Whether your condition is officially diagnosed as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or something similar, you’re in chronic pain. What comes simply to others — cleaning your home, driving to work, even maintaining relationships — can be a challenge when you deal with pain on a daily basis.

However, there are changes you can make to your home and your lifestyle that can help. Below are several recommendations that can help you manage your chronic pain so you can live your life again.

Changes To Your Home

Where you live is important. It’s your sanctuary from the pressures (and pain) of modern life. That’s why you need to take a critical look of your home environment and see what changes can be made to help you cope.

Rearrange Your Stuff: It can hurt to reach for things atop high shelves or deep within a cabinet. To help manage your pain, move those objects so they’re easier to reach. Bringing the things you use most often to lower shelves or the front of cabinets can lead to less discomfort. Plus, you’ll feel more control over your life.

Make Your Bedroom Conducive For Sleep: Getting a good amount of sleep can help your body heal and relax. But too many people have bedrooms that aren’t exactly soothing. Make sure your bed is comfortable and try to eliminate as much light and noise as possible.

Changes To Your Work

If you’re like many Americans, you spend more time on the job than at your own home. That’s why you need to examine your work environment and make some changes needed to better manage your pain.

Adjust Your Chair And Work Area: Sitting at a desk and typing most of the day can tax even the healthiest body. Experiment with different adjustments to your chair until you find one that works better than others. Then rearrange the items around your workspace like you did at home — put the objects you use most easily within your reach.

Be Careful About Your Grip And Range Of Motion: Whether you work at a desk or something more active, you will be using your arms and hands. Make sure you stay within 30% of your grip strength and range of motion. This is the optimal zone for anyone dealing with chronic pain.

Changes To Your Lifestyle

You are much more than where you live and work. That’s why a good pain management plan includes taking a look at your lifestyle for any changes you can make there.

Keep Track Of What Triggers Painful Episodes: Some people with chronic pain don’t have a clear idea of what causes flare-ups. Even if you do, you might be surprised to learn what else triggers the pain. To better understand that, and to help your doctor manage your chronic pain, keep a log of what activities you do when the pain comes.

Learn How To Meditate: It might seem silly at first, but meditation and breathing techniques can lead to less pain. When you’re tense or stressed, your pain is more likely to surface. By learning how to meditate (and doing so regularly), you can help your body relax.

 

Chronic pain can be debilitating at times. But by making a few changes to your home, work, and life, you can manage such pain and have a better chance at a normal life.

 

Author: Jackie Waters