Anyone who has experienced chronic pain can tell you it’s a life-altering condition. Chronic pain refers to any pain that lasts longer than three months. They also may suffer from depression or anxiety. It’s common to take prescription medication for chronic pain and over-the-counter medicines. Today, the treatment for chronic pain is becoming more holistic with new techniques of managing chronic pain in New Brunswick. This article looks at some different ways to deal with chronic pain. Read more below.
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Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a common form of treatment for chronic pain. Physical therapists use various techniques to treat chronic pain, such as deep tissue massage and chiropractic adjustments. Sometimes they’ll also use acupuncture and ice/heat treatments to alleviate the pain. Physical therapy aims to take pressure off the nerves and relieve tension in or around any damaged tissues, allowing the body to heal. This is a natural way to treat pain.
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Weight Loss
A recent study has shown a strong correlation between obesity and chronic pain, particularly in the lower back. Overweight people have been shown to have more severe cases of low back pain than those who were not obese. A healthy weight helps ease some pressure on your joints, reducing pain. A healthy weight means a healthy body and a healthy you.
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Alternative medicine
A new trend in managing chronic pain is through alternative medicine. While some people scoff at the idea of trying natural remedies for pain management, many have found that holistic techniques can help manage chronic pain better than traditional medical treatments. Some of the most popular alternative therapies for chronic pain include acupuncture, aromatherapy, and yoga.
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Nutrition
What you eat is ultimately what your body makes, so it’s essential to consider the foods you put in your body. Eating a balanced diet is vital for everyone, even more so if you are experiencing chronic pain. When people are dealing with chronic pain, they often experience various symptoms such as fatigue, migraines, or sleeplessness. Replacing unhealthy foods with healthy ones will help reduce the number of symptoms you experience and improve your overall quality of life.
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Treating Underlying Conditions
The critical thing to remember when dealing with chronic pain is that you have to determine the root cause. If your doctor hasn’t been able to treat your chronic pain, consider going to a different specialist. They may be able to discover what’s causing your pain and help you find a more permanent solution. They may find underlying conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or spinal stenosis.
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT for short, is a great long-term option if you suffer from chronic pain. It’s a form of talk therapy that helps reduce stress and improve cognition. Allowing the patient to learn how to better cope with stress can help them understand what triggers their pain. Once they have this knowledge, they can avoid these triggers. CBT is a great way to help improve your mood and quality of life while managing chronic pain.
In summary, pain refers to any pain that lasts longer than three months. CBT, physical therapy, nutrition, and alternative medicine techniques can manage chronic pain. Weight loss also helps handle some forms of chronic pain.
