Practical Tips for Managing Chronic Pain in Seniors

1. Manage Your Health Conditions

If your chronic pain comes from a specific health condition, managing that disease well can help minimize the pain and other symptoms. How you manage the condition depends on what you have, but it might include taking medication, changing your diet, seeing specialists and doing other types of treatment like physical therapy. Always follow the protocols your doctor prescribes and attend your regular visits to keep the condition under control.

2. Work With Your Health Care Provider

Talking to your doctor about your chronic pain could improve your results. Don’t keep your pain to yourself. Be honest with your health care provider if you’re experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort. They might suggest alternative treatment options for your health conditions or recommend new pain relief methods that help you stay more comfortable.

3. Notice What Affects Your Pain

Tuning in to the pain triggers you experience can help you know what to avoid. Think about what types of movement or activities aggravate or ease your pain. Pay attention to things like your sleep habits, stress levels and diet when evaluating what influences your pain. You might not be able to control all of these factors. For instance, some people with arthritis notice changes in the weather can make the pain worse. For the factors within your control, try to do more of what helps and less of what increases the pain.

4. Reduce Your Stress Levels

Stress is a natural, normal part of life, and it can sometimes help motivate you. However, excess stress can be harmful to your mental and physical health. If you’re feeling overly stressed, it might make your chronic pain worse. Managing your stress levels could give you some pain relief. Here are some ways to reduce your stress:

• Avoid situations that trigger your stress.
• Cut back on your responsibilities.
• Practice self-care.
• Listen to music or do other relaxing activities.
• Exercise regularly.
• Learn and use relaxation techniques.
• Practice meditation.

5. Improve Your Overall Health

Moving might seem painful, but regular exercise often helps ease chronic pain. Being active produces hormones that boost your mood and make you feel better overall. Exercise might also help your chronic conditions and pain by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, lubricating your joints and helping you lose weight. Lowering your weight eases the pressure on your joints, which could reduce pain.

Healthier food intake could also ease your chronic pain. Packing your plate with nutritious foods, especially those with antioxidants, can help prevent inflammation in your body, which can reduce pain. Omega-3 fatty acids might also help keep inflammation under control. Stick with as many whole foods as possible, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, to supply your body with healthy nutrients.

6. Stay Involved

Chronic pain sometimes causes people to withdraw from their normal activities. They might not feel up to seeing friends or doing activities they once enjoyed. However, staying involved in the activities and social groups you enjoy can offer a welcome distraction from your pain. It also helps you connect with loved ones who can help you feel better and serve as your support system. If you can’t keep up with your old activities, find new ways to enjoy time with those who are closest to you.

7. Get the Support You Need

Having a strong support system can help you through challenging situations. If your chronic pain keeps you from doing things you enjoy, you might reach out to friends and family to avoid feeling lonely. They might also be able to help you with tasks such as cleaning your house or running errands when your pain makes those things challenging. Joining a support group, either in person or online, with other people who experience chronic pain can also help you find a sense of community that can improve your mental health.

8. Embrace Your Faith

Turning to God during your bouts of chronic pain is another way to find strength in the situation. Find Bible verses that talk about suffering and strength to serve as a guide for you. Engaging in daily prayer can help you through difficult times. You might join a Bible study or prayer group that helps you feel connected and supported.

9. Consider Assisted Living

If you don’t already live in an assisted living community under the Bethesda Senior Living Community umbrella, consider finding one close to you. Compassionate caregivers offer personalized support, which can include things like getting dressed and bathing. Those daily tasks are often more challenging when you have chronic pain, so an assisted living situation can make them a little easier. Plus, you get medication management and help with scheduling medical appointments to make managing your chronic health conditions simpler. The care team works as your advocate to help you get the medical care you need.