Stop Living with Chronic Pain
By Donna Stark
Have you ever been told to “stop it?” My daughter thinks she is funny and tells me that quite often actually, even if I am not doing anything that warrants such a response. She tells me to “stop it” when I hug her, she tells me to “stop it” when I belt out some tunes, she even tells me to “stop it” when I mimic her telling me to “stop it.” OK, that last one may be warranted, but the others? I don’t think so. Sometimes being told to “stop it” doesn’t really do any good, but there are other times when being told to “stop it” are helpful and actually get you to change a destructive behavior.
Stopping Certain Behaviors when in Pain
Living with chronic pain is tough. Even if you have an amazing doctor and an effective treatment plan, it can be quite easy to fall into bad habits or a negative attitude, can’t it? But those can be overcome if you just took the time to “stop.” Want to know what I am talking about? Well, don’t stop here. Keep reading!
- Stop thinking you can't exercise - Many people who live with chronic pain are afraid that if they exercise, they will only bring more pain into their lives. Stop thinking you can’t exercise! Because truth be told, inactivity can actually make the pain worse over time. A solid fitness routine prevents joint stiffness, strengthens the muscles, and improves mobility.
- Stop living a sedentary lifestyle - In addition to not exercising, people who suffer from chronic pain often think they need to be resting more and stop moving altogether. Stop that! There is a fine line between resting an injury and letting that rest become a way of life.
- Stop eating junk - Eating an unhealthy diet can lead to excess weight, which can add loads of stress and pain onto your spine and joints. And although those wings and beer taste good after work every night, you just have to stop eating them so much! By maintaining a healthy diet you can maintain a healthy weight and reduce some of your chronic pain.
- Stop thinking your pain is going to disappear - It’s good to be hopeful, but if your pain isn’t showing signs of letting up, you probably need to see a professional. So stop thinking it will just go away on its own and get some help! Being realistic about your pain issues is the first step to getting the treatment that will bring relief. The sooner you get some help, the sooner the pain can be addressed!
Stopping the Pain
It’s not until you stop certain behaviors that your pain will stop as well, and it will be then that you can start living the life you deserve. Start focusing on the behaviors and attitudes that will leave you as healthy and active as possible and start enjoying your life once again!
And oh, by the way, you can stop reading this now.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Woodbury, Minn.