More proven ways to manage chronic pain

Image source: rd.com

Chronic pain can make you feel miserable, as it is debilitating and lasts for over several months, usually between three to six months. According to a survey done by the National Health Interview in 2012, about 25.3 million Americans experience everyday pain for three straight months, with almost 40 million adults go through severe pain. And these numbers continue to increase as we head to the 2020s, says chronic spine pain surgeon Joseph Yazdi, M.D.


One method of managing chronic pain that is taken for granted is exercising. It’s actually one of the best ways to deal with chronic pain, as staying active increases the levels of dopamine and endorphins and builds up tissue oxygen. You feel pain less while also having improved moods and better sleep. Of course, exercise can sometimes increase discomfort, so make sure to first see your doctor or physical therapist to help you establish the correct regimen.

Image source: nccih.nih.gov

Another proven way to aid in chronic pain relief is doing yoga. Chronic pain can be so bad that it disrupts the way you think and affect your cognition and emotions. Doing yoga will have the opposite effect, as the meditation and postures it promotes reduce pain perception and alleviates feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and depression.

Something very simple that you can add to your diet is turmeric. Turmeric can prove very helpful in boosting overall health, including cognitive function and relief from chronic pain. This is because turmeric contains the anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. Modern clinical evidence points to it being very effective in reducing both inflammation and pain, including the treatment of arthritis. It would do you better—if not well—by adding a sprinkle of turmeric to your meals, Dr. Joseph Yazdi advises.

Joseph Yazdi, M.D., is an accomplished neurosurgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and chronic pain management by placement of dorsal column stimulator (DCS) in selected patients. Visit this blog for similar posts.