Chronic pain is a disabling ailment that, unfortunately, millions of people suffer from every day.
If you are suffering from pain that has lasted for longer than 6 weeks, it means you have chronic pain. In most cases, this will not heal on its own unless you incorporate lifestyle changes or seek medical care.
In this article, we give you 4 tips on effective pain management and where to receive expert pain treatment in Melbourne, FL.
1. Get Enough Sleep
A lack of adequate sleep often magnifies every illness, ache, and pain. Aches and pains can develop from the fatigue and bodily stress brought on by a lack of restorative sleep. After a full night’s sleep, you have more energy and your body’s natural painkillers are more likely going to be better at doing their job. Disturbed sleep can make you irritable, groggy, and unhealthy. Sleep is integral to well-being, and for people with chronic pain, sleep is essential for recouping and re-energizing. If you are having trouble getting enough sleep because of pain, it’s time to see a doctor.
2. Eat An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
When it comes to managing pain, an anti-inflammatory diet is a powerful tool that can help reduce chronic inflammation and its associated symptoms. Inflammation is at the root of many common ailments, including most forms of pain.
An anti-inflammatory diet consists mainly of whole foods like fruits and vegetables that do not cause inflammation in the body and actually lower it. Other foods like cold water fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation due to their high concentration of healthy fats, which act as natural lubricants for joints affected by arthritis. Add spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cumin to your meals, as they have strong antioxidant properties that further help control inflammation through the body.
3. Do Regular Stretches and Be Active
Stretching is an important part of pain management, as it can help reduce muscle tension and improve range of motion. When muscles are tense, they may become tight and create a feeling of stiffness that leads to discomfort, increasing your perception of pain. Stretching helps relax muscles and increase blood flow, which also has a pain-relieving effect. Being active on a daily basis is also important. Even walking on a regular basis will help get your blood flowing, improve your lung and heart health, strengthen your body, and reduce pain symptoms throughout your body. Talk to a pain management doctor or a physical therapist to learn how to safely incorporate stretches and light exercise into your routine.
4. Consult a Pain Expert
A pain management doctor is an expert in diagnosing and treating patients with chronic pain, and they can provide a variety of treatments, such as trigger point injections, steroid injections, nerve blocks, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and radiofrequency ablation (RA), which are not usually offered by doctors who do not specialize in treating pain. Where other doctors recommend only pain medication, pain management doctors offer a wide range of non-medication and non-surgical treatments. Pain management specialists are often part of a healthcare team that works together to help patients manage their chronic pain more effectively.
Pain Management Doctor in Melbourne, FL
Dr. Nicholas Giordano at Central Florida Spine & Pain is your board-certified pain management doctor in Melbourne. Dr. Giordano specializes in interventional pain management techniques involving injection therapy, such as nerve blocks and corticosteroid injections.
At Central Florida Spine & Pain, we regularly see patients with neck and back pain, arthritis pain, sciatica, lumbar stenosis, headaches, and pain from injuries. You will have a team of expert professionals committed to your care.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Giordano, call our office today at (321) 802-5021, or use our convenient online request form.
