5 Ways In Which We Can Easily Get Rid Of Chronic Pain

Table of Contents

Chronic pain is an uncomfortable, painful sensation caused by inflammation, injury, or disease and lasts beyond the projected recovery period. Pain management specialists classify pain as chronic if the sensation persists for over three months.

The condition is a growing global health concern, including in the UK, where statistics show that 15.5 million people suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain inhibits the capacity to perform simple everyday tasks, leading to low quality of life and psychological distress. However, the disease is manageable, and you can adopt the following simple, non-invasive tips to get instant chronic pain relief.

Take CBD Products

CBD is the primary non-psychoactive in the cannabis plant, popular for its natural therapeutic benefits, including potent analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. According to one study on CBD for pain treatment, the cannabinoid has analgesic effects on hyperalgesia (heightened pain sensitivity) and allodynia (nerve pain) when administered via various routes. Both conditions are common among chronic pain patients.

Second, as earlier stated, chronic pain can cause psychological distress, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and negative behavior like overindulgence in illicit substances. However, cbd oil uk companies manufacture high-quality products like buy hhc carts online to help chronic pain patients relax, make good life decisions, and live a wholesome life despite the chronic pain diagnosis.

One study review of CBD’s antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety relief) properties on multiple animal models concluded that the cannabinoid induces antidepressant-like and anxiolytic effects. CBD’s antidepressant-like and anxiolytic properties are helpful in chronic pain management because the condition’s debilitating effects cause most patients to sink into anxiety and depression in extreme cases.

Chronic pain and stress-related psychological disorders have a bilateral relationship, as one study shows that 70% of anxiety and depression patients suffer from chronic pain. Moreover, chronic pain patients who develop anxiety and depression often experience hyperalgesia.

The above study draws an apparent link between chronic pain and psychological distress, showing that patients experience chronic pain on a physical and mental level. CBD tackles chronic pain on both levels, delivering instant relief.

Adopt An Active Lifestyle

Activating your muscles via regular movement is a sure way to get relief from chronic pain. According to one study on exercise and chronic pain, physical activity numbs chronic pain intensity by building muscle strength and flexibility. Additionally, the study concluded that physical exercise reduces muscle fatigue, pain sensitivity, and inflammation.

A second theory about physical activity and chronic pain rehabilitation is that exercise releases endorphins that activate inhibitory pathways, blocking pain signals. Moreover, one study shows that exercise-related endorphins induce analgesia with their feel-good effect. The study further indicates that mild to moderate physical activity helps rehabilitate chronic pain from musculoskeletal chronic health conditions like fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and arthritis.

Although multiple exercises exist, one expert report recommends consistent, mild to moderate aerobics, strength training, stretches, and balancing exercises for chronic pain rehabilitation. However, consider consulting your doctor before taking up any of the above exercises as ancillary therapy for chronic pain.

Heat Therapy (Thermotherapy) and Cryogenic (Cold) Therapy

Thermotherapy and cryotherapy

Thermotherapy and cryotherapy utilize the two extreme ends of the temperature spectrum to induce pain relief. Heat therapy entails applying heat via warm compresses like a hot cloth, hot water bottle, heating pad, or cordless heat therapy wraps to eradicate pain.

The principle behind thermotherapy is that the elevated temperatures dilate blood vessels facilitating increased blood flow to the painful site. Increased blood flow means more nutrients and oxygen to repair nerve damage and accelerate healing. Thermotherapy helps make stiff joints and collagen more flexible and reduces muscle spasms and edema.

On the other hand, cryogenic therapy entails using a cold compress, an ice bath, or a cooling spray to dissipate pain using near freezing temperatures. The low temperature reduces blood flow to the painful area, temporarily halting nerve activity.

Therefore, cryogenic therapy is ideal for hyperalgesia and chronic pain from swelling. Depending on your pain, you can use heat therapy, cold therapy, or a combination of the two.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a state of mind achieved by channeling all your energy to focus on the present moment, promoting a sense of calm and self-awareness. It builds on seven principles: patience, acceptance, and letting go. Mindfulness practices like meditation and breathing exercises help quell the psychological agitation associated with chronic pain.

One survey on mindfulness-based approaches to chronic pain management showed that it reduces reports of pain and lowers pain medication dosages. Moreover, its effects are sustainable, and you can practice mindful exercises anywhere.

Distractions

When all else fails, distract yourself from the pain. Distractions are a cost-effective yet readily available chronic pain management strategy.

The body’s pain signal transmission pathway includes peripheral nerves that pick up the pain signals and transmit them to the brain for processing. An unoccupied brain means more receptors can pick up the pain signals and amplify them, leading to heightened pain intensity.

However, one expert report shows that engaging your mind in other activities distracts attention from the pain, and divided attention reduces pain intensity. The report recommends activities like watching a movie, listening to audio content, playing games, using a stress ball, and deep breathing as distraction techniques to quell chronic pain.

Conclusion:

Adopting either or a combination of the above cost-effective and non-invasive chronic pain management techniques. However, chronic pain management is not a one-size-fits-all affair, so explore to find the best technique for your condition.