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Pain—acute or chronic—can disrupt all aspects of day-to-day functioning. From activity to overall well-being, untreated pain saps energy and diminishes quality of life. Fortunately, with the proper combination of medical treatment, self-management, and behavioral techniques, pain can usually be well managed. Dr. Jordan Sudberg, proprietor of Islandia, New York-based Spine and Sport Rehabilitation, is an expert in pain management and emphasizes that an integrated strategy is the key.
Pain’s not just something you experience physically—it’s often tied to emotions and psychology too. True relief is found in addressing all aspects of a person’s condition,” he says.
Following are five pain management recommendations by experts that can be applied to a range of conditions:
1. Stay Active—In Moderation
Despite appearances to the contrary, movement is actually one of the most effective ways of coping with all forms of pain, including musculoskeletal pain.
“Exercise can actually worsen some types of pain. Low-impact exercise, like walking or swimming, keeps you moving and loosens you up.”
Stretching and strengthening exercises, when recommended by a physician, can be particularly beneficial for joint pain, neck, and back pain.
2. Practice Mind-Body Techniques
Stress and pain are two companions. Meditation, slow breathing, and imagery can be used to control both. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is known to reduce the severity of chronic pain, particularly in illnesses like fibromyalgia and arthritis.
3. Maintain a Healthy Sleeping Pattern
Poor sleep has a tendency to exacerbate pain, and it sets up a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. Prioritize a regular sleep schedule, avoid screens at night, and develop a calming evening routine.
4. Apply Heat and Cold Therapy Wisely
Alternating heat and cold packs can reduce swelling and improve circulation. Acute injuries are treated with cold to restrict swelling, and chronic muscle tightness is treated with heat.
5. Visit a Pain Management Specialist
Over-the-counter medications can alleviate pain in the short term, but chronic or complex pain typically requires an individualized treatment regimen.
“Each patient’s pain is different. And that’s why multidisciplinary treatment—physical therapy, regenerative modalities, and lifestyle modification—is needed for long-term relief.”
Spine and Sport Rehabilitation patients are given individualized treatment programs that, aside from symptom management, involve function restoration and enhancement of daily living.
Final thoughts
You don’t have to let pain control your life. Through the right mix of clinical treatment and daily habits, individuals can live well with chronic pain. Start by identifying your triggers, staying active, and talking with trained professionals.
It’s not to conceal pain—it’s to allow individuals to move on with strength, confidence, and resilience.