Self Care for Chronic Pain: Do's and Do Not's

Older man taking care of himself

Self Care Do's and Don'ts for Chronic Pain

As a chronic pain sufferer, you've probably discovered a few strategies that make your pain more bearable. Unfortunately, some of these practices could actually be worsening your symptoms. In addition to visiting your chiropractor regularly, following these do's and don'ts will help you manage your pain.

Do Bring on the Heat

Heat, whether from a heating pad, hot tub, or warm bath or shower, offers an effective way to ease muscle pain. Tight muscles and tissues loosen when they're warm. Heat also increases blood flow, reduces stiffness and relieves stress.

Don't Overdo It

It's not easy to change your habits if you're used to working long hours or running marathons every month. Unfortunately, things have to change when you develop chronic pain. Sitting at work for hours strains your joints and cause your muscles and tissues to tighten. Ignoring pain when you exercise can lead to painful flare-ups or even worsen your condition.

Frequent stretching breaks during the day will reduce pain and keep muscles and tissues loose and flexible. Chronic pain doesn't have to prevent you from exercising, but it may mean that you need to choose forms of exercise that are easier on the joints, like walking, swimming or riding a stationary bicycle.

Do Be Aware of Your Triggers

Like most people with chronic pain, you probably have a few triggers that worsen your pain. Sitting in a chair without adequate lumbar support could aggravate your aching back, while using your digital devices might intensify your neck pain. If you know your triggers, you make a few modifications that will prevent painful flare-ups.

A new, ergonomic office chair or lumbar support pillow could reduce or prevent back pain. If neck pain is a problem, hold digital devices at eye level, chose chairs that offer neck support, and take short breaks every hour.

Don't Skimp on Sleep

Without enough sleep, you're bound to feel tense and irritable, which can affect the way you perceive and manage pain. Sleep also offers several important benefits for your body. It's essential for tissue repair, may improve immune system functioning, and is important for learning, according to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard University.

Do Try Massage

Is massage part of your self-care routine? The hands-on therapy can:

  • Relax Tight Muscles and Tissues. Stretching and kneading muscles and tissues offers a simple, effective way to relieve tightness and pain and stop muscle spasms. Whether you receive massages at the chiropractic office or perform them on yourself at home, massage therapy is an excellent addition to your self-care tool kit.
  • Improve Range-of-Motion. Tight tissues prevent you from bending, reaching and moving easily. Loosening your tissues with massage enhances flexibility and range of motion. When you're muscles are looser, you may find that your range of motion improves.
  • Reduce Stress. Have you noticed that the muscles in your neck, shoulders and upper back tighten when you're stressed? This normal reaction to stress can make your chronic pain feel even worse. Endorphins released during massages relieve pain naturally and help you feel calm and relaxed.

Do Meditate

Meditation not only relieves stress but also offers pain relief benefits. The practice reduces pain intensity and unpleasantness, according to a research review published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences in 2016. Since meditation can be performed anywhere, it's an excellent self-care technique.

Don't Rely Solely on Medication

Over-the-counter and prescription medication offers temporary relief of pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, the pain returns as soon as the drug wears off. Medications can also produce unpleasant side effects and may even become addicting in some cases. When you try some of the techniques mentioned here, you may discover that you can take medication less frequently.

Do See Your Chiropractor

Your chiropractor offers treatments designed to keep your pain under control. Whether you've only been in pain a few months or have struggled with chronic pain for years, spinal manipulation, massage, soft tissue mobilization, traction, flexion-distraction, ultrasound and other therapies offer effective relief for many types of chronic pain.

Sources:

NCBI: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences: Mindfulness Meditation-Based Pain Relief: A Mechanized Account, 6/2016

Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard University: Why Do We Sleep, Anyway?

Spine Universe: 15 Ways to Practice Self-Care When You Have Back Pain, 9/29/20

Harvard Health Publishing: Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief, 2/15/21

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

2:30 pm-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

2:30 pm-7:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:00 am

Sunday:

Closed

  • "I have suffered from severe back pain and migraines. The treatment has been very helpful and Dr Waisbrots adjustment are very gentle. He also treats my children. 2 of my children have had chiari decompression surgery and he has helped them tremendously."
    ★★★★★ Kim / Google+
  • "I feel very confident in the care Dr. Paul gives because of his wealth of knowledge related to the body, science and healing! Leah is the office manager and is very organized and quick to answer any questions about appointments and billing. Michelle provides professional therapy. All 3, along with the massage therapists, work together harmoniously providing an overall great experience."
    ★★★★★ Nancy / Facebook
  • "Doctor Paul continues to keep me on my feet. I stand, run, and coach all day, then typically toss a couple more hours in after school. His skills are awesome and his personality is engaging and pleasant. My wife and two kids both get proactive treatment as well and are very healthy."
    ★★★★★ Casey / Google +
  • "From fixing my frozen shoulder to keeping me active, Dr Paul and his wonderful staff have been there for me. I see them every two weeks now to maintain my good health."
    ★★★★★ Barb / Google+
  • "Awesome office. Wonderful doctor and Staff!"
    ★★★★★ Leah / Google +
  • "I have attended the clinic many times since the start of 2014. Doc was thorough in his examination and took lots of time to explaine everything to me. He is an excellent practitioner and is always positive and upbeat. His support staff operate like a fine-tuned machine and are cheerful and competent. I highly recommend this clinic."
    ★★★★★ Michael / Google+
  • "Amazing staff, friendly, clean and extremely knowledgeable. A++"
    ★★★★★ James / Google +
  • "Dr. Paul allows me to stay in great shape because I run, lift, and do so many plyometrics my core takes a beating. He fixes me up every time!"
    ★★★★★ Connor / Yellowpages.com
  • "I cannot praise Dr. Waisbrot and staff at Baker Chiro enough. I have been going to Dr. Waisbrot for five years and have had great success. I am a cyclist and have injured my back several times within that time and without fail, they have helped me get back to riding all without medicine, and in a very short time."
    ★★★★★ Bruce / Google+
  • "After two years of seeing three different doctors, having an MRI and several sets of xrays for my shoulder issue, Dr. Paul immediately diagnosed the root cause of the problem. I felt so much better the day after my very first visit. I have been raving about him to everyone I know. He also help my son with a knee problem. He has a wonderful personality as does his office staff. Highly recommend!"
    ★★★★★ RateMDs.com
  • "Dr. Paul is my guy. We bring the whole family in for superb treatment with a very engaging clinician and talented chiropractor."
    ★★★★★ Janel / Yelp
  • "I suffered for years with chronic lower back pain (L5,S1). Dr. Paul has given me new life! Absolutely, hands down, the most incredible chiropractor I've been to."
    ★★★★★ Bradley / Google+