Living With Chronic Pain
Almost one-fifth of Americans battle crippling, chronic pain. The United States consumes about 80% of the world's opioid supply and 99% of the hydrocodone supply. These medications are effective in the short term, such as managing postoperative pain, but long-term use often leads to dependency or addiction. Additionally, these drugs don't address the emotional, mental, and behavioral aspects of pain management.
There are alternative options for managing chronic pain:
- Physical and Occupational Therapy: These kinds of therapy are specifically designed to rehabilitate pain suffered for pursuit of daily life activities.
- Exercise: Moderate exercise and stretching helps keep joints mobile and prevent stiffness. Additionally, exercise elevates mood and improves sleep, which helps the body heal.
- Dietary Changes: A diet low in high-glycemic foods and high in protein and vegetables helps to promote strength, movement, energy, and positive moods.
- Weight Loss: Lowering body weight relive inflammation and decreases the strain of excess weight.
- Massage: Massage has been shown to reduce pain and improve mental health in patients with chronic pain.
- Acupuncture: People suffering from chronic back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headaches, or shoulder pain report improved pain relief with acupuncture.
- Yoga: Reduce chronic pain and stress through relaxation techniques to allow the body to heal.
