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Pain. We all hate it. We not only try to avoid pain, but go to great lengths to eliminate it.
And the expense can be significant. Long-acting narcotics may cost over $500 monthly, not to mention they run the risk of addiction. Physical therapy is easily $100 per session. Doctor visits also add to the cost of treatment.
Ideally, pain is our friend, alerting us to a malfunction in our bodies. If we pay close attention to our pain, we may find our body is trying to tell us something.
Pain isn’t merely a physical problem. It is shaded by our emotions, energy level, and degree of happiness. If the underlying problem causing pain cannot be remedied, controlling secondary factors may help you deal with your pain.
Here are 5 inexpensive tips to decrease your level of pain:
1. Get enough rest. Pain is often a cumulative thing. If you can nip it in the bud, your body can reset to a lower level of discomfort. Sometimes this means taking a nap. Nighttime rest helps the body recover from the stress of life and gravity, but afternoon naps also give the body a boost in several ways. They help muscles relax, and temporarily relieve the pressure on joints and body parts that are subject to the compressive effects of gravity. A nap can refresh the mind, allowing a person to tackle a job with renewed energy. Also, as the body is falling asleep, chemicals are released (endorphins and others) that are natural pain killers and muscle relaxants. You do not have to sleep long for this to occur – 20 minutes will do – but it does require falling into at least a light sleep.
2. Do things that make you happy. Listen to music, watch your favorite comedian, spend time with your family and friends, work on your favorite hobby. The brain can override pain signals when it is otherwise engaged, particularly in happy activities. If at all possible, start your day with something you love doing, and insert tidbits of joy throughout the day. A cheerful heart is a good medicine, as it says in the Proverbs.
3. Use wraps and supports. Pain medication is not the only answer to swollen limbs, bad backs, and aching joints. As I said, pain is our friend. It tells us that our body requires maintenance or TLC. Sometimes taking pain medicine hides the problem, like a fresh coat of paint over a mildew-stained basement. In fact, pain medication may disguise a problem, allowing you to be more active that your body can tolerate, resulting in additional damage. It can be a fine line, however, knowing how active to be – a good question to discuss with your doctor. However, little if any harm will result from using splints, ACE wraps, compression hose, or back supports that relieve part of the exertion-related strain on an injured body part.
4. Be careful how you sleep. A pillow under the knees can relieve lumbar strain for a back-sleeper. A flatter pillow can relieve neck strain for a stomach-sleeper. A pillow between the knees can decrease pain related to the knees, hips, or lower back. A carpal tunnel splint can keep your wrist in an anatomical position so you don’t awaken with a painful hand.
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5. Find a comfortable exercise. For many people with back problems or arthritis, swimming is the best answer. For others, walking 20 minutes a day helps maintain sufficient limberness to decrease joint pain. Some amount of exercise helps nearly every physical problem, however too much can worsen the condition. It’s really up to the patient to determine what is best, although your doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist can offer you guidance and advice. Get to know your body, your tolerances and limits, and stop short of what causes pain.
How much could this advice save America?
Potential savings if only 10,000 patients save $500: $5,000,000 (surely an underestimate).
© Cynthia J Koelker, MD – All rights reserved
Related articles
- Chronic Pain: OTC or Prescription Medicine? (webmd.com)
- Keep Your Joints Healthy Every Day (webmd.com)
