Dealing With the Blues and Physical Pain
By Stephen R. Farris
You wake up in the morning feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Time to get in a workout before heading into your daily routine. On this particular day, you feel there's no need to do any stretching so you jump right into whatever activity you've decided to embark on.
About midway through though, you begin to experience a sharp pain. Maybe it's in your lower back, your hip, thigh or hamstring area, or lower down to your knee and calf muscles. You think nothing of it as you try to massage the painful area. But unlike before, it's not working. The pain simply will not go away. As a matter of fact, it hurts like crazy.
Your next step might be to lay down and rest, hoping it will eventually go away. It still doesn't work. If it lingers on for days, weeks, months, maybe longer, you could end up experiencing chronic pain. And in some cases, chronic pain could lead to depression due to drastic changes in activity because of the pain and overall ability to function normally as in the past.
It may be time to consult with your physician or local chiropractor to find out what is causing the pain and treatment options, especially if you start feeling blue about your condition.
What Are Some of the Signs to Look For?
In the case of chronic pain, if the pain persists six months or longer, or if symptoms of allodynia, hyperpathia and hypersensation begin to show, then it's time to seek treatment.
Depression and Pain
Chronic pain is not always easy to deal with and depression can very easily set in. Signs of depression could be feeling blue, sudden outbursts of crying, irritability, and hopelessness. You might feel a loss of interest in some of the favorite activities you're used to doing, or restlessness or perhaps fatigued.
Dealing With These Changes
It's not easy, but you can try a few simple tricks, techniques you could say in order to lessen the stress and depression from chronic pain. Keep active for one. Use relaxation therapy. Certain movements through yoga and tai chi can be used for relaxation therapy. Keep your family involved. Let them know what's going on and if there's anything they could help you with to keep from getting down. Consult with your physician or chiropractor. They often have literature available or can advise you on the steps you need to take.
One sure step to take is to drop in to The Joint Chiropractic; with more than 500 locations nationwide, you can get assistance at home or on vacation.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dallas, Tex.