The habits of our day-to-day lives can make a significant impact on the amount of pain we experience. Habits that researchers believe can reduce aches and pains include the following, as featured in 2013 on WebMD:
Regular workouts
Exercise is well-recognized as a strategy for pain relief, for two reasons:
- It allows us to build up our muscles.
- It prompts the body to release endorphins, natural mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.
WebMD advises, “Ask your doctor if aerobic, strengthening, or stretching exercises can give your body the boost — and relief — it needs.”
Stress relief for pain relief
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by our daily tasks, causing our bodies to release the stress hormone cortisol. Techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and biofeedback can relieve feelings of anxiety and loosen our muscles, optimizing health and alleviating discomfort.
Cut out the drinking
Plentiful and uninterrupted sleep allows your body to be resilient in response to chronic pain. Alcohol is used by many adults with pain conditions so that they feel drowsier in the evenings and can drift off to sleep. However, as the body processes alcohol, sleep grows more restless, and REM sleep is diminished.
Kick cigarettes
Along the same lines as alcohol, smoking creates a vicious cycle: nicotine can provide short-term alleviation from discomfort and anxiety, but it exacerbates pain long-term. Additionally, smoking hurts our immune response, hampers blood flow, and amplifies the likelihood of spinal degeneration and LBP (low back pain). WebMD says to embrace cessation for its capacity to ease your body: “If you need an incentive to quit, pain relief just may be it. Ask your doctor about programs … to kick the habit.”
A conscientious diet
Whether you want to maintain excellent health, recover from an injury, or heal painful areas of your body, you want to flood your body with as much support as possible. Central to that effort should be a nutrient-rich diet. By reducing fat and sugar, you can stabilize your blood sugar, lose weight, minimize your susceptibility to cardiovascular disorders, and assist your digestive tract. Focus especially on fresh fruits and vegetables; low-fat meats and eggs; and whole carbohydrates such as brown rice. Generally keep your sugars and carbohydrates as low as possible.
Relationship study suggests importance of team
Changing our habits is not always easy, though.
A study from University College London, reported in LiveScience a couple weeks ago, has revealed that couples who quit negative habits together have more successful recoveries. In other words, science suggests that support and teamwork are critical to changing lifestyle patterns.
We can help. “Everyone is extremely kind and courteous,” wrote Brad Shaw in a Google Review of our practice. Meet our doctors now!
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/chronic-pain-11/slideshow-pain-tips