How to Ease Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, which is defined as pain lasting longer than 6 months, will eventually take a physical and emotional toll on the sufferer. While pain medications are available to ease the duration, frequency and intensity of its symptoms, many patients find that the following pain management steps can also reduce their reliance on these drugs. These steps are also beneficial in terms of making for a healthier mind and body and, thus, for a better pain management.
You, too, can adopt these doable steps in your own life! Ask your doctor any of the Healthpointe clinics (such as our La Mirada clinic, near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs).
- Eat a healthier diet.
Your body deserves all the help that it can get to reduce its symptoms of chronic pain. Keep it strong and healthy by eating a well-balanced diet consisting of more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fishes, among other healthy options.
- Avoid alcohol.
Many people will turn to alcohol to numb their physical pain. But it will actually worsen your pain because it decreases the period for REM sleep and increases the risk for shallow sleep. Keep in mind that your body requires a good night’s sleep to ease the stresses it has been subjected to during the day.
- Quit smoking.
In the long run, smoking cigarettes will contribute to worse pain because cigarettes slow down healing of damaged tissues, worsen blood circulation, and increase the risk for degenerative disc issues.
- Get into exercise.
While getting into exercise may appear counterproductive as you will experience increased pain, not doing so will contribute to your worsening condition in the long run. This is because lack of vigorous physical activity will result in the loss of muscle tone and strength, which will worsen your pain.
Ask your doctor about the specific steps in getting into an exercise program, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol especially when you have difficulty in these areas.
Come to any of the Healthpinte clinics, such as the Los Angeles clinic (near Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Inglewood, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, South Gate, Lynwood, Montebello, Monterey Park, and Alhambra) for more tips about effective chronic pain management.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Los Angeles, which is conveniently located by Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Inglewood, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, South Gate, Lynwood, Montebello, Monterey Park, and Alhambra. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net