Music Can Help Ease Chronic Pain, So Long As We Can Pick The Song

August 17, 2022 / Thomas Cohn, MD

As we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, previous studies have found that the arts can help certain patients better manage their chronic pain condition. Recently, a group of researchers took things one step further when the tested how music could impact someone’s perception of pain. They found that music can help to drown out pain signals, especially when the listener believed they had control over what song they were listening to.

Music And Pain Management

To improve our understanding of how pain levels can being affected by music, researchers asked 286 adults experiencing real-world chronic pain to rate their pain both before and after listening to a music track. The music was specially designed in two different versions with varying complexities, and participants were randomly assigned to hear either the low- or high-complexity versions. Some participants were also randomly selected to be given the impression that they had control over the music qualities in the song, although the same version was played regardless of their selection.

After tracking reported pain levels before and after listening to the musical track, researchers found that participants who felt that they had control over the music experienced greater relief in the intensity of their pain compared to participants who were not given such an impression. Moreover, participants who stated that they actively engage with music in their everyday life experienced even greater pain-relief benefits from having a perceived sense of control over the song they heard. No connection between music complexity and pain relief was found.

The findings suggest that the ability to control what we listen to – or at least the appearance of such control – is important for optimizing music’s pain-reveling potential.

“Now we know that the act of choosing music is an important part of the wellbeing benefits that we see from music listening,” the study authors concluded. “It’s likely that people listen more closely, or more carefully when they choose the music themselves.”

So while it’s unlikely that your pain specialist will prescribe a healthy dose of time with your iPod at your next appointment, there does seem to be some merit to helping to drown out pain sensations by connecting with music of your choice. Consider pairing other active pain management treatments like physical therapy or exercise with some of your favorite songs, and you may notice an even bigger reduction in your pain perception.

And as always, if you want help with a new or ongoing pain problem, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.

Will I Ever Celebrate Independence From Chronic Pain?

June 29, 2022 / Thomas Cohn, MD

Independence Day is right around the corner, and the holiday got us thinking about the notion that everyone hopes to eventually become independent from their chronic pain condition. But how can we break free from our chronic pain condition and find that independence? In today’s blog, we share some some tips for becoming independent of your chronic pain condition.

Chronic pain conditions are highly unique to the individual, so there’s no one-size-fits-all path to break free from chronic pain. That said, many people who have been able to overcome their chronic pain condition have been able to do so by following some similar techniques. Here’s a look at some helpful ways to work towards independence from your chronic pain condition.

Be Active – We know it’s easier said than done to say “be active” when pain can make movement uncomfortable, but movement is crucial for your total body health. Activity gets your heart pumping, which pushes healthy blood throughout your body, ensuring that structures get the nutrients and oxygen they need to thrive. Exercise and activity has also been shown to release endorphins in the brain that can act as natural pain relievers.

Tweak Your Diet – There’s no magical diet that can cure your of your chronic pain, but if you are smart about what you put in your body, your diet can play a positive role in chronic pain relief. High fiber vegetables, fatty fish and vitamin-packed fruits can all help your body get the nutrients it needs to thrive. On the flip side, foods that are high in fat or carbohydrates can contribute to inflammation onset, which can make joint movement more uncomfortable. Strive to improve your diet or create a food journal so that you can get a better idea of what’s working and what’s not when it comes to your diet.

Work With A Specialist – Don’t try to overcome a chronic pain condition on your own, because it can be extremely daunting. Instead, connect with a specialist who can help develop an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs. Knowing you have an ally in your corner can go a long way in helping your mental health, which is imperative for overcoming chronic pain, because pain conditions aren’t just a physical issue. Let a professional help guide you to independence from chronic pain.

Stay Hydrated – Your joints and muscles work optimally when they are appropriately hydrated, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help your body function and reduce instances of chronic pain. Being appropriately hydrated improves your circulation and makes it easier on your heart to effectively pump this blood throughout your body. Being hydrated won’t solve your chronic pain by itself, but it can make it easier for your muscles to move effectively during exercise.

