How To Manage Chronic Pain: Holistic Strategies and Practices

Pain can be classified as anything from a dull ache to a sharp stab. It can range from mild to extreme. You may feel pain in only one part of your body, or it may be widespread. While acute pain is a normal response to an injury or medical condition, it is usually short-lived. Chronic pain, however, continues beyond the time expected for healing, generally lasting longer than three months, whether constantly or intermittently.

What causes chronic pain?

Chronic pain can be the result of normal ageing, the wear and tear of bones and joints such as with osteoarthritis. Various diseases such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer can also cause pain. In many cases, however, diagnosis is complicated and no one cause can be pinpointed.

How pain affects daily life

Chronic pain can interfere with everyday activities such as self-care and movement. It can restrict a person’s ability to function normally, work and socialise. Pain can also both affect and be affected by a person’s state of mind. The nature of chronic pain – the fact that it is ongoing and in some cases seems almost constant – can make a person more susceptible to depression and anxiety. At the same time, psychological distress can amplify pain.

Standard medical interventions include medication, nerve blocks, and in some cases surgery. There are, however, several alternative therapies available, and what works best for each person will vary depending on their type and level of pain.

Alternative therapies for pain management

• Physical therapy can help alleviate pain caused by injuries or chronic conditions. Physical therapists use various exercises and other techniques to improve strength, flexibility and mobility.
• Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension and pain, increase circulation, and promote relaxation.
• Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. This technique is thought to stimulate the body’s natural pain relief mechanisms and improve overall wellbeing.

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  Mind-body therapies to practise at home

  Mind-body therapies can reduce tension and stress, which may in turn reduce pain levels. There are a variety of techniques to choose from, including the below.

  • Deep breathing: Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat several times.
  • Meditation: Close your eyes and focus on your breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
  • Guided imagery: Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful scene, such as a beach or a forest. Use all of your senses to imagine the scene in as much detail as possible.
  • Progressive muscle relaxation: Start by tensing the muscles in your feet for a few seconds, and then relax them. Move onto your calves, thighs, abdomen, chest, arms and so on, tensing and then relaxing each muscle group.
  • Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures with breathing and meditation. Some yoga poses, such as downward dog and child’s pose, can relieve tension and reduce pain in the back and neck.
  • Other home practices: Exercise has a host of health benefits, and one of these is the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Hot and cold therapy can be as simple as taking a warm bath or shower to relax sore muscles, while an ice pack can reduce swelling and numb pain.

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  In conclusion

  It is important to note that pain management strategies will vary depending on the type and severity of the pain, as well as each individual’s overall health and medical history. A healthcare professional should always be consulted before beginning any pain management regimen.

  
  

  If this blog has got you interested in starting your wellness journey call our wellness advisors at 020 7843 3597 or enquire here.