Chronic Pain

Do you suffer from chronic pain in your neck, back, or any other area of your body? Have you been in an accident which has brought about the high level of soreness you feel, or have you been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition such as fibromyalgia? If so, there are a few things you can do to get some much needed (and deserved) relief.

Just remember”RICE” which stands for:

Rest. If you’re trying to soothe the pain or discomfort in your body, one of the first things you’re going to want to do is let your body rest as this is when it heals. Also, if you overdo it, you risk inflaming the area even more and suffering needlessly. Now, you don’t want to not do anything as that can stiffen you up and make matters worse, but don’t try to do overly physically demanding work either.

Ice. When there is an area of your body that causes you chronic pain, ice can help. It reduces any swelling which can agitate you and it also decreases the inflammation. Put ice on the affected area for 20 minutes at a time for the best relief. And, make sure you have a towel between the pack and your skin so that you don’t add frostbite to your list of pain complaints.

Compression. Sprains, strains, and other causes of chronic hurt respond very well to compression. Bandages and supports can be bought and applied to give the area more support and stability, thus reducing the likelihood of further injury. Just make sure you apply them properly so you don’t do more damage than good (like cutting off the blood supply if they’re too wrapped too tight).

Elevation. If possible, elevate the body part that is giving you problems. This reduces the blood flow to that area which will help lower the amount of pain you feel.

Try these four things and you may just find some relief. Of course, if it gets too bad, make sure you seek medical attention immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.