Dealing with Pain

If you have ever felt pain you will know how it can take over your life.  Sometimes it can be in the form of a short illness or for some people it can be a part of their daily life.  Whatever it is, it is always good to have some coping mechanisms to help you deal with your pain in the best way possible.

Get some gentle exercise

Simple, everyday activities like walking, swimming, gardening and dancing can ease some of the pain directly by blocking pain signals to the brain.

Activity also helps lessen pain by stretching stiff and tense muscles, ligaments and joints.

It's natural to be hesitant if exercise is painful and you're worried about doing more damage. But if you become more active gradually, it's unlikely you will cause any damage or harm. The pain you feel when you start gentle exercise is because the muscles and joints are getting fitter.

Breathe right to ease pain

Concentrating on your breathing when you're in pain can help.
When the pain is intense it's very easy to start taking shallow, rapid breaths which can make you feel dizzy, anxious or panicked. Instead, breathe slowly and deeply. This will help you to feel more in control of the situation and will keep you relaxed and prevent any muscle tension or anxiety from worsening your pain.

Counselling can help with pain

Pain can make you tired, anxious, depressed and grumpy. This can make the pain even worse, making you fall into a downward spiral. Be kinder to yourself. Living with pain isn't easy and you can be your own worst enemy by being stubborn, not pacing your activities every day and not accepting your limitations.

Some people find it useful to seek help from a counsellor, psychologist or hypnotherapist to discover how to deal with their emotions in relation to their pain. Ask your GP for advice and a referral.

Distract yourself

Shift your attention on to something else so the pain isn't the only thing on your mind. Get stuck into an activity that you enjoy or find stimulating. Many hobbies, like photography, sewing or knitting, are possible even when your mobility is restricted.

Share your story about pain

It can help to talk to someone else who has experienced similar pain themselves and understands what you're going through.

The sleep cure for pain

"Many people with chronic pain dread going to bed as that's when the pain is worst," says Heather Wallace from Pain Concern. But it's important to try to stick to a normal sleep routine so you've got the best chance of sleeping through the night.
Also, "sleep deprivation can worsen pain", says Heather. Go to bed at the same time each evening, and get up at a regular time in the morning and avoid taking naps in the day. If sleep problems persist, see your GP.

Take a course

Self management courses are free NHS-based training programmes for people who live with long-term chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes to develop new skills to manage their condition (and any related pain) better on a day-to-day basis.
Many people who have been on a self-management course say they take fewer painkillers afterwards.
Keep in touch with friends and family

Keeping in touch with friends and family is good for your health and can help you feel much better. Try shorter visits, maybe more often, and if you can't get out to visit people, phone a friend, invite a family member round for a tea or have a chat with your neighbour.

Aim to talk about anything other than your pain, even if other people want to talk about it.

Relax to beat pain

Practising relaxation techniques regularly can help to reduce persistent pain.

There are many types of relaxation techniques, varying from breathing exercises to types of meditation.

Ask your GP for advice in the first instance. There may be classes available locally or at your local hospital's pain clinic.

Source