Managing Chronic Pains

Frustrations might rise because of dependence on medications for chronic pains, it could be due to work day stress, pain, illness, lack of regular exercise and the likes. I once had a friend who attended her children’s sport event in school and volunteered to participate in parents’ sport session activity for the fun of it, as well as to make the kids proud. Yeah! She participated, but you wouldn’t believe what happened after that. Minutes later, my lady friend couldn’t walk properly anymore. She complained of chronic pains all over her body, particularly on her laps and joints. She couldn’t understand why, until I asked her what her engagement for the day had been, and she quickly recollected the sporting activity she had participated in; which she admitting she hadn’t done in years. Well, she is on the slim side, and probably explains why she doesn’t exercise. But here is the thing, whether it is pain resulting from lack of exercise over a period of time, or accumulated pains from stress, fill in the gaps, chronic pains results from many activities we engage in or we have neglected to engage in for a while for some reasons.

Whatever the issue is, chronic pains mostly occurs when our muscles are weak or have been stretched, I like to say chronic pains should be taken care of in the following natural ways and not restricted painkillers. Here are some of the natural ways you can relieve and manage chronic pains:

Self-Massage: Massage may be helpful in reducing tension and pain. It improves blood flow and encourages relaxation. This is one of the best ways to effectively manage chronic pains. There’s a release of serotonin which is the body’s natural production of anti-pain chemicals when you massage. Most people pay to be massaged by massage therapists just to relax and relieve stress and throbbing muscle pains. Additionally, factor in pain syndromes can be a lack of sleep. Massage is very effective at increasing deep sleep. Have your spouse or friend massage you thoroughly if you can’t afford the luxury of a massage therapist. Massage increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the aching area, and suppresses pain signals being sent to your brain.

Heat & Cold Therapy: Heat and cold water therapy can help reduce pains. Having your bath with a cold bath works well for cramped muscles. Heat is best for chronic pain. Heat increases blood supply. It eliminates toxins. It also relaxes soreness and stiffness. Moist heat is best for any water therapy. Treating chronic pain with heat includes heating pads, heating wraps, steaming, hot and cold water showers.

Loosen up: Almost everyone can benefit from this. Stretching the soft tissues (the muscles, ligaments, and tendons) in and around the spine is like apply the first aid method before even a massage or other therapies. Stretch out those affected areas of your body, for a spontaneous kind of relief; emphasis on; stretch until your muscles make a jagged sound.

Eat foods rich in resveratrol: Research has shown that foods also help to relieve stress. Nutrients in these foods help to block the enzyme that is responsible for tissue degeneration. Fruits and foods such as red grapes, cherries, watermelon, pineapple, soy products, herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric, chili pepper, fish and even coffee help to suit pains.

Restful Sleep: Sleep deprivation makes most people more sensitive to pain and stress. Good sleep is therefore critical for reducing chronic pain and improving energy levels as part of relaxation strategies.

Exercise: Regular exercise has proven to be one of the best treatments for fibromyalgia which is mostly caused by lack of sleep. Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition characterized by muscular or musculoskeletal pain with stiffness and localized tenderness at specific points on the body.    Even though exercise can make you feel worse short-term, the lack of it can make your symptoms more severe in the long term. Gentle and low-impact exercises are usually advisable for beginners to improve joint and muscle flexibility, strength and balance.

Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency is common with fibromyalgia. Some studies have found that magnesium supplements can help with pain caused by conditions like migraines, muscle spasms, and fibromyalgia. Magnesium helps relax muscles and eliminate spasms. Rosemary also helps to relieve stress. Rosemary is a member of the mint family. It has been used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory and boost the immune and circulatory system since ancient times. You can add Rosemary to dishes like; salads, soups, baked vegetables, and meat dishes or even tea.