Managing Chronic Pain? Dr. Dustin DebRoy Shares How To Find Everyday Relief
In a recent U.S. News & World Report article, Dr. Dustin DebRoy, manager of chiropractic education and relations at The Joint Chiropractic, offered expert insight into how chronic pain affects daily life and the steps you can take to find relief. In the piece, Dr. DebRoy shares practical strategies for managing discomfort, explains why “quick fixes” tend to fall short, and offers practical tips that may help you navigate chronic pain with greater ease. Read the full article titled Expert Tips for Chronic Pain Relief.
Have you ever dealt with ongoing pain that seems to linger longer than it should?
Dr. DebRoy, manager of chiropractic education and relations for The Joint Chiropractic, was recently featured in a U.S. News & World Report article and offered expert insight into why chronic pain develops, how to recognize it, and what simple behavior modifications may help make daily movement easier. He also shares the many factors that influence long-lasting pain and highlights practical steps to support everyday comfort.
“Chronic pain is multifactorial. Reducing it to one single hack only minimizes the complexity and sets people up for frustration,” Dr. DebRoy explains.
Let’s take a closer look at what chronic pain is, how it is different from short-term pain, and what actions may help you move through your day with less strain and improved mobility.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is discomfort that lasts longer than three months. Unlike acute pain, which signals immediate injury, chronic pain may continue even after tissues should have healed. Previous injuries, inflammation, nerve sensitivity, repetitive strain, stress, sleep quality, and lifestyle habits can influence it. You may notice that chronic pain affects how they move, rest, and perform routine daily activities.
Understanding the factors that contribute to chronic pain is an important first step. With clearer insight into what might be causing your discomfort, it becomes easier to choose habits and routines that support healthier movement.
Here are five ways you support healthier movement and reduce chronic pain over time:
1. Start with gentle, sustainable habits
You may notice that your activity level varies from day to day. Simple, steady habits may help reduce irritation and support better mobility. You might try:
- Taking short movement breaks throughout the day
- Using supportive seating and neutral postures
- Increasing activity in small increments
- Allowing time for recovery between more demanding tasks
Even minor adjustments may help calm irritated tissues and prevent flare-ups. Over time, these sustainable habits aim to create a more stable foundation and reduce daily tension.
2. Use posture cues throughout the day
Posture plays a significant role in how your neck, back, and shoulders feel. Quick reminders aim to help you adjust your posture before tension builds.
Dr. DebRoy recommends tying posture cues to everyday habits. “Add the word 'posture' after the names of the top five people you text most often. Every time they text you, it serves as a cue to shift position, stand up, or adjust your posture.”
Small changes in posture throughout the day may help reduce unnecessary strain on your spine and surrounding muscles. These consistent cues also help reinforce better alignment and body awareness as you move through the day.
3. Try ice, heat, or both
Both cold and heat may provide relief, depending on what your body responds to best.
- Ice may reduce irritation and inflammation.
- Heat aims to soften tight muscles and support looser, more relaxed movement.
- Alternating the two may offer balanced comfort for many people.
Temperature-based therapies may be beneficial during flare-ups or after activities that increase discomfort.
4. Adjust daily habits based on your type of pain
Different types of chronic pain may respond well to specific lifestyle adjustments. You may benefit from changes such as:
- Low back pain: Strengthen your core, reduce prolonged sitting
- Neck pain: Keep screens at eye level, use ergonomic seating
- Repetitive strain pain: Take breaks, maintain neutral wrist positions
- Inflammatory pain: Prioritize sleep, reduce stress, follow anti-inflammatory eating patterns
- Migraines: Identify triggers, regulate screen time, maintain steady routines
Matching your daily habits to the type of pain you experience aims to help minimize irritation. Even one or two targeted changes may positively influence how your body feels.
5. Stay active with controlled, comfortable movement
Movement may be one of the most effective tools for managing chronic pain. Activities such as walking, stretching, and low-impact strengthening aim to support mobility and stability.
Dr. DebRoy encourages moving with intention. “Move through pain-free ranges of motion and emphasize form, control, and gradual loading,” he says. “If a movement consistently causes discomfort despite good technique and moderate weight, it is better to modify or replace it than to force it.”
Choosing slow and controlled movement aims to reduce irritation while allowing your joints and muscles to work more efficiently. Over time, this approach may also support greater confidence and ease in how you move.
Know when to seek additional support
If pain becomes sharper, more frequent, or disruptive to daily life, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. A licensed chiropractor can evaluate alignment, mobility, and functional movement to help identify what may be contributing to your discomfort.
At The Joint Chiropractic, our licensed chiropractors focus on supporting better movement through improved joint function and alignment. Whether you are navigating chronic pain or looking for ways to move with greater ease, we are here to help you find strategies that fit your everyday needs.
Looking for support? Visit The Joint to talk with a licensed chiropractor about shoulder movement, everyday habits, and simple strategies to keep your body feeling its best.