Common Chronic Pain Mistakes to Avoid

By Stepy Kamei

When you're dealing with chronic pain, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and even defeated. Sometimes the feelings of discomfort can flare up at the most sudden or unexpected times, so you can't even properly prepare yourself for it. Or, maybe the amount of pain fluctuates from day to day so you never know what you'll be dealing with at any given time. All of this uncertainty and discomfort can make it easy to start making mistakes when it comes your own healthcare. It's actually surprisingly common for people who suffer from chronic pain to react to their health condition in ways that may seem helpful but are actually detrimental. Keep on reading to learn about ways you may be sabotaging your own health -- and what you should be doing instead.

Brushing Off Chiropractic Care

Many people have the tendency to brush off natural remedies. Maybe we're taught to think they're too good to be true, or that there's no logic in relying on methods that don't involve medication or surgery. However, it actually turns out that natural pain relief methods, such as chiropractic care, can really make a positive difference in people who live with chronic pain.

Unfortunately, many people still remain unaware of the benefits chiropractic care can bring. Chiropractors are trained to use all-natural manual manipulation techniques in order to spot and correct restrictions along the spinal column. These restrictions, which are commonly referred to as "misalignments," can be a significant source of chronic pain. Restrictions often create inflammation around the muscles, as well as restrict blood flow throughout the body. By gently releasing these restrictions, joint stiffness and soreness can be reduced, therefore reducing overall chronic pain as well.

Limiting Movement and Exercise

Another common mistake people living with chronic pain make is limiting or even outright avoiding exercise and movement altogether. While it's probably a good idea to rest and avoid pushing your body when dealing with pain, studies show that staying sedentary can actually make chronic pain worse. Gentle, low-impact exercise can release chemicals that fight pain. Over time, these exercises can strengthen your muscles and reduce pressure on the joints and muscles of the body.

Not Managing Stress Properly 

A surprising contributor to chronic pain is stress. We hold tension in our bodies. Notice how you hunch your shoulders up or clench your fists in times of stress. Not managing stress well can lead to further joint stiffness and discomfort over time. Make time to create positive coping mechanisms for stress -- maybe taking a walk outside or writing in a journal are ways you can combat stress the healthy way.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.