Managing Pain
Pain can be debilitating, whether acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Sufferers can often feel there is no end to their daily pain, which can in turn lead to other conditions such as depression. Learning to manage pain is important for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s yourself or a loved one, you should try to take back some control over the situation.
According to the NHS, most back pain will resolve itself, though you may need to seek advice from a doctor. It suggests keeping active, and taking over-the-counter medication such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. But how do you manage longer-term pain? Exercise is still seen as important but you may wish to seek further assistance from physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths.
Counselling for those suffering with chronic pain, and being recommended for Pain Management Programmes can also be hugely beneficial.
One point to remember is that the balance between exercise, rest and treatment will be different for each person. But medical intervention aside, what can YOU do to further help you manage the pain in the long term? Have you considered…
- Non-impact exercise – swimming, walking, cross-trainer, cycling;
- Pilates;
- Yoga;
- Meditation;
- Mindfulness;
- Keeping your mind busy – begin a new hobby;
- Ensuring your mattress and pillows are not the cause of back/neck pain.
