If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a chronic pain condition, you’re likely still reeling from the news. You may be shocked by your diagnosis and desperate for answers from your doctor.
Being told you have a chronic pain condition can be a turning point in your life, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s all for the worst. By safely managing your symptoms, you can turn your diagnosis and your life around. Here are five steps you can take to overcome chronic pain and live your best possible life:
- Get the right health coverage
You should have a health plan that ensures you’re getting the coverage you need to treat your condition. If your coverage is lacking, you might want to look into supplemental insurance to help with copays and additional out-of-pocket costs. If you’re a senior, you have plenty of options to choose from besides basic Medicare. Certain Medicare Advantage plans offer more flexible options in terms of coverage. For example, you can visit out-of-network doctors and even get coverage for prescriptions and dental care, depending on which plan you choose. Insurance companies like Aetna offer these types of plans, so be sure to research and compare them carefully before enrolling.
- Relax
Sometimes, a situation can be made better or worse simply by the attitude we choose to take. Being told that the pain you’re experiencing is likely to continue indefinitely can break even the strongest of spirits. You may begin to feel like you’ve passed a point of no return, and that the pain you’re experiencing will only get worse from here on out. However, no one says that you have to accept this reality. You have a choice to stay positive and fight against your chronic illness. So, relax. Take a deep breath and stay positive. There will be tough days, but there will also be times to live, laugh and love.
- Exercise
Part of choosing to stand up to your chronic pain means taking control. Chronic pain can wear down your body over time, but by strengthening your body through exercise, you stand a chance at overcoming bouts of inflammation and aches. There are actually several exercises specifically designed to help strengthen the body to fight back against chronic pain. For example, swimming helps give your body a full endurance workout without putting much pressure on your joints. Before you take on any exercise regimen, always be sure to consult your doctor first. There might be certain activities that are better than others depending on your condition.
- Eat Healthy
Those determined not to let chronic pain control their life often find they adapt to a whole new lifestyle in their efforts to fight back. Sometimes, the foods we eat can play a role in how our body processes inflammation. Foods that are high in sugars, fats and empty carbohydrates can actually induce a greater amount of pain. By avoiding these types of foods, you can reduce the amount of pain you experience. Switching your diet to one filled with anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, avocado, and tomatoes can reduce inflammation within your body and help make your chronic pain more bearable. If you’re not sure where to start, consider using a meal delivery service; many of these services offer healthy options, it’s easier to control your portions, and meals are available for as low as $6.99.
- Adapt Your Home
Part of overcoming your chronic pain will involve creating the best home environment to stimulate positive growth and foster peace. Pain can flare up at any time, but those with chronic pain will notice their inflammations occur in patterns. Stress is a common trigger for those with a chronic pain condition. Reducing the amount of stress you experience at home can greatly reduce daily flare-ups
A great place to start is by decluttering and re-organizing your home. Re-organizing your home will make small daily tasks easier on you by reducing the time and energy you spend looking for what you need. Go through your closets, cabinets, and drawers, and organize your things so that they are easy to find and always within reach.
Think of your home as an extension of your body. The less cluttered your home, the less cluttered your mind, giving you more room to stretch out, relax, and handle pain as it comes. If you can, set aside a space specifically for relaxation or meditation. You can use this as a regular retreat to help foster mindfulness and calm.
Living with chronic pain will be a challenge, but not a challenge impossible for you to overcome. By cleaning the house, exercising, eating right, and just taking a moment to relax, you can fight back against chronic pain and reclaim your life. Remember to keep a positive attitude and that you alone hold the keys to your destiny.
Article Credit: Cheryl Conklin – www.wellnesscentral.info
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
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