PAIN MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Pain is a very common condition. Pain may be anything from a dull ache to a sharp stab and can range from mild to extreme. You may feel pain in one part of your body or it may be widespread.

There are two types of pain.

• ACUTE PAIN – a normal response to an injury. It starts suddenly and is usually short lived
• CHRONIC PAIN – Continues beyond the time expected for healing. It generally lasts for longer than 3 months.

Chronic Pain patients can suffer from joint pain, muscle strains, sprains, repetitive stress injuries, fibromyalgia and nerve damage. According to NSW Health, 1 in 5 Australians suffer form either one of these chronic pains, conditions and it is a result of an injury or accident.

The level of pain that someone is in is determined using a numerical scale from 0 to 10. The lowest score of 0 indicates that there is no pain, 5 signifies moderate pain and anything above 8 indicates severe pain.

Studies suggest that a person’s emotional well being can impact the experience of pain. Understanding the cause and learning effective ways to cope with your pain can improve your quality of life.

*Pain issues should always be checked out by your health practitioner as well.

MANAGING PAIN WITHOUT MEDICINES

There are many non-medicine treatments available to help manage pain. A combination of treatments and therapies is often more effective than just one.

HOT, COLD PACKS AND CREAMS;

Ice packs are used immediately after an injury to reduce swelling. Heat packs and cream are better for relieving chronic muscles or joint injuries.

Magnesium Oil Sprays helps tight muscles to relax naturally and regulates functioning of the nerves and helps in getting rid of pain. It may also help with coping with stress, anxiety, Inflammation and to get a good night’s sleep.

PHYSICAL THERAPIES;

Such as walking, stretching, strengthening or cardio exercise may help reduce pain, keep you mobile and improve your mood

Getting into nature and doing activities you love, also keep you active and feeling good.

MASSAGE;

Helps with muscle tightness, clearing energy blocks, improves circulation, lymphatic, releasing stress, pain, toxins and promotes healing.

RELAXATION AND STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES;

Includes Meditation, Yoga, Relaxation Massage and Epson Salt hot Baths. Being in Nature.

MIND SET THERAPY AND HYPNOTHERAPY;

This form of therapy can help you learn to change how you think and in turn, how you feel and behave about pain. This is a valuable strategy for learning to self-manage chronic pain.

ENERGY HEALING;

A nurturing technique, reducing stress, promoting healing and balance to the whole body.

EATING HEALTHY;

Cutting down on processed foods, fats and sugars, promotes more energy, a more positive outlook, you feel good, which in turn can help manage pain.

SLEEP;

Getting a good night sleep, puts the body at rest, where all the amazing work gets done. Feeling refreshed and can face each day at your best.

SOCIALISING;

Engaging socially with family and friends give you a sense purpose and Love.

Other tips for dealing with pain;

• Sometimes pain will persist and cannot be easily relieved. It’s natural to feel worried, sad or fearful when you are in pain.
• Just remember to keep focusing on improving your day-to-day function, rather than completely stopping the pain.
• Accept that your pain may not go away altogether and that you will have your ups and downs. Talk yourself through these times.
• Find out as much as you can about your condition so that you don’t worry unnecessarily about the pain.
• Get as much support from your family and friends or other professionals
• Improve your physical fitness, eat healthy foods and make sure you get all the rest you need.
• Try not to allow the pain to stop you living your life the way you want to. Try gently reintroducing activities that you used to enjoy. You may need to cut back on some activities at first, then increase slowly.
• Concentrate on finding fun and rewarding activities that don’t make your pain worse.

In conclusion for the best pain management plan, you want to take action and be in control of your pain, rather than your pain being in control of you.

By keeping physically active, getting into nature, doing activities you love, eating healthy, sleeping well, taking time out for yourself and socialising with family and friends, all help improve your mood, energy, and stress levels. Adding Massage, Healing, Meditation, and changing the way you think about pain will influence your outlook and the way you cope emotionally with pain, Improving your quality of life.

Lina Cirocco

References: Dept of Health (VIC), (NSW), NLP, L Cirocco