Few sensations prove as unpleasant as pain. Physical discomfort often limits one’s enjoyment of life and their ability to perform even the most basic tasks. Fortunately, engaging in certain health practices might ease or possibly even eliminate incidents of such untoward feelings.
Inflammation
Everyone has felt some type of pain at one time or another during an illness or following some type of physical injury. That said, a significant number of such individuals likely do not know that the origin of most pain is a bodily process known as inflammation.
In actuality, inflammation is a normal response by the body’s immune system and occurs as a means of fighting invaders or beginning the healing process in an injury’s wake.
However, numerous factors can contribute to excessive inflammation and subsequent bouts of chronic pain, including exposure to environmental pollutants, the ingestion of foods and beverages containing artificial chemicals, engaging in potentially detrimental vices like cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, not obtaining enough rest, and failing to curb or eliminate unnecessary stressors.
Five Health Practices Geared Towards Reducing Pain
Luckily, those stricken with continual or intense pain might lessen or eradicate incidents of said occurrences by adhering to practices such as:
Truly Relaxing
Many have heard the word relax mentioned on countless occasions. However, a far smaller percentage realize said terminology refers to more than a quick cat nap or a night on the town with friends.
In actuality, relaxation means achieving tranquility within one’s mind, body, and soul. The biggest issue is that we all can retain tension in our bodies and posture, which makes it hard to truly relax. Chiropractic supplies and stretching techniques like myofascial release can go a long way in fixing these problems.
Additionally, sleep is intimately tied to the relaxation process. Therefore, medical professionals and sleep experts strongly suggest busy, working adults obtain anywhere from seven to nine hours of uninterrupted slumber per evening.
Quitting Or Curtailing Questionable Vices
Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages contain numerous potentially damaging and debilitating substances. Some may think these seemingly relaxing vices induce calm.
This is only true over the short-term. However, over the long haul, said habits could have a deleterious impact on one’s pain-fighting capacities.
Excessive alcohol intake can actually shorten deep sleep cycles limiting the amount of productive rest one might garner. Moreover, smoking slows blood flow, which could delay the healing process.
Eating Inflammation-Reducing Foods
Believe it or not, there are several inflammation-combating foods healthcare providers urge those dealing with chronic pain should routinely consume, such as green vegetables, tomatoes, olive oil, fatty fishes, nuts, and fruits like berries and citrus products.
These edible items are rife with potent nutrients called antioxidants. Said chemicals are noted for their inane capacity to reduce existing inflammation and ward off emerging incidents.
Exercising
Physical activity can help fight pain on certain notable fronts.
First, a health maintenance company stresses that exercise strengthens the body’s bones, muscles, and soft tissues. When these physical structures are stronger, they are less susceptible to injury and associated discomfort. Moreover, routine fitness stimulates the release of pain-battling hormones called endorphins.
Limiting Stress
Stress often stimulates or exacerbates pain.
On one count, continual tension damages the body. Over the long-term, said events can weaken the immune system leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic injuries and illnesses. Moreover, an overly stressed individual’s system releases large concentrations of stress hormones, which over time, can damage cells and tissues resulting in inflammation.