We all know what pain feels like, but we don’t always know how to cure it. There are many different strategies for relief and this blog post will cover 11 of them:
1) Biofeedback therapy
2) Acupuncture
3) Massage therapy
4) Meditation
5) Exercise (strength training or aerobic exercise is best!)
for pain in specific areas:
neck pain, try yoga or restorative postures
back pain, do exercises to strengthen the core muscles and avoid activities that exacerbate lower back pain (lifting heavy objects, etc)
shoulder pain from repetitive motion like computer work: switch hands often! Switching increases circulation and prevents overuse injuries. Consider taking regular breaks from typing/mousing with arm(s) elevated on a desk or table. If you can’t stop doing what’s painful – follow ergonomic guidelines such as using a TENS machine during mousing time; keep wrists straight when lifting anything heavy. Remember that it is important to take care of your body so that it doesn’t hurt so much!
foot pain, try the ball of your foot to the arch and up over the toes. This will work out all those tight spots in between where you have pain elsewhere
shoulder pain from carrying a heavy load: use both hands if possible while carrying anything heavy – it’ll distribute weight more evenly and prevent injury. Again, consider using a TENS machine during mousing time! And remember that it is important to take care of your body so that doesn’t hurt so much!
Karen’s favorite tips for relief:
I am not an expert on this topic but what has helped me was taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen when my pain got really bad; doing yoga which has been great at releasing tension from muscles; using a heating pad with eucalyptus oil which I’ve found really helped my pain.
Pain is weakness leaving the body – what does this mean? That means that when you hurt, your muscles are trying to tell you something: it’s time to take care of yourself! What can you do for relief?
Foot pain from standing too long on hard surfaces (concrete or tiled floors) might be relieved by changing position and moving around frequently while working; make sure your shoes fit correctly and have good arch support. If all else fails, consider using a TENS machine during mousing time or try heel lifts in small amounts at home until things improve
Shoulder pain caused by carrying heavy loads can be reduced by using a backpack or messenger bag instead of wearing the weight in your arms; use both hands to lift and carry heavy objects, like grocery bags.
Neck pain can be caused by sleeping on an uneven surface, which may cause you to bend abnormally at night while resting
For chronic headaches that have no identifiable causes other than stress (like migraines), consider taking over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen for pain relief when necessary. Controlling triggers is important too: drink less caffeine, avoid smoking cigarettes, eat smaller portions more often throughout the day with complex carbohydrates and protein. If none of these work out – talk it through! You might not need medication after all!
pain is weakness leaving the body
Pain Relief Strategies:
Wearing a well-made, properly fitted bra can help relieve pain in your back and shoulders. This goes for both men and women!
If you’re experiencing headaches from migraines or stress, get plenty of sleep by limiting caffeine intake at night to no more than one cup per day. Avoid smoking cigarettes as much as possible too. Eat smaller portions throughout the day with complex carbohydrates (like whole grains) and protein (such as lean meats). These strategies may also contribute to better overall health
Simply sleeping on an uneven surface can cause neck pain that worsens over time without recognition; make sure your mattress is comfortable enough so it doesn’t put strain on your neck.
Use a heating pad to relieve pain in the lower back or for sore muscles after an intense workout
Exhale when you are doing abdominal exercises, as this will help engage and protect your back from strain. The same is true if you have had a recent surgery and can’t yet do full sit-ups: exhaling while raising your head up off the floor midway through each one may be just enough to keep those core muscles strong
Physical therapy has been shown to reduce pain, improve range of motion, rebuild strength, increase endurance and improve function; ask about treatment options that would work best for YOU!
If you have arthritis in the hand joints (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), try to limit bending the affected joint and do gentle stretching exercises.
If you have pain in a specific location, it is important to consult with your physician as some conditions may need treatment before pain relief can be achieved!
Avoid lifting heavy objects from low positions (such as picking up something off of the floor) through twisting or bending at your waist; instead bend over sideways to pick them up. “Lifting properly” means that when you’re holding an object close to your body, rather than swinging it around like a pendulum while walking backward, hold on securely with both hands using either one hand if the weight isn’t too much for you or two hands if needed.
Try to move around more; sitting for long periods of time tightens muscles and can put pressure on your spine.
When you’re reading, recline in a chair with the footrest up or sit upright in bed propped against pillows so that your head is aligned properly. It’s best not to sleep on your stomach but if you must do this, be sure to place a pillow between your knees while sleeping to decrease pain as well as prevent nighttime acid reflux by raising the lower body towards an end position (this creates less weight during digestion).
