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===Getting Medical Care===
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===Getting Medical Care===
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#See your doctor if you experience pain on a regular basis. Chronic pain is considered pain that last for 3 months or longer. If you have this kind of pain, you should consult with your doctor about it. Tell them how long you have been pain, where the pain originates, and what techniques you have been using to try and manage it.<ref>https://ift.tt/2XtWbJZ>
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#See your doctor if you experience pain on a regular basis. Chronic pain is considered pain that last for 3 months or longer. If you have this kind of pain, you should consult with your doctor about it. Tell them how long you have been pain, where the pain originates, and what techniques you have been using to try and manage it.<ref>https://ift.tt/2XtWbJZ>
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#*Even if you don’t think that your pain can be treated or if other doctors have not been successful at treating it, continue to search for a solution.
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#*Even if you don’t think that your pain can be treated or if other doctors have not been successful at treating it, continue to search for a solution.
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#Consult with a specialized health care provider that treats pain. It can be very helpful to consult with a physician who specializes in pain management. If such a specialist is not available in your community, consult with a physical therapist, a health psychologist, or a nurse who specializes in pain treatment.<ref> https://ift.tt/2JuPdKS> [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 13.jpg|center]]
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#Consult with a specialized health care provider that treats pain. It can be very helpful to consult with a physician who specializes in pain management. If such a specialist is not available in your community, consult with a physical therapist, a health psychologist, or a nurse who specializes in pain treatment.