When you trip over a rock and feel a sharp, shooting sensation in your ankle, you’re dealing with acute pain. In this case, your nerves recognize the physical harm and send a signal to your brain, alerting you to the problem via pain. Luckily, you can expect the pain to fade away as your injury heals in the next few weeks. However, people with chronic pain may experience discomfort long after they’ve recovered from an injury, due to emotional, psychological, and even environmental factors. If you’re looking for chronic pain management tips for everyday life, here’s what you should know. 

A Guide to Chronic Pain Management 

1. Introduce Exercise

If your specialist approves, you may benefit from adding exercise back into your daily routine. For one, physical activity will trigger the release of endorphins in your brain. While you might associate these chemicals with their ability to induce happiness, they are also analgesics, which reduce your body’s perception of pain. Certain types of exercise could also strengthen weak muscles in your body that are contributing to your chronic ailment, such as core work.

2. Use Meditation

In some cases, patients can find relief by redirecting the energy their brain is using to process and recognize pain signals. By engaging in mindfulness meditation, you can teach your brain to focus on something else, such as a relaxing image or your breath moving in and out. Over time, you can integrate these mental states into your daily life, helping you whenever your chronic pain spikes. Some researchers believe meditation could be used as a safe alternative to narcotics.

3. Participate in a Support Group

From grief to addiction, many individuals find peace in their hardships when connecting with others in similar situations. Chronic pain is not just physical; it’s also triggered by stress and external stimuli, so sharing your story could make your condition easier to cope with. Plus, you can learn tips, tricks and coping mechanisms from other group members. 

If you’re hoping to learn more about chronic pain management, turn to iSpine Pain Physicians in the Twin Cities, MN, area. You can consult their team at locations in Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Chaska, Shakopee, Sartell or Delano. They provide everything from on-site injections to surgeries. To learn more about their minimally invasive treatments, visit the website. Call (763) 201-8191 to schedule an appointment.