Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and if you’re like a lot of people, you’re either preparing to travel to or host a Thanksgiving meal. This can be stressful in and of itself, but that only becomes amplified if you regularly deal with chronic pain. We’re not saying that we can make sure your Thanksgiving holiday goes perfectly, but if you follow these tips, we can help give you a better chance of avoiding a chronic pain flareup when you’re with family and friends.

Thanksgiving and Chronic Pain

Here are a number of tips to keep in mind if you want to help give yourself the best chance of avoiding a chronic pain flareup on Thanksgiving.

1. Get Plenty of Sleep – No, we don’t mean gorge on turkey and let the tryptophan do what it does best, we mean get plenty of sleep the night before. You’re going to have a busy Thursday, so let your body prepare for what’s ahead with a good night’s sleep. Head to bed early, get rid of the distractions like your phone or TV, and strive to get some quality sleep before the big day.

2. Travel Well – A long ride in the car can lead to chronic pain flareups, so be smart about how you travel. Check out this expanded post for more tips, but some tips to remember include stretching before you hit the road and when you make pit stops, staying on top of your medications and having good posture when you’re in the car!

3. Eat Right – This is easier said than done, but try to put some healthy options on your plate when it’s time for the meal, and avoid overeating, as this can lead to problems like acid reflux and GERD. We’re not saying you need to pass on they turkey and ham, but maybe skip that second helping of pecan pie. Fatty and sugary foods can lead to the onset of localized inflammation, which can compress nerves and trigger chronic pain.

4. Move – After the meal, you may feel inclined to sit on the couch and take a nap, but fight those urges and move around a bit. Whether that means helping with the dishes, helping hang Christmas lights or taking part in the annual family football game, movement will help push healthy blood around your body. Movement can also prevent muscles from being overstressed by being held in the same position for a long period of time.

5. Stay Ahead Of Your Pain – If you have reason to believe a flareup may be around the corner, be proactive with your over-the-counter or prescription medications. Take as directed, but you know the warning signs of a flareup, so consider taking an anti-inflammatory if you want to stay ahead of your pain.

6. Put You First – Finally, at the end of the day, it’s important to put yourself and your health first. Don’t overdo it, and don’t try to hide your pain, because it will rear its head. If you need to lay down for a few minutes, excuse yourself and prioritize your health. If you need a minute away form the chaos that is Thanksgiving, throw on your coat and go for a short walk. Put your health first today, because it can get hectic quick.

For help with all your pain needs, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office today.