As we get older, we start to notice that our bodies simply don’t feel the same as they did when we were younger. Instead of jumping out of bed like a spry chicken, we may be a little stiff, have a few dull aches or even notice some pain in new places. This discomfort may fade as we start to move more throughout the day, but what if that dull pain never goes away, or it becomes more intense? When pain becomes more regular, it’s known as chronic pain, and treating it is one of Dr. Cohn’s specialties.
When Pain Becomes Chronic
If you’ve noticed that aches and pains are becoming more frequent, there are a few things you’ll want to do to get back to a pain-free way of living. Here are some things you should do if you are dealing with constant or chronic pain.
1. Acknowledge It – Don’t try to keep pushing through each day as if this chronic condition is normal. Even though you’re getting older, it’s important to remember that chronic pain is never normal and is not just a part of the aging process. If you continue to do the same actions that led to its onset in the first place, symptoms are only going to get worse, which can also make treatment much harder.
2. Assess Your Daily Activities – Take a step back and consider how your lifestyle may be contributing to or working to relieve the pain. A healthy diet and regular exercise can oftentimes help to fight back against chronic pain, whereas a sedentary lifestyle and poor posture could be the direct cause of your chronic low back pain. Conduct a self-assessment of your daily activities and work to make some positive changes to see if that helps.
3. Talk To A Doctor – Whether it is your primary care physician or a pain management specialist like Dr. Cohn, you need to talk to a professional about your pain. When pain becomes chronic, you owe it to yourself to connect with a specialist who can provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and set you up with an individualized treatment plan. Oftentimes treatment is simpler than expected once you connect with someone with decades of experience helping others overcome similar conditions.
4. Get Regular Sleep – Sleep is essential for your body and your mind. A number of bodily functions reset and rest while you’re asleep, and it also helps you destress from the day. All of this is imperative for pain control. If you’re not getting good sleep, don’t be surprised if you pain worsens. Make your bedroom an environment that is conducive to restful and uninterrupted sleep.
5. Increase Your Activity – A final thing to do if you have chronic pain is to increase your daily activity. That may seem counter-intuitive, but activity will drive muscle development and stability in areas that may be causing your pain. You don’t need to run a marathon, but go for a 30-minute walk or find simple ways to move more each day. Your body thrives with movement, whereas muscles can atrophy if we don’t work to develop them. It won’t always be easy if you have chronic pain, but movement is typically very helpful for a variety of pain conditions.
Don’t let chronic pain become your new normal. For help overcoming your chronic pain condition, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today.