When someone touches a hot stove and burns their fingers, a little pain is normal. In fact, it’s a healthy reaction to a threat in the environment , warning that person to change their behavior immediately. But sometimes the pain lingers long after the danger has passed, becoming chronic.
How to Manage Chronic Pain
Pain was traditionally treated primarily as a physical problem. Patients were given medication , physical therapy , or, in extreme cases, surgery. While these methods helped some people, others experienced moderate to severe negative consequences, including surgical complications and addiction to pain medication and opioids.
Today, experts understand that pain can be addressed on the psychological and social levels as well. Though every individual's pain is different and may respond to different interventions, there are certain strategies that can help manage the symptoms of chronic pain.
Historically, pain was considered a physical sensation felt somewhere in the body. Research has shown that pain activates some of the same areas of the brain that handle emotions, such as the limbic system. This means that pain may be caused or exacerbated by biological, psychological, or social factors , which opens up more avenues for effective treatment.
Breathing and meditation practices can help reduce symptoms of stress that may be exacerbating pain. To further manage pain, it may be best to not smoke and to limit alcohol . Practicing good sleep hygiene, getting adequate exercise, and eating healthfully can have beneficial effects as well, as can exercising self-compassion.
Explore More About Chronic Pain
For a comprehensive understanding of chronic pain, read our complete guide: