The trials of living with chronic pain syndrome cannot ever be considered easy. Some sufferers would go to any lengths to find some sort of relief. The amount of money which people spend, with no success, on complementary and alternative therapies is saddening, especially when there is absolutely no relief.
Falling victim to chronic pain syndrome is rarely the fault of the sufferer and learning to live with the condition is as difficult as the pain itself. Rather than getting into the cycle of chasing every €miracle cure' follow the tips below to assist you in managing the condition.
Step One: Immediate Relief
The first thing you need to find is some immediate relief from the constant pain. Chronic pain syndrome sufferers will find even a short period of relief extremely beneficial and liberating. Even if it's only for a short time it can help create a healthier mind-set so discuss your situation with your GP - ask for a medication review and they should be able to change things enough to make a difference. You could also consider topical relief in the form of heat and also alternative therapies including massage and acupuncture.
Step Two: Long-Term Planning
Immediate relief is of course only a short term solution and with chronic pain syndrome you need to look in more depth at a long-term plan to edge towards your normal routine before the onset of the condition. The three following tips can be key to long-term success and in some cases even recovery.
€ Keep it realistic
You must pace yourself and keep your goals small. Try and expect improvements in weekly or monthly time frames rather than day by day. Long-term pain won't just fade away in a day or so, however much you want it to.
€ Never Rush
Work on your goals slowly. Make very small changes to the amount of activity you carry out on a daily basis and this should lead to steady improvement. The risk of relapse is high if you push yourself too hard.
€ Think Big
Of course you need to keep your goals small and manageable but you'll have no motivation if you don't have a big picture to think of at the end of it all. Maybe you want to return to work or enjoy your favourite sport. Think big so each of your small goals more worthwhile.
Step Three: Positive Mental Attitude
The final point we've got for you is all about staying positive. It's very easy to slip into depression when managing chronic pain syndrome but it's extremely important you focus on your goals and keep your positive mental attitude alive. Depression can have physical impacts upon your condition as well as heightening stress levels. If you believe you can recover then there's a much higher chance you will one day reach that point.
Learning to live with chronic pain or even finding your way to recovery is a long journey but you can be sure every step is worth it.