5 tips for reducing chronic pain

Learn how to reduce chronic pain

Chronic pain is a difficult thing to treat for any medical professional. Typically the longer something has been painful, the harder it is to reverse. Chronic pain is defined as any pain lasting more than 3 months. One reason why chronic pain is so difficult to treat is that the nervous system actually re-wires in chronic pain syndromes. The central nervous system essentially gets used to the pain signals and makes new patterns that solidify the chronic pain. Therefore, to treat chronic pain, the cycle must be broken, or at least interrupted enough for the nervous system to adapt and change.

Here are 5 tips to break the chronic pain cycle.

1. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Most chronic pain conditions worsen with inflammation. So eating foods that fight inflammation helps. These include nuts like almonds and walnuts, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and limiting fried and processed foods.

2. Starting a stress reduction technique. Stress can often manifest as an increase in chronic pain. Incorporating breathing techniques, or meditation techniques help to reduce stress.

3. Exercise, even into pain. There was a study done in 2017 looking at certain exercises that actually aggravate a chronic pain condition during the exercise, but later relieve it. No pain no gain may have some real science behind it. We recommend getting help from a trainer to find good exercises for specific body areas.

4. Seek counseling from a mental health professional. Mental health is an important component of chronic pain. Every chronic pain condition has an emotional component along with the sensation of pain. In theory, all chronic pain conditions could be improved with emotional support or counseling.

5. Alternative healthcare. Alternative healthcare really has the best track record of all health professionals for reducing chronic pain. These methods include acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, biofeedback, reiki and others. Regular care using alternative healthcare is what most chronic pain patients find the most beneficial of all.

We see new cases of chronic pain each week, whether its back pain, neck pain, headaches, hip pain, radiating pain or something else. We are generally very successful in reducing chronic pain and in some cases eliminating it. If you or someone you know lives with chronic pain please call us for help. 513-444-4529

Dr. Kauffman is a licensed chiropractor in Loveland, OH. He serves patients in Cincinnati and the areas of Mason Ohio, Lebanon Ohio, West Chester Ohio, and Loveland Ohio. Please call us today at 513-444-4529 for an appointment with your Loveland Ohio chiropractor, Dr. Kauffman.