Bad Habits to Avoid When Coping with Pain

Bad Habits to Avoid When Coping with Pain

Published: September 25, 2019

Bad Habits to Avoid When Coping with Pain

Living with chronic pain is never easy. According to the CDC, approximately 50 million Americans live with some form of chronic pain, and 20 million of these chronic pain sufferers have “high impact” pain that frequently limits work or life activities. If you’re among these Americans whose chronic pain is often debilitating, you’ve likely tried many different coping mechanisms to try to limit your symptoms. However, some strategies for dealing with chronic pain are safer and healthier than others. If you’re looking for healthy ways to manage your chronic pain, our pain management doctors in San Antonio are here to help. Read on to learn about bad habits to avoid when coping with pain, as well as effective strategies for finding pain relief.

Bad Habits

Whether your chronic pain is caused by herniated discs, sciatica, arthritis pain, back pain or knee pain, there are some habits that should be avoided. Bad habits to avoid when coping with pain include:

1. Self-Medicating with Food or Substances

Living with chronic pain takes an emotional—as well as physical—toll. That’s why many chronic pain sufferers will turn to food, alcohol, or other substances to find comfort (or temporary pain relief). But aside from the health risks, self-medicating is a bad coping mechanism because it does not address the underlying problem. To make matters worse, medicating with junk food or alcohol introduces toxins into the body that can exacerbate pain symptoms.

2. Smoking

Did you know that there is a proven link between lower back pain and smoking? Studies have shown that smokers have an increased risk of chronic back pain, so cutting your nicotine habit may actually help your chronic pain.

3. Avoiding Exercise

It’s understandable that chronic pain sufferers may want to avoid the gym—sometimes, it’s crucial to rest. But too much rest can actually worsen chronic pain. Sedentary lifestyles may lead to muscle stiffness and cause fatigue. According to our Texas pain specialists, the right exercise regimen can help you reduce inflammation and help your joints remain flexible.

Building Better Habits

Instead of coping in unhealthy ways, our pain management doctors recommend the following strategies for coping with chronic pain:

1. Try Your Favorite Physical Activity

Even if high-intensity workouts aren’t an option, finding ways to stay as active as possible can greatly reduce chronic pain symptoms for many patients. Endorphins released during exercise can actually block pain signals in the brain, while simultaneously boosting your mood. Ask a doctor to help you find the appropriate exercise regimen for you before hitting the gym.

2. Join a Support Group

It’s important to deal with the emotional toll of chronic pain. Talking to other chronic pain sufferers can help you feel less alone.

3. Reduce your Stress Level

Negative emotions can actually increase the body’s sensitivity to pain. And researchers have found a strong link between traumatic life events and chronic pain. Reducing stressors can go a long way in helping manage your chronic pain. Meditation, therapy, and relaxation exercises may help you ease your symptoms.

Struggling to Find Pain Relief? We Can Help

If you’ve tried all of the above tips and nothing has really worked, Dr. Raul Martinez is here to help. We offer all patients a personalized treatment plan based on their unique conditions and symptoms, utilizing the most up-to-date treatment options. Our clinicians specialize in both surgical and non-surgical treatments, and will tailor your treatment to your needs.

To schedule an appointment at our San Antonio pain clinic, fill out our patient forms, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Don’t wait—let Dr. Raul Martinez and his team of experts help you get your life back on track.

 

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Published: September 25, 2019

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