When someone has been in an accident, they usually expect to have some pain while they are recovering, and then assume they will feel “back to normal” after a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury.
However, pain from injuries often lingers longer than that. And chronic pain can have a severe effect on your overall well-being, mental health and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you cope with chronic pain.
Keep a Journal
Rate the pain you are in every day, take notes about your activities, your diet and how you are feeling emotionally. All of this will help you and your doctor determine the right actions to reduce your pain and improve how you feel.
Eat Healthy Foods
As in any recovery, eating healthy will help your body heal faster and help you feel better during that time. Base your diet on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid smoking and alcohol because although these may help temporarily, they will ultimately make your pain worse.
Learn Deep Breathing Techniques
Learn deep breathing techniques. These have been shown to help patients deal with chronic pain. You can breathe deeply during a massage or meditation session or take a gentle yoga class that includes deep breathing for even greater benefits. These techniques can also help you feel less stressed, which in turn offers pain relief.
Exercise
Even a simple walk can make you feel better when you are dealing with pain. Our bodies are designed to move, so gentle exercise such as walking, swimming and yoga will make you feel better overall as well.
Find a Support Group
Finally, check out a support group for people dealing with chronic pain. You may feel alone during this time, as if no one else truly understands what you are going through. A support group can help you deal with your feelings by talking to other people who are actually experiencing the same things you are. You may find additional helpful tips, as well as vital emotional support.