Living with Pain: How to Manage Your Chronic Symptoms

Living with chronic pain can be a very different situation from one individual to the next, depending on the source or extent of the problem or even our tolerance for pain. To some people it's an annoyance, while to others sudden harsh pain can be frightening. Either way, from nuisance to a debilitating condition, you must find a way to manage your pain so that you can still retain some quality of life. Here are four ways of coping.

1. Visual Imagery

The visual imagery technique can harness the power of your own unconscious mind to mitigate pain on both a temporary or permanent basis. Your mind learns to "escape" pain. Try visualizing peaceful surroundings, or reliving or imagining pleasant experiences. Focus on making these scenes more vivid, such as feeling the sunshine and hearing the gulls at the beach. You can also follow audio tapes or videos that will guide you through these experiences.

2. Use Distractions

It takes a little practice, but it's possible to focus your mind on the distraction rather than the pain. This could be watching TV, listening to music, or engaging in a favorite hobby. Something as simple as a yo-yo or puzzle can be distracting if you're able to focus on it. Exercise is also an excellent distraction. Cycling, walking, or other activities help your body produce endorphins, which ease pain, as well as keeping your body healthier.

3. Hypnosis

Visits to a professional hypnotist can work wonders, but you could also try self-hypnosis. There are any number of hypnotic tapes available, some specifically designed to deal with pain. Just leaning the basic technique can enable you to hypnotize yourself. Hypnosis usually involves deep, slow breathing and deliberate relaxation of each muscle group until you achieve a trance-like state.

4. Cannabis

Medical marijuana is legal in more places than ever and may be an easy way to dull the pain. If you live in a state where it's legal, ask a doctor from Wholistic Pediatrics & Family Care or a similar provider about whether your condition qualifies you for cannabis. Low- and high-THC products are available. While medical cannabis can take the form of capsules, vapors, or ointments, every state has clear laws for its use. In Florida, for instance, your cannabis treatment must be filed with a state registry.rnThere are many causes of chronic pain and many treatments. Some techniques you can manage on your own, but it's important to be honest with your doctor at all times.