How to Deal with Chronic Pain – Part 3
Here in part 3 of our blog series on dealing with chronic pain, we will be looking at ways to help your mental health and the impact it may have. We are also going to consider the benefits chiropractic treatment could have. If you haven’t already, do look at the previous blogs in this series. We have looked at what chronic pain is and why people may suffer from it. Part 1 also saw us reviewing how the NHS may be able to help, with part 2 looking at how your lifestyle choices could have a positive impact.
Mental Health Challenges
A study found that around 60% of people with chronic pain have depression, with anxiety often present to. Pain can prevent us from socialising, impact our ability to work and take joy from the everyday things in life. It is also quite common that those suffering with chronic pain don’t feel listened to which could negatively affect feelings around self-worth. Being sure to find ways to care for your mental health is key to supporting you as you navigate life with chronic pain. Mindfulness is a common recommendation as it increases the activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays an important role in regulating emotions. It’s also important that you find someone to talk to, whether that be loved ones or a support group. Your local GP surgery should be able to sign post you to groups, there is also Pain Concern, a charity that can provide information and resources along with help and support. As mentioned in our previous blogs, NHS Inform also has a self-help guide which uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you live with chronic pain. We also recommend trying the Headspace App, a handy tool to keep on your phone which has a range of meditations. Finding the right tools to support your mental health is essential to giving you a good grounding as you journey through life with chronic pain.
Chiropractic Treatment and Chronic Pain
Here at Oakfield, we are passionate about improving people’s quality of life. Through spinal adjustments, we can help restore proper alignment and relieve pressure on nerves, which can reduce pain and improve mobility. We can also offer advice on changes you could make in your lifestyle and provide some exercises and stretches to try. By focusing on the body’s structure, we aim to correct imbalances that contribute to chronic pain, such as poor posture or repetitive strain. Alongside chiropractic treatment, you may find sports massage treatment with our therapists at the clinic could also help. Sports massage helps alleviate chronic pain by targeting tight muscles, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation. It promotes relaxation and enhances mobility. Together, the two treatments can reduce pain and enhance overall body function.
The impact of chronic pain is different for everyone and so should how you approach managing it. Speaking with professionals, whether that be your GP, chiropractor or seeking help from another alternative therapy, can guide you to finding ways to manage your pain. Consider how you could become more active (or stay active), with small activities little and often, allowing you to build up at your own pace. Remember the importance of the foods you are eating, making some substitutions could improve your gut health and reduce inflammation in your body. And find ways to relax your body and your mind. Reducing stress and practicing mindfulness can bring more peace to your mind which will directly impact your body.
If you are experiencing difficulties do seek support https://www.nhs.uk/ .
