How You Can Still Pursue Your Goals and Dreams When You’re Chronically Ill
Chronic pain can be debilitating, making even the simplest tasks a challenge. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic pain, you know how hard it can be to wait for a doctor’s appointment. You may be wondering what you can do to relieve the pain until your appointment.
You’re in luck—we’ve compiled five pain relief tips that should help make the wait a little easier! Let’s get started.
1. Ice and Heat Therapy
Let’s face it, if you’re in pain, waiting for a doctor to be available can be downright torture. You may feel like you’ve tried everything to get relief, but have you tried ice and heat therapy? If not, it’s definitely worth a shot!
One of the simplest and most effective ways to find relief from chronic pain is to alternate between ice and heat therapy. Applying ice can help to reduce inflammation while applying heat can help to relax muscles.
To try this at home, simply apply a cold pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel to the painful area for 15 minutes. Make sure you never place frozen items directly on your skin, and limit cold therapy to 20 minutes to prevent potential nerve damage. Then, follow up with a heating pad set on low for another 15-20 minutes. Heat therapy should feel pleasantly warm, not scorching hot. Repeat this process as needed.
2. Relaxation Techniques
If you suffer from chronic pain, you know that stress can make the pain worse. That’s why it’s essential to find ways to relax and reduce stress. There are a number of relaxation techniques that can be effective for pain relief, including:
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Hypnosis
- Deep breathing exercises
- Meditation
Obviously, everyone’s situation is going to be unique, so it’s crucial to find a relaxation technique that works for you. If you’re not sure where to start, your doctor or a qualified therapist should be able to help.
3. Pain Relief Clothing
There are a number of clothing options available that can help to provide relief from chronic pain. For example,compression garments can help to reduce swelling and support weak or strained muscles.
Additionally, there are a number of specialty bras available that can help to relieve back pain and improve posture. These bras often feature wide straps and extra support in the form of built-in panels.
If you suffer from chronic pain, this option may help you find relief.
4. Over-the-Counter Medications
Typically, it’s best to consult with your doctor for the best possible option for pain relief. However, if the pain is just too unbearable, over-the-counter medication could be an effective temporary solution while you wait for your appointment.
There are a number of over-the-counter options available, including:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Aspirin
Of course, it’s always important to follow the directions on the packaging and talk to pharmacy staff to ensure you’re taking the medication safely. Taking over-the-counter options while you wait for a doctor’s appointment can help to take the edge off of chronic pain.
5. Exercise & Massage
Believe it or not, exercise can actually help to reduce chronic pain. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which have been shown to help block pain signals from the brain.
Additionally, exercise can help to increase flexibility and range of motion, which can aid in reducing stiffness and improving functionality.
We’re not talking about intense, rigorous exercise here. Just a moderate amount of activity, such as walking, swimming, or light stretching, should be enough to help.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are a number of resources available that can help. For example, your doctor or a qualified physical therapist can develop an exercise program specifically for you. While this doesn’t help if you’re eagerly awaiting your doctor’s appointment or awaiting test results, it may be something to bring up on your next visit.
Exercise may not be the first thing you think of when you’re in pain, but it can actually be quite effective.
Alternatively, massage can be a form of exercise in this case because it will help to loosen the muscles and ease tension. Massage can help relieve a number of different types of pain, including:
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
There are many different massage techniques that can be used to provide relief. For example, Swedish massage is a light, gentle technique that can be used to relax the body and alleviate stress.
If you’re not sure which type of massage is right for you, ask a qualified massage therapist. They should be able to recommend the best possible option for you. Just like exercise, massage can help to take the edge off of chronic pain.
The Takeaway
If you’re waiting for a doctor’s appointment and experiencing pain, there are a number of things you can do to find relief.
We hope the tips provided above have been helpful. Remember, it’s always best to wait it out and consult with a medical professional. However, if that’s not an option, try some of the suggestions here to help reduce pain.
In the meantime, stay positive and keep your head up. The appointment will be here before you know it!
For more tips to manage your pain naturally, check out 8 Mental Techniques to Cope with Chronic Pain or learn what you can do while doctors figure out what’s wrong with you.
