Everyone has aches and pains sometimes but chronic pain is one that never goes away. Living with chronic pain is not only physically exhausting; it can be emotionally draining too. If not addressed properly, chronic pain can make you miss out on life.
Here at Sports Medicine And Joint Replacement Specialists, we want you to make a plan to treat your chronic pain properly and start this year on the right footing. That's why we've listed ten 2023 resolutions to help you take control of your chronic pain this year.
1. Focus On Self Care
First and foremost, you need to ensure that you are taking care of yourself. This could involve things like regular exercise, proper nutrition, restful sleep, and relaxation activities such as yoga or meditation. The better you care for your physical and mental health, the better your body will be able to manage the pain.
2. Set Realistic Goals
When setting any goal, it's important to choose one that is realistic. Instead of expecting everything in your routine to change overnight, set small goals that you can tackle bit by bit. For instance, if your goal is to become more active, start by taking short walks or doing some light stretching for a couple of weeks before deciding to walk a mile on your first try.
3. Be Open To Different Treatments
Everyone's body is different, so the same treatment may not work for everyone. Don't get frustrated if something isn't working; instead, be open to trying new things until you find the one that works best for you. Your doctor at SMJRS will be able to help you narrow down your options and find what best suits your condition.
4. Build A Support System
Chronic pain can be a very isolating experience, but you don't have to go through it alone. Make sure to build a support system of family and friends who understand what you're going through and can provide emotional and practical help when needed. You might also consider joining support groups for those struggling with chronic pain, either online or in person, if possible. This will help you feel less alone in your struggles and give you moral support when needed most.
5. Make Lifestyle Adjustments
You may need to make adjustments in your lifestyle to better handle chronic pain, such as avoiding certain activities or adjusting how you do them. For example, if your job requires a lot of manual labor, you may want to discuss with your employer some ways to reduce the strain on your body at work.
6. Learn To Manage Stress
Stress can be a major factor in chronic pain, so it's important to learn how to manage and reduce it effectively. You may find that relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing help alleviate some of your stress and make it easier to manage. If managing stress on your own does not provide relief, you may want to reach out to a mental health professional to assess your treatment options.
7. Stay Active
Exercising regularly (within reason) helps keep muscles strong and flexible. Not only does it improve your physical health, but it improves your quality of life through increased energy levels and mood boosts. This year, try out various forms of physical activity such as low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming or biking.
8. Take Breaks
While it is important to stay on top of your condition, make sure not to overdo it each day. Set aside periods where you take some time off from doing anything related to managing your symptoms such as conducting research or performing joint exercises. Allow yourself moments throughout each week where there isn’t any pressure put on yourself mentally or physically, so you can ensure that you’re taking care of yourself.
9. Stay Organized
Keep detailed records, including all medical appointments made throughout the year, so that there is no confusion when it comes time for follow-up visits, etc. By making sure you attend each appointment, taking prescribed medications, and documenting any changes in your condition, you can ensure that you have an accurate timeline of your health progress.
10. Listen To Your Body
It's important to listen to your body when it comes to managing chronic pain. Pay attention to what triggers flare-ups, be aware of how certain activities affect you and experiment with different solutions to find what feels best for you.
11. Seek Professional Help
If your symptoms persist or worsen despite taking the proper steps, it's time to seek professional help. Consult your healthcare provider at SMJRS and ask about available treatment options such as medications, therapy, and surgery. They can provide a tailored approach to help you better manage your chronic pain.
By making small changes, establishing a support system, managing stress, and staying organized, those struggling with chronic pain can work towards finding relief. The road to managing chronic pain can be a long one, but with the right combination of lifestyle changes and support from SMJRS, it is possible to find relief.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating chronic pain. At Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, our compassionate physicians will create an action plan for your conditions that is unique to your needs. With a variety of treatments, therapies, and procedures, our experts are here to help you find relief and get back to living life with increased comfort and mobility.
Our Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists specialize in a wide range of services, including PRP injections, bunion correction surgery, physical therapy, and much more. Schedule an appointment online with us today and get back to the things you love!
