Skip to main content

Non Drug Pain Management Ideas: Behavior Modification-->Goal Setting

For many of us, some of the things that would have the most benefit in terms of pain management are indeed lofty goals.  Trying to quit smoking, lose weight, begin an exercise program...each one of these is a big change in and of itself.  It is possible to make these changes, but it's not going to happen overnight.





So now, we come to the obvious question:  Where do I start?  And the answer is: At the beginning, of course.  But for any given person, the beginning is not the same thing. It is up to an individual,  and no one else, what the first step is going to be.  Perhaps you are not a smoker and you already exercise and have good control of weight....for you, maybe it's time to try the anti-inflammatory diet or try occupational therapy or biofeedback.  Maybe you are the person who really needs to cut back on cigarettes.  No matter what it is that needs to change, it is up to you and you alone what to change and what the priorities are.

So, while it is still early in the New Year, it's time to plant a vision...and to help that goal come to fruition! Your body will thank you for any positive contribution that you would like to make.  










Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Living with Chronic pain hits the big screen!

Been to the movies lately?  Jennifer Aniston is on the big screen in a recent release titled "Cake." Her character, Claire is a victim of chronic pain...she belongs to a support group, where all of the members are coming to terms with the suicide of one of their members.  Of course, she also takes pain medication and addiction is another of her problems...and of course there's more! I guess I am writing this post just to bring readers' attention to the fact that Hollywood has become aware of the crisis that is chronic pain.  This movie is a testament to that. People that don't have to live with this kind of pain don't fully understand the whole story.  Maybe this movie will shed some light on the issues. Here is the official trailer for the movie: Sources: prweb;NorthJersey.com;YouTube

Sciatica: A common pain in the butt!

Sciatica pain results from pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve.  This nerve originates in the spine and runs down through the buttocks and the back of the leg...so if you've ever literally had a pain in the butt, it is possible that sciatica is the problem.  The cause of the pressure can be from a number of sources...for instance,  compression in the spinal cord due to disc injury or a tumor. The sciatica pain sensation can vary widely..it can present as a numbness or tingling, dull ache, burning, and in severe cases the pain can make movement quite difficult. Over time, it is possible for sciatica to resolve on its own.  If it does not, it is important to seek medical help to determine the root cause of the pain. The usual first course of remedies for sciatica include ice application to the affected area for the first 48-72 hours, followed by heat.  Over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are also appropriate.  ...

Non Drug Pain Management Ideas: Applying the 80/20 Principle

The idea for today's post comes from my husband, who has in recent years become a follower of the paleo/primal diet.  Most of the time he is very strict about this diet, making sure not to eat anything taboo.  On occasion, he breaks from the rigidity of his new found way of life and enjoys a few cookies, maybe a bottle of beer, or a new pasta dish. Why, you ask?  He says that according to others who follow this course, there is an 80/20 rule.  This means that that if you adhere to the rules 80% of the time, you can allow yourself some leeway the other 20% of the time.  It is important to bring this concept to the readers of this blog for a number of reasons: 1)If you have been following this blog at all, you know there are a lot of lifestyle changes that can tremendously enhance relief from chronic pain.  For a lot of people this not an easy thing to do.  By opting to follow the 80/20 rule these lifestyle modifications suddenl...