Jaime HayIt can be difficult to think about anything else when you are in pain. You want to improve and start living your life again as soon as possible. The best way to get rid of pain is to treat it early to prevent symptoms from worsening. Pain can be caused by injuries, diseases, or simply an old injury that has not healed properly. There are several effective ways to manage pain at home, so you do not have to end up with unnecessary medical bills. However, if your pain has become unmanageable, it is advisable to seek immediate treatment from a healthcare provider. Through a Livingston Samwell Institute for Pain Management specialist, you can learn the following ways to manage pain at home.
Cold Therapy
Ice packs, gel packs, and frozen vegetables are all excellent choices for managing pain at home. You can also use ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation. Cold therapy is especially useful if you have a sprained ankle or injured knee, but it can also treat other injuries.
Apply the cold pack to your painful area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat as needed until you feel relief from your discomfort. It is always best not to apply ice directly onto the skin. Instead, place it between two layers of paper towels before applying to ensure no direct contact with your skin occurs.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy can reduce muscle, arthritis, and joint pain. The pad heat is absorbed by your skin and transferred into the body, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling in joints or muscles. Heat pads can vary in size and are available in drug stores or online. They are also reusable, so it might not cost much if you keep buying them after one use.
Stretches and Exercises
Exercise is an effective way to manage pain at home. It can help you feel better in many ways, including being more energetic and upbeat and improving your sleep schedule. Exercise can also help you manage stress by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural opiates.
They can also improve muscular strength and endurance, reducing or eliminating joint and muscle pain. Physical therapy to manage chronic pain can be a great way to get you back on your feet.
Relaxation and Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can help you relax and reduce pain. Deep breathing will help you slow down, which is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. You will also find that deep breathing positively affects your sleeping patterns, such that it helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
In addition to reducing stress levels, breathing exercises can improve focus during the day. They also improve memory retention because they activate brain regions associated with learning new things or recalling information from long-term memory.
Medications
One of the common types of pain medications is acetaminophen, which is available in over-the-counter brands like Tylenol and Anacin. Acetaminophen works by reducing inflammation and fever while also providing mild pain relief. It can also treat headaches or backaches and help with the discomfort caused by arthritis. It is important to note that you should always take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
The most effective way to manage pain is through self-management. It helps you take control of your pain by knowing what it feels like, how long it lasts, and when it might return. However, if you are living in constant pain, it would be best to seek professional help from SamWell Institute for Pain Management. Call today for an appointment or visit their offices for an in-person meeting with Jay Shah, MD.
Hugh Hay
