4 Tips to Help Prevent Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects many Americans, and it can result in restricted mobility, opioid dependency, anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life. It is estimated to cost billions annually in lost work days and medical expenses.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help prevent chronic pain.
1. Educate yourself
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that understanding how pain works is a key strategy in managing it. Simply knowing the basics of how your brain and nerves work – and their role in causing pain – may decrease your chance of developing chronic symptoms.
2. Get moving
Living an active, healthy lifestyle not only improves our general well-being and health, but it can also reduce our chances of developing chronic pain. Prolonged inactivity can result in loss of muscle strength and endurance, osteoporosis and decreased cardiovascular function.
Our body was built to move, and while exercise can cause its own kind of pain, it’s important to understand that not all aches or soreness are a cause for concern. If you’re not used to exercising, start simple and take a brisk, 10-minute walk. Moderate aerobic exercise can help produce an immediate post-exercise reduction in pain.
3. See a physical therapist early
If you experience an injury or the sudden onset of pain, seeing a physical therapist early on can help to address and manage your symptoms – and reduce your chances of developing chronic symptoms.
Physical therapists are movement experts who help you to regain your quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on treatment and education. Your therapist will instruct you in proper posture and exercise form while monitoring how well you do with each new exercise.
4. Focus on mental health
Your chances of developing chronic pain also may be higher if you are experiencing depression or anxiety. And certain events may trigger a change in your mental health, such as feeling low after getting an injury or having a surgical procedure.
As with exercise, you can start simple – and exercise can be a part of your efforts to boost your mood. Try increasing your social network by joining a walking or other exercise group or even adopt a pet to encourage you to be more active. You can also look at other social activities such as game nights.
Always talk to your medical provider if you have concerns about your mental health.