We hope you have a wonderful 4th of July, and if you want help becoming independent from your chronic pain condition, consider syncing up with Dr. Cohn and his team. For more information, or for help with your chronic pain issue, give Dr. Cohn’s office a call today at (952) 738-4580.

Five Additional Issues Caused By Unmanaged Chronic Pain

May 20, 2022 / Thomas Cohn, MD

Chronic pain isn’t an easy condition to control, and sometimes that can lead patients to become frusterated with how treatment is progressing. It can even lead them to give up on treating their condition entirely if they resolve to just grit their teeth and bear it during the bad days.

This isn’t ideal, because unaddressed chronic pain can cause a number of different issues for your health outside of pain. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at five additional health issues that can be caused by unmanaged chronic pain.

Health Issues Related To Chronic Pain

Here’s a look at a number of new health issues you may find yourself dealing with if you don’t work to actively manage your chronic pain condition.

1. High Blood Pressure – Unmanaged chronic pain places a heavy burden on your body, including your heart and your cardiovascular system. During a pain flare up, your body releases substances that increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Prolonged elevated blood pressure can put you at a higher risk for stroke or a heart attack.

2. Decreased Sleep Quality – Chronic pain can make it harder for a person to fall asleep and stay asleep, which can lead to shorter periods of extended restful sleep. This prolonged sleep is necessary for your whole body health, wheras poor sleep quality can leave your feeling tired and groggy throughout the day.

3. Depression and Anxiety – Chronic pain can also take a signfiicant toll on your mental health. Pain is a heavy burden to bear, and it can also affect the same pathways in the brain that regulate your mood. This can increase your risk of anxiety, depression, mood swings and similar mental health conditions.

4. Weight Gain – When you’re in pain, oftentimes all you want to do is curl up in bed and wait for the discomfort to dissapate. While that can be helpful once in a while, regularly avoiding activity and becoming more sedentary can lead to weight gain, which stresses other areas of the body like your joints. Not getting exercise because you’re in pain can lead you to become more inactive, leading to an increased risk of weight gain and making it harder for you to break out of the cycle you’re now caught in.

5. Decreased Quality of Life – While not exactly a health condition, untreated chronic pain can also negatively affect your total quality of life. You may find yourself shying away from activities you once loved or avoiding social situations out of fear of a flare up. That’s no way to go through life, but it’s a reality for many people who deal with pain on a daily basis.

Chronic pain is enough of a hassle without all the other issues that can develop as a result of untreated chronic pain, so it’s imperative that you really work to find a solution to your pain issue. That’s what Dr. Cohn and his team are here for. We won’t stop until we find a solution that works for you and has you back on the path to a fuller and more enjoyable life. For more information, or to take the first step in overcoming your pain condition, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office today at (952) 738-4580.

Tips For Remaining Active While Dealing With Pain

April 8, 2022 / Thomas Cohn, MD

If chronic pain or an injury is making movement painful, you may just want to curl up in bed and rest for an extended period. Rest is fine in the immediate aftermath of an injury, but after 24-48 hours, or if you’re dealing with a chronic condition, movement and activity will be more beneficial for your body than inactivity. But how can you make it easier to get active when pain and discomfort has you wanting to sit or lie down? Here are some tips for making it easier to remain active when you’re in pain.

Remaining Active When In Discomfort

Here are some tips for making it easier to get your exercise each day if you’re dealing with an injury or a chronic pain condition.

1. Get Outside – The weather is starting to get nicer in Minnesota, so head outside and take in some nature with your exercise. Go for a scenic walk down by the Mississippi River, or bike around one of the thousands of lakes here in Minnesota. It will feel less like exercise if you’re out in nature and taking in some of Minnesota’s natural beauty.

2. Find A Friend – You may also find it easier to get moving if you have a friend or family member help hold you accountable. Catch up with a friend or walk with a co-worker on your lunch break. Talking with a friend while you walk can help take your mind off your exercise and your discomfort. You’re also more likely to follow through with exercise if someone else is expecting you to show up.

