Have Chronic Pain? These Changes Could Help

Being in pain most or all of the time for months out of the year can be exhausting. If you're someone with chronic pain, you might be trying different medications and medical techniques to find a solution for the physical discomfort you have. You may also want to try making some adjustments to your daily activities to see if you can ease some pain that way as well. The two actions below might help.

Change Your Diet

It could be surprising to find out that the foods you're eating might be aggravating your physical pain and adding to your feelings of hopelessness. You may want to consult a dietician to find out about whether you have food allergies or sensitivities that could be contributing to the pain you feel. Some people find that when they eliminate certain foods, their pain does decrease somewhat. Foods that are usually eliminated in an effort to see if they are bothersome include:

• Sugar
• Bread, pasta and other gluten-containing foods
• Cheese, milk and other dairy products
• Potatoes, peppers and other "nightshade" plants

In addition to those foods, you've got to be careful that you're only eating whole foods that are packed with the minerals and vitamins your body needs. Eating lots of fatty foods and too many carbohydrates may cause you to feel sluggish and tired; if you're already feeling that way, these foods can make you even worse.

Start Walking

Very often, people who are in a lot of pain from day to day don't want to do any exercise. They remember the feeling of soreness after a workout and don't think they can put their body through anything that could cause even a bit more discomfort. However, some daily movement could end up helping you feel better. While you may not be running a marathon or lifting barbells right now, you can take a walk around your neighborhood.

Walking allows you to warm those muscles and prevent them from stiffening, which can be a problem for many people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis. Walking will increase blood flow and circulation, moving oxygenated, nutrient-filled blood into the cells of the body, which can also ease pain over time. Being out of the house and looking at the sky and the neighborhood around might also lift your spirits. You don't have to walk much at first; even a walk to your corner can be beneficial

Making these changes may give you some sense of relief when living life with chronic pain. Of course, be sure to notify your physician about the adjustments you're making. For even more help, consult pain management centers that are serving your local area.