When it comes to dealing with chronic pain, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. After all, chronic pain conditions will never rectify themselves; instead, you simply need to find ways to live your life and manage the pain as best you can. Chronic pain conditions do not have a one size fits all cure and being told to simply ‘manage the pain and be more positive’ aren’t always helpful statements to hear.
Discuss your options
Finding a sympathetic healthcare provider is always going to help you going forward once you have your confirmed diagnosis. For some chorionic pain conditions, there are proven treatments available. However, for others such as Fibromyalgia, there is still little to no proven methods of managing the symptoms associated with this debilitating condition.
Discuss with your healthcare provider what your options are going forward and what treatments or medication you can expect to come across. Be it regular physiotherapy sessions, visiting a Chiropractor, or merely a roster of pain medication to help you manage the pain. Once you know what there is to help you, you can prepare yourself for life moving forward.
Support groups
Feeling like you are the only person who is going through this is a common theme amongst many chronic pain sufferers. In most cases, many before you have walked this path and made the most of life living with a chronic pain condition. Ask around your local area, or head online to find support groups and charities who can put you in touch with others who are living as you are to provide you with a shoulder to lean on. An ear to listen along with the wealth of advice they have accumulated over the years.
Mobility aids
There is no shame in relying on the use of mobility aids to help you get around and to make your life that little bit easier. Chronic pain can take its toll mentally and physically, and doing whatever you can to take away anything that makes your life harder than it needs to be will only be a good thing.
Think walking sticks, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and adapted items for around the home to help you with holding, gripping and even standing upright can be a blessing. Booster seats for chairs, back support and adjustable furniture can support you to keep your independence for a little bit longer and make dealing with the life changes chronic pain can cause a little bit less daunting.
Listen to your body
The thing to remember when it comes to living with chronic pain is that just because you did it yesterday, doesn’t mean you can today. And just because you can’t today, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to tomorrow. It is all about balance, and knowing the signs to look out for will help you navigate and plan your days and activities. Pushing yourself too hard will only make you feel worse and potentially increase your pain levels. Take things slowly and don’t allow others to push you or force you to do things you aren’t physically or even mentally able to.
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