Don't suffer with pain, read these tips
Pain is a sign that something is wrong. Almost all of us will experience pain at some point in your lives.
New research reveals that 10 million people in Britain suffer pain almost daily, with a quarter of us taking time off work because of bodily pain.
The new research by Deep Relief Gel, a topical and effective pain relief gel which contains two key painkillers (ibuprofen and levomenthol) involved over 1000 people in the UK.
The study found that, 88.3% of us experience bodily aches and pains with 35% of us experiencing this daily. Back pain is the biggest pain area (73.5%), followed by neck and shoulder pain (61.6%), joint pain (51.5%) and tense muscles (42.9%).
The good news is that though pain is very common, there are things we can do to help:
1. Get some gentle exercise. Simple, everyday activity like walking, swimming, gardening and dancing can ease some of the pain directly by blocking pain signals to the brain. Deep Relief has two pain killing ingredients, ibuprofen and levomenthol, which act synergistically to control pain by blocking pain signals to the brain. Activity also helps to stretch stiff and tense muscles, ligaments and joints, which can lessen pain.
2. Breathe right. Concentrating on your breathing when you’re in pain can help. When the pain is intense it’s very easy to start taking shallow, rapid breaths which can make you feel dizzy, anxious or panicked. Instead, breathe slowly and deeply. This will help you to feel more in control of the situation and will keep you relax and prevent any muscle tension or anxiety from worsening your pain.
3. Stay positive. Pain can make you tired, anxious, depressed and grumpy. This can make the pain even worse, making you fall into a downward spiral. Be kind to yourself. Living with pain isn’t easy and you can be your own worst enemy by being stubborn, not pacing your activities every day and not accepting your limitations.
4. Distract yourself. Shift your attention onto something else so the pain isn’t the only thing on your mind. Get stuck into an activity that you enjoy or find stimulating. Why not join that local cookery or photography class? That way you will meet more people to help you take your mind off the pain.
5. Get some sleep. Many people with chronic pain dread going to bed as that's when the pain is worst. However, sleep deprivation can worsen pain. Go to bed at the same time each evening, and get up at a regular time in the morning and avoid taking naps in the day. Apply a topical pain relief gel like Deep Relief Gel to the painful part of your body before you go to bed. If sleep problems persist, see your GP.
6. Socialise. Don’t let pain mean that you lose contact with people. Keeping in touch with friends and family is good for your health and can help you feel much better. Have a chat with your neighbour. Talk to someone else who has experienced similar pain themselves and understands what you’re going through.
7. Relax. Practising relaxation techniques regularly can help to reduce persistent pain. There are many types of relaxation techniques, varying from breathing exercises to biofeedback, massage and meditation. Ask your GP for advice in the first instance.
8. Eat well. If you're living with chronic pain, you want to do everything you can to help your body, not hinder it. One way to keep your body strong is to eat a well-balanced diet. Eating right improves blood sugar, helps maintain weight, reduces heart disease risk, and aids digestion. Aim for a diet rich in whole grains, fresh produce, and low-fat proteins.
9. Avoid or limit alcohol. You need a good night's sleep to help soothe the stresses pain puts on your body. Although alcohol can help you fall asleep, as it metabolizes, it promotes shallow sleep, reduces important REM sleep, and may even wake you. The result: A less restful night.
10. Don’t smoke. Some people find temporary relief from stress and pain with a quick smoke. The irony is that smoking may actually contribute to pain in the long run. It slows healing, worsens circulation, and increases the risk of degenerative disc problems, a cause of low back pain. If you need an incentive to quit, pain relief just may be it.
Tagged in Health