengthens muscles, helping prevent re-injury and further pain. Plus, exercise can help keep your weight down, reduce heart disease risk, and control blood sugar levels; especially important if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor for an exercise routine that is right for you.

7. Go sober: Pain makes sleep difficult, and alcohol can make sleep problems worse. If you're living with chronic pain, drinking less or no alcohol can improve your quality of life.

We hope these tips are useful, don’t hesitate to put them on practice always asking your GP first if you think it won’t go well with your treatment.

Let us know if you have other ways in which you manage your pain.

Remember that sharing helps everyone to cope and prevent!

Gilda