Surprising facts about Chronic Pain...

Here are some interesting things I recently read about chronic pain...and they may surprise you!

1) Similar to the story I posted about spider venom...scorpion venom is under investigation for pain
management uses.

2) Painful menstrual cramps can be relieved by avoiding caffeine, chocolate, dairy products, salty foods, red meat, and sugary foods during menstrual periods.

3) It is not uncommon to have vitamin D deficiency due to use of sunblocks, or avoiding time in the sun to prevent skin cancer. This can be determined by a simple blood test. Why is this important?
Many of these same people suffer from chronic pain are are in the vitamin D deficient group. Vitamin D supplementation will not only correct the deficiency, but also help to improve pain levels.

4) Sleeping in the fetal position is known as "the natural defensive position." In the psychological sense, this posture reminds us of the safety and comfort of our mother's womb. It may also help to relax muscles and help reduce pain.

5) Some aspects of pain tolerance are genetic. If you have family members who cringe at the sight of a needle or other painful stimuli--you might fall under the same umbrella.

6) Virtual reality is becoming an accepted form of therapy in the world of pain management. It is a distraction technique, taking the user out of self and into another world, away from pain and discomfort when in use.

7) "Music soothes the savage beast." Studies have shown that getting oneself lost in music helps to relieve pain by relieving associated anxiety!

Sources: The Health Site; WebMD;Pixabay

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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

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Everyday pain management ideas

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