Pain Can Impact Mobility: Here’s a Few Tips to Help

Chronic pain is not uncommon, in fact, around 50 million Americans cope with chronic pain daily. Did you know that chronic pain can impact and compromise mobility? So, what can be done? There are some tips and suggestions that can help lessen and alleviate chronic pain symptoms so that you can improve your quality of overall life. Talk to a healthcare professional to find out more. 

It is estimated that around 50 million Americans live with Chronic pain, often a symptom of an underlying medical condition like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Pain awareness month in September brings attention to chronic pain and the preservation of well-being daily. Help raise awareness surrounding chronic pain, pain management, and the droves of pain professionals providing healing comfort to their patients. For chronic pain accompanied with mobility limitations, talk to a qualified mobility aid professional to learn more about mobility aids, today. 

Here are a few tips for those with chronic pain that impacts their mobility: 

Physical Exercise 

Physical activity is key for maintaining muscle and joint flexibility. Furthermore, this can alleviate symptoms and severity of chronic pain, alleviating some of your discomfort. Have you ever heard the expression if you don’t use it, you will lose it? This is best known as Disuse syndrome which is a medical condition that comes from a lack of physical activity overall. Your muscles will shrink and stiffen up! Try low-impact activities like yoga or swimming for instance; the key takeaway is to keep moving to maintain mobility. 

Stress Management 

The next tip for maintaining mobility amid chronic pain conditions is to effectively manage your stress. Stress makes symptoms worse, causing inflammation that typically exacerbates chronic pain. Take time to find ways that lower stress in everyday life, like meditation, prayer, exercise, in talk therapy.  

Some other ways that may lower stress in your life include these suggestions: 

• Brisk walking for 20+ minutes 
• Spending time with pets or animals 
• Art, music, and dance 
• Grounding techniques 
• Deep breathing and progressive relaxation techniques 
• A hot shower or bath 
• A good night’s rest 

Not sure how to manage your chronic pain symptoms? Try tips and ideas to find the ones that work best for you. Talk to your provider or practitioner to learn more. 

Healthy Habits 

Adopt healthy habits that keep you at your best. This includes a diet rich in nutrients that maintain a healthy immune system. This is your best bet for fending off chronic illness and pain. Talk to a dietitian or nutritionist about meal preparations that keep healthy foods and snacks on the ready. Plus, you will have something available with little work when your pain is at its worst. 

Additionally, sleep is imperative to overall health and holistic wellness. How was your sleep routine? Keep a bedroom that is conducive to sleep; that is, reserve this space for rest only. Don’t try to work, watch TV, or eat your meals in your bedroom. Also, if you struggle with a good night’s rest, watch your caffeine intake after 5:00 PM. Experts suggest no snacking after dinner so your digestive system can take a break at bedtime, too. 

Alternative Treatments 

There are some holistic treatment options that may have efficacy when it comes to alleviating chronic pain symptoms. These may also reduce your need for medication, or perhaps the frequency of when you need medication. Some alternative treatments to consider include these: 

• Chiropractic care 
• Massage  
• Hypnotherapy 
• Acupuncture 
• Reiki therapy 
• Electrotherapy 
• Cupping 
• Magnetic therapy  

As always, before embarking on a new or alternative treatment regimen, talk to your doctor or provider first. Make sure that you are not at risk of interaction or side effects from alternative treatments by discussing such protocols with your doctor. 

Solidarity and Support 

It is estimated that around 50 million Americans live with chronic pain symptoms, which could be a sign of a serious underlying health problem. The Centers for Disease Control report numbers that equate to a health crisis when it comes to chronic pain. At times it may help to know that others live with the same symptoms and that support is available. Find solidarity from others with similar experiences and take their suggestions for effective coping strategies. 

Support groups may also offer an outlet and venue to share information and strategies when it comes to pain management. 

Professional Help 

There is no question that chronic pain symptoms can be debilitating, deteriorating quality of life over time. Learning how to manage symptoms is key in coping with chronic pain. Speak with your doctor to determine if chronic pain is a symptom of a serious underlying health problem. Schedule an appointment and assessment with your practitioner.  

Pain does impact mobility. Don’t let a medical condition compromise your quality of life; talk to the professionals about mobility aids from Pacific Mobility, today.