Dealing with chronic pain can be tough. Chronic pain is when you hurt for a long time, often three months or more. Many people have chronic pain. Chronic pain can change how you think, feel and act and is responsible for lowering your quality of life.
It’s important to handle chronic pain the right way. If not, it can make the pain worse or bring on other health problems. Unfortiunatgely, many people often make common mistakes that ends up having the opposite effect of what they intended. In this article, we will go over some mistakes you should avoid if you want to manage your chronic pain better.
1 – Over reliance on medication
Medication plays a big part in dealing with chronic pain. Doctors often prescribe medicine to help take the edge off the pain and help you get through your day with less discomfort.
Some people make the mistake of thinking that taking more medicine will get rid of their pain completely. This can lead to problems.
One big problem is addiction. Some pain medicines are very strong and can make your body depend on them if taken too often. Another issue is tolerance. If you take some medicines a lot, your body gets used to them. Then, you might need to take more and more of the medicine to get the same relief.
There are other ways to manage chronic pain that can be safer. One of these is using medical cannabis. In some places, you can get medical cannabis from a dispensary such as NYC BUD Long Island City, NY. Since marijuana is not addictive, it is a nice alternative to opioids for pain.
2 – Lack of regular exercise
Exercise and physical activity are crucial when dealing with chronic pain. Some people think that because they’re in pain, they should avoid moving too much. But this isn’t always the best choice.
When you don’t move, your body can get weak. This can actually make your pain worse. Also, sitting or lying down for too long can make your body stiff and sore.
Exercise, on the other hand, can help in many ways. It can make your body stronger and more flexible. It can also boost your mood and help you sleep better.
Before starting any new exercise, always talk to your doctor or a physical therapist. They can help you find safe and effective exercises that match your ability and comfort level.
3 – Neglecting mental health
Dealing with chronic pain isn’t just about the body. It’s also about the mind. When you’re in pain all the time, it can make you feel sad, worried, or stressed. So, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
If you’re feeling sad or worried a lot, it’s important to talk to someone about it. This could be a trusted friend, family member, or a professional like a psychologist or counselor. They can listen to you and help you find ways to feel better.