Living with chronic pain impacts your physical, mental, and emotional health. To better cope with your symptoms, it’s helpful to see an osteopathic physician for care and try a few different discomfort management techniques. Discover below what you can do at home to reduce tension, improve function, and enhance your mood. 

5 Management Tips for Chronic Pain Recommended by Osteopathic Physicians

1. Exercise Often 

Regular exercise strengthens weak muscles, boosts pain-relieving endorphins, and decreases your chances of suffering further injury. Talk to your orthopedic doctor or sports medicine specialist about the ideal activities for your lifestyle and health condition. Low-impact exercises include yoga, swimming, and tai chi. Pilates, kayaking, and hiking will also improve your fitness without putting too much stress on your body. 

2. Practice Stress Relief 

Medical research from the National Institute of Health suggests that stress can make your pain worse. Engage in stress-relieving techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery. Progressive muscle relaxation, soothing music, and heat therapy are also useful. 

3. Stretch Frequently 

Stretching increases flexibility, improves your range of motion, and enhances circulation. Osteopathic physicians recommend stretches on a daily basis. The knee-to-chest pose is helpful for back and leg pain. Cobra stretches, child’s pose, and the cat/cow pose are also gentle, relaxing, and effective. 

4. Eat Healthier 

A nutritious, balanced diet helps manage your weight, which assists in decreasing muscle and joint pain. Eating healthy also improves the function of your digestive system and controls blood sugar levels. These benefits give you more energy to exercise and stretch throughout the day.

Consume a low-sodium, low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Lean proteins are also essential. If you need assistance with your dietary plan, talk to a nutritional medicine specialist. They’ll provide you with personalized eating and shopping tips. 

5. Distract Yourself 

Find ways to take the focus off your pain. While exercise and relaxation will help, you can also visit friends and family, try a new hobby, or join a chronic pain support group. A funny movie, shopping trip, or home improvement project are a few other ways to keep yourself from thinking about your symptoms.

It’s possible to take better control over your chronic pain. The medical and surgical team at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Honolulu, HI, led by doctors Elizabeth M. Ignacio, MD, and Nicole Yukiko Gesik, DO, is committed to helping you enjoy a healthy, vibrant lifestyle at all stages of your life. To make an appointment with one of their osteopathic physicians, call their office at (808) 521-8170. Explore their osteopathic manipulation, sports medicine, and functional medicine services by visiting their website.