3. Low Impact – If you’re in pain, don’t try to go through an extreme workout. Light exercise will get your heart pumping, strengthen key muscle groups and help you maintain an ideal weight. You don’t have to push yourself too hard, because that can lead to a setback if you’re not careful. Stick with low impact exercises that you don’t dread doing.

4. Swim – Swimming is a great low impact exercise that is perfect for people dealing with a pain condition. Water offers natural resistance, so performing simple movements in water will build muscle mass and help to increase your flexibility. Whether you’re swimming or performing an aerobic routine, jumping in the pool can be an easy way to stay active if you have a chronic pain condition.

5. Entertain Yourself – If you would rather perform your exercises from the comfort of your home, find some ways to entertain yourself while you’re exercising to help take your mind off the activity. Watch an episode of your favorite television show while your’e on the elliptical, listen to a podcast while you’re walking on the treadmill, or listen to a chapter from your favorite audiobook while you perform a 15-minute workout in your living room. You’ll find that it’s easier to stay active if you find ways to stay entertained throughout the activity.

For more tips, or for help with your chronic pain condition, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office today.

Tips For Dealing With Chronic Pain Flareups

March 11, 2022 / Thomas Cohn, MD

Chronic pain comes in many different forms. For some people, pain is consistent and dull, while for others it is spontaneous and severe. When pain seems to come and go in waves, this is categorized as a “flareup” or “pain flare.” These pain flares are typically associated with inflammation of a joint or muscle, and it can lead to an intense burst of pain or discomfort. In today’s blog, we share some tips for dealing with and overcoming these chronic pain flareups.

Causes And Treatments Of Pain Flares

A chronic pain flareup can develop for a variety of reasons, with some being more intense than others. For example, we’re heard of patients who have flareups after intense physical exercise, while others can be triggered by much smaller actions like sneezing. Others will notice that their chronic pain flareup is the result of mental and emotional forces, like stress and anxiety. Figuring out your pain trigger is extremely important for being able to effectively manage your pain flareups. A pain management specialist can help to determine your triggers and the underlying cause of your chronic pain condition.

As we mentioned above, treating your chronic pain flareup revolves around identifying your underlying trigger, but there are also some common treatments for flares that may help provide some pain relief. Here’s a look at some of the most common treatments for pain flares.

Low-Impact Exercise – Low-impact exercise can be great for helping to control flareups. Exercise gets your heart pumping, which sends oxygenated blood throughout your body to areas that need it most, and exercise releases endorphins in your brain, which act as natural pain relievers.

Stay Healthy – A response from your immune system can also lead to a flareup, so many people find it helpful to work to avoid sicknesses. Most people try to do this regardless of whether or not they have a chronic pain condition, but it still stands as a reminder to wash your hands regularly and to get plenty of vitamins and minerals in your diet that can help with immunity.

Find Ways To Destress – Stress can be a trigger point, and a chronic pain condition can also be stressful, so it’s easier said than done to say “find ways to destress” in the midst of a flareup. That said, dive into some deep breathing exercises, find a quiet place in your house to lay down, practice yoga or take a walk around the block. Find little ways to manage stress when it bubbles up to help control a flareup before it worsens.

Use Ice Or Heat – Cold or hot therapy can also be very helpful in working to calm inflammation, increase blood flow and reducing the severity of a flareup before it starts or after it has begun. Try a warm compress or a cold shower and figure out what works best for your body.

Talk To Your Doctor – Finally, if you’re dealing with new or chronic pain flareups, bring them to the attention of your pain specialist. It could be related to your underlying pain issue, or it could have a completely independent trigger, but you’ll never know unless you connect with a specialist and get to the bottom of your issue. Once you know what’s causing your flareups, you’ll be able to come up with an individualized treatment plan.

For more information on how you can regain control over your chronic pain condition or pain flareups, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today.