Needless to say, we’re in unprecedented times in America and across the globe in terms of how we’re reacting to the COVID-19 outbreak. COVID-19, also termed the coronavirus, is a virus that spreading like wildfire and can have significant health impacts on anyone who comes down the the virus.

Specifically, older individuals and those with immunodeficiency disorders are at the highest risk of severe complications from the virus, and in our experience, individuals with chronic pain tend to be more likely to have an immunodeficiency disorder than the general population.

Now more than ever, we need to be diligent in how we manage our chronic pain. Even if you don’t have an immunodeficiency disorder and consider yourself young and healthy outside of your chronic pain, you need to make some conscious changes to how you manage your chronic pain in the coming days and weeks. We share some tips and situation updates below.

Managing Chronic Pain During The Coronavirus Outbreak

As we’ve stated on the blog in the past, exercise is one of the best things you can do to help manage your chronic pain condition. Exercise helps to strengthen key muscle groups and releases endorphins that can help mask some pain signals. However, gyms are closing because of the virus, so you may need to find a new way to work out. Going for a walk or a run is still fine so long as you avoid group running, and we encourage chronic pain patients to look for ways to stay active inside their home. Dust off that old exercise equipment, or do some home-based exercise routines like yoga or balance board training. Find ways to stay active without going to the gym.

If you need to have a consultation with a physician, whether it’s for a new sickness or because of your current chronic pain situation, you can take solace in knowing that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is making it easier for physicians to connect with patients through telemedicine. As long as the provider is acting in good faith, they can consult with patients over electronic means like Skype, Google Hangout and Facetime. Doctors can even do this across state borders, an action that was announced during a White House press briefing this morning. We’re still sifting through all these changes, but know that we’re working as diligently as we can to make it easier for patients to connect with physicians while still following smart social distancing guidelines.

Lastly, remember to take some time to focus on your mental health during these trying times. Your mental health plays a significant role in how your physical condition responds to treatment, so you need to take care of your physical and mental health. This may be easier said than done, but find ways to give yourself a mental break and to safely alleviate stress. Call friends and family members, organize a game night with your family, or dive into a book series you’ve been meaning to read. Taking your mind off other stressors can help with your physical condition, so keep that in mind over the next few weeks.

We’ll get through this together. If you need anything during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office for answers or information.