How To Manage Chronic Pain

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How To Manage Chronic Pain
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Working as a personal injury lawyer, Ive
realized there are many misconceptions when it
comes to chronic pain understanding it,
obtaining compensation for it, and of course,
managing it.So what exactly is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is usually the result of a
previous injury that failed to heal correctly.
Sometimes it can take months or even years after
the injury to appear.
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It is ongoing, daily pain that doesnt go
away.Because individuals look fine on the
outside, others have a hard time believing they
are ill when in reality, they suffer in silence
as they go about their daily lives.If you have
chronic pain, you know bad weather often
amplifies your pain making winter one of the
most dreaded season for chronic pain sufferers.
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Even small shifts in weather can cause your
joints to flare up. And although the research is
inconclusive as to whether weather affects
chronic pain, most sufferers agree that their
pain increases during barometric pressure
changes.Now, let me stress this I am not a
doctor and I am not certified to give medical
advice in any way. It is always recommended to go
through your family doctor to create a pain
management plan.
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That being said, Ive sourced the web and came
across these tips to help manage your chronic
pain this winter(Note Be sure to present these
tips to your doctor before making them a part of
your ongoing pain management plan)1. Check Your
Vitamin D LevelsLow vitamin D levels can be an
issue for those with chronic pain, causing bouts
of depression, especially during winter when
there is less exposure to sunlight. While vitamin
D isnt a replacement for
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chronic pain treatments, it doesnt hurt to
increase your uptake to relieve seasonal
depression and ensure you have the energy to face
the challenges winter may present to your
body.2. Conserve Your EnergyEvery chronic pain
sufferer knows their body and knows their limits.
Its vital to be realistic about what you can do
on any given day with the level of pain youre
experiencing. Keep note of the weekly tasks ahead
of you and break them down into smaller, more
manageable tasks.
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Listen to your body, conserve your energy when
you need it and dont overdo it when you know you
dont have it in you.3. Keep WarmStaying warm
is one of the easiest ways to ward off pain, so
dont be afraid to invest in quilts, heating pads
and thermal blankets to keep comfortable this
winter. If you do have to go out, dress in layers
and wear rubber sole boots to prevent wet feet.
Investing a remote starter for your car is also a
good idea to ensure your car is warm before
getting behind wheel. 
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4. Stay ActiveAlthough its important to
conserve your energy (as mentioned in tip 2) its
equally important to engage in weekly exercise to
reduce stiffness in the body.Talk to your doctor
or physiotherapist to find an exercise regimen
you can do at home such as yoga, Pilates or even
simple stretches.5. Consider Alternative
TherapiesThere are several alternative therapies
you can try when dealing with chronic pain
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Massage therapy, aromatherapy and acupuncture are
just a few of the available treatments for those
suffering with chronic pain.Every chronic pain
sufferer is different, so be sure to discuss any
alternative therapies with a healthcare
professional before including them in your pain
management plan.Unfortunately, the tests needed
to assess chronic pain and ongoing treatment to
manage it can quickly become expensive, and may
not be covered by OHIP.
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If you find yourself overwhelmed, drop me a
line.Ive worked with many chronic pain victims
to make sure their condition is acknowledged and
compensated.Lets get through this winterand
your chronic paintogether.

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