Though it may hurt to hear this, pain is a natural part of our lives. It’s our body’s mechanism of protecting us and keeping us alive.
As time goes by, it becomes harder to avoid pain. That’s because as we age, our bones and muscles become less dense, and the cushions in our joints deteriorate, making us more prone to injury.
As a result, we’re likely to experience chronic neck or back discomfort as we get older. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to prevent injuries to avoid as much pain as possible.
Of course, it’s unrealistic to go through life without pain. So, it’s also essential to learn healthy ways to manage pain so you can continue living a happy, active life.
5 Ways to Cope with Pain
Here are five coping techniques to help mitigate chronic pain.
Breathe
It’s easy to get stressed when you feel discomfort. Taking slow, deep breaths helps to relieve muscle tension and reduce stress. It also gets nutrient-rich blood cells to flood your body, filling you with oxygen that can instantly help you feel better.
Many turn to meditation as there are several kinds of practices that emphasize your breathing. For example, mindfulness meditation encourages you to be observant and conscious of your body and the world around you. What are you feeling in your arms? Legs? Is your stomach rumbling? Do you feel any aches in your chest?
Practicing mindfulness is an excellent way to control your emotions better, especially when going through pain and anxiety.
Exercise
When you get older, your body becomes stiffer, which may lead to pain and discomfort. So, staying active is crucial.
One way to keep your body loose and mobile is to exercise regularly. You’ll enjoy an instant mood boost as you move, bend, and flex your body in different ways.
While the gym is nice, simple activities such as walking, jogging, sit-ups, and push-ups are effective workouts you can do at home. We also recommend getting some reps on a balance rocker board. You will get a low-impact core workout that can help relieve lower back pain.
Stretch
In the spirit of keeping your body loose and agile, it’s important to do stretches every day.
Stretching helps to improve your coordination and joint function. As a result, you can move more freely without pain or restrictions and reduce the risk of injury.
Before performing a physical activity, especially exercising, it’s always a good idea to stretch your muscles to allow more blood and oxygen circulation and remove stiffness.
When you plan to do any upper body activities, do some tricep, shoulder, and back stretches to get you warmed up. With any lower body exercises, it’s vital to stretch your knees, calves, and ankles. It helps to have a wooden slant board to improve joint mobility in your legs.
Join a support circle
It may help to listen and talk with people going through the same issues as you. Support groups are safe places for people to openly and freely discuss their chronic pains and their internal struggles in coping with them. Everyone in the group understands what you’re going through and can sympathize with your problems.
Engaging in a support circle can relieve the burden of carrying the pain alone. You now have a group of companions you could go to when you need help and vice versa. Who knows? Someone may have a coping mechanism that interests you. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and talk it out.
Try relaxation techniques
Lastly, coping with pain can be as simple as taking it easy. Relaxing your body assists in removing any stress and tension in your muscles. But most importantly, it shifts your focus to something more calming. Several techniques you can try are:
Any of these relaxation types will help keep your mind off the pain. But each individual has their techniques for calming your mind and body. So find that activity or hobby that eases the pain.
You are Your Best Doctor
You know your body better than anyone. You are acutely aware of what bothers you and how much something hurts.
So carefully listen to your body and take care of it. Create a simple plan that you can handle and be consistent. That is the key to avoiding the majority of the pain and having a great life.
At StrongTek, we believe that movement can help prevent and ease the pain. We offer a variety of products that can help you stay active without risking injury. Browse our online shop to find products that fit your lifestyle.