Almost everything is manageable nowadays. Even that lingering pain that stays with you all day or aching joints that have been troubling you for months? All you need is an optimistic outlook and a holistic approach towards your problems.
Seniors worldwide have successfully managed chronic pain with this approach. They made a few essential lifestyle changes and saw a noticeable improvement in their pain levels. Sure, reading about them for the first time may make you doubt their efficacy. You may even question their simplicity.
But that’s the beauty of these steps—they are simple yet highly effective for many seniors. You just need to be consistent with them, and soon enough you will regain control of your life.
WHAT IS CHRONIC PAIN?
Any pain that persists for more than 3 to 4 months is classified as chronic pain. Although it may begin due to an illness or injury, chronic pain often lingers even after the original issue has healed. Commonly chronic pain arises from conditions like arthritis, back pain, headache, migraines or post-surgery pain.
Its degree varies from mild to severe in different individuals. Even in terms of duration, it may be continuous or intermittent. And it is different from acute pain too. While acute pain is the human body’s natural response to injury and serves a protective function, chronic pain does no such thing.
Yet it impacts your overall quality of life.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO MANAGE CHRONIC PAIN
Pain doesn’t define you. Despite a problem, you can still be in charge and live an active and independent life. Here are a few steps to help you manage your pain in the easiest way possible.
- Practice gentle exercises and stay active
Remember that excess weight puts pressure on your joints, especially your lower back and knees. That’s why if you are suffering from any sort of chronic pain, then staying active is very important.
Regular movements help improve the body’s mobility, reduce stiffness and maintain a healthy body weight. The best way to stay active is through low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, stretching, or yoga. You can even try strength training exercises with light weights to support your joints.
Stretches in the mornings or evenings also ease stiffness in your body.
- Follow a pain-relieving diet
Diet plays a major role in easing chronic pain in your body. Ensure that you include anti-inflammatory foods like leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, ghee, ginger and turmeric. Also, include omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts in your diet.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drink 2-3 litres of water daily to keep your joints lubricated.
- Adopt a holistic approach with Ayurvedic home remedies
No alternate treatment can replace the good old medical treatment. However, when a non-medical therapy supplements a conventional treatment you get better results.
Ayurvedic massages done by professionals using herbal oils relax your muscles, while acupuncture helps ease joint pain. You can also try simple home remedies. Right remedies, like warm compresses for stiff joints and cold packs for inflammation, work wonders.
- Improve the quality of your sleep
Just like chronic pain affects your sleep quality, lack of proper rest increases your pain sensitivity. That’s why establishing a bedtime routine is vital.
To ease your muscles for night rest, take warm baths, meditate or do a little light reading. It is also advisable to use good orthopaedic pillows and mattresses for optimal body support. Try different sleep positions to find the most comfortable one.
- Invest in ergonomic support
The kind of items you use in daily life may impact your pain levels. Use the right ergonomic support to reduce chronic pain and achieve overall wellness.
Get a good posture-correcting chair with the right lumbar support. Wear cushioned and supportive footwear to reduce joint stress. Make necessary adjustments in your workstation to avoid straining your back and neck.
- Stay socially active
Don’t let any sort of pain isolate you. Have an active social life to stay positive. Stay in touch with your family. Join community groups like satsangs, clubs, exercise classes or a hobby club. Connect with a group that organizes light travel or outings suited to your comfort level.
An uplifted mood is a natural painkiller. It motivates you to stay active and does not let pain win over your life.
- Practice mind-body techniques
Your mind is a powerful tool. It plays a key role in how you perceive your pain. Take the necessary steps to live mindfully.
Deep breathing exercises and meditation lessen stress-related pain. Positive affirmations and guided visualization assist in shifting your focus away from your discomfort. Similarly, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) promotes relaxation and eases muscle tension.
Pick a technique and stay consistent with it to see positive results.
FINAL CONCLUSION
Seek medical advice, schedule regular checkups, and make informed lifestyle choices to manage your pain effectively.
Life is beautiful and worth cherishing. And by adopting these habits, you too can lead a fulfilling and pain-free life.
Many seniors around the world have seen results. You will too.
FAQs
Is it possible to cure chronic pain completely?
While chronic pain is manageable, it is not always curable. Nevertheless, the right combination of alternative therapies, medical treatment and lifestyle changes will help you reduce the pain and lead a quality life.
Do home remedies help in reducing chronic pain?
Yes. These remedies are not new. They have been used in households for generations to supplement the medical treatments. Home remedies like pranayama, hot/cold compress, warm mustard oil massages and turmeric milk provide relief.
Which pain relief medication is safest for seniors?
Paracetamol is generally considered safe when used correctly. However, frequent use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen should be monitored. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
When should I seek medical advice for chronic pain?
If home remedies are not working and the pain is disrupting your regular life, consult a doctor. They will advise you best on what medications or alternative treatments will help you manage the pain effectively.
