Live Your Life: Strategies for Coping with Chronic Pain

Jan 17, 2022

 by Marilyn Hoyt

Living with chronic pain is an around-the-clock struggle. The sheer physical misery takes a toll
and can keep you from doing things that once came easily. Fortunately, it’s possible to manage
your pain and avoid retreating from life and missing out on activities that you enjoy. Successful
pain management allows many people to continue working and maintain healthy social
relationships. With a few strategic changes, you can adapt your lifestyle to the exigencies of
chronic pain management and lead a fulfilling life. Keep these guidelines from Rock Fitness in
mind to help you get started.

Do Some Research
The best way to make adaptive changes and cope with your pain is to learn as much as
possible about your condition. In addition to ergonomic adaptations, find out as much as
possible about alternative therapies and pain relief options such as meditation, acupuncture,
cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnosis.
Change Your Diet
Inflammation, a symptom associated with pain, is linked to what you eat. Your diet affects the
bacteria in your gut, and if there’s a shortage of good bacteria, inflammation can increase. The
gut is also home to the majority of your immune cells and neurotransmitters, so it’s important to
eat right to maintain overall wellness. Probiotics help to replenish the good bacteria in your gut,
and these can be found in foods like sauerkraut and yogurt. Anti-inflammatory foods like fresh
vegetables, fruits, and wild-caught fish should make up your diet.

Living Environment

Rearrange your living environment so it’s easier to perform daily activities. Budget Dumpster
notes that this means rearranging closets, cabinets, shelves, and clothing drawers to minimize
bending, reaching, and stretching when you get dressed, cook, clean, and wash. Arrange the
shower so everything you need (soap, razor, shampoo, etc.) is within easy reach and doesn’t
require bending. The more you can do to take the physical and mental stress out of everyday
living, the less you’ll have to disrupt your daily routine.

Manage Mobility

Maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle means not sacrificing your mobility. If you can’t get into a car and
drive safely without excessive pain, you probably aren’t able to get around as much as you’d
like. When driving, it’s important that your feet reach the pedals comfortably and without pain, so
make sure the seat is properly adjusted. If lower back pain is a chronic problem, invest in a
lumbar support cushion. Also, make sure the rearview mirror is kept at an angle that doesn’t
require you to crane your neck.

Work Environment

Doing the same work in the same position for eight hours a day can aggravate your condition if
your work environment isn’t set up properly. Your chair should be lowered so your feet are flat
against the floor. Ergotron points out that the top of your computer monitor screen should be at
eye level, with your wrists in a neutral position instead of bent unnaturally as you type. Invest in
an articulating keyboard, and be sure to take periodic breaks from your computer workstation by
stretching, walking around, and gently shaking your wrists.

Low-Impact Exercise

Staying active depends on keeping your body moving with gentle exercise, activities that work
your musculature without aggravating your pain condition. Talk to a healthcare professional
about exercises that work best given your situation. Many people who suffer from chronic pain
enjoy walking or jogging on a regular basis or doing slow stretching movements. Yoga can be
an excellent exercise alternative, but be careful not to engage in a yoga regimen that’s too
vigorous.

Destress

Stress is a constant threat to people who battle against chronic pain on a daily basis, as it
creates muscle tension that exacerbates pain. Consider getting a gentle massage every week, ,
and play soothing, relaxing music when you’re at home or in the car. Also, consider starting a
hobby that keeps your mind involved and diverts attention away from pain. You can also set up
a calming meditation space at home, an upgrade that may end up increasing the value of your
home; homebuyers are keen on multi-purpose rooms, a space they can easily envision turning
into anything they fancy, like a home office or gym.
Chronic pain doesn’t have to prevent you from living the life you want. Be prepared to make
certain accommodations at home and at work, and pay special attention to tactics that reduce
your stress and mitigate muscle tension.

Rock Fitness makes health and fitness available to everyone, with a fitness program designed
for those that are ready to become fit. Offering a variety of group workouts, indoor/outdoor boot
camps, Zumba, yoga, pi/yo, personal training, 24/7 full gym access, High-Intensity Interval Training.
Call (469)789-3490 today for more info!