Chronic pain can make any day a pain, but some days are just worse than others. Halloween is one of those days that many people with chronic pain want to avoid, but with a little foresight and planning, you can not only survive, but thrive this Halloween if you have chronic pain.
Below, we share some tips for having a fun Halloween night even if you’re burdened by chronic pain.
Halloween and Chronic Pain
We want to help you plan for any occasion, so whether you’re planning on handing out candy, Trick or Treating around the neighborhood with your kids or hitting up a friend’s Halloween party, we’ve got some helpful tips for you.
1. Comfort if Key – Regardless of what you plan on doing tonight, make sure you are comfortable. Having poor posture or being in an uncomfortable costume can be a recipe for a chronic pain flareup. Set up a table and chair on your porch to hand out candy so you’re not always moving and opening your door to get to Trick or Treaters. When it comes to making your costume, prioritize comfort over style. You’re not going to be much fun in your costume if it contributes to your chronic pain condition.
2. Stay Warm – It’s going to be pretty cold here in Minnesota on Halloween, so dress appropriately. If you’re not dressed for the weather, blood vessels can constrict and affect healthy blood flow throughout your body, which can contribute to a pain flareup. Check the whether, plan for the cold and stay warm if you’re going to be outdoors to help avoid a painful flareup.
3. Candy Consumption – If your child comes home with a pillowcase full of candy, or the party you’re at has mounds of chocolate, practice some self-control and limit your sugar intake. Over-consumption of sugar can lead to the onset of inflammation in your joints and spine, leading to painful movements and compressed structures. A Kit Kat here or there isn’t going to kill you, but don’t just mindlessly work your way through your leftover candy while you watch a movie on the couch, or you may have some aches in the near future.
4. Know Your Limits – Another reason why chronic pain patients have bad days is because they overdid it the night before. Don’t stay out until all hours of the night or walk miles around the neighborhood, because the lack of sleep and all that walking will affect your total body health. Don’t be afraid to say “no” on Halloween, and try not to deviate too much from your normal routine. Otherwise you may be hurting later in the evening or when you wake up in the morning.
If you can follow these tips, we’re confident you’ll thrive this Halloween. And for help with your chronic pain condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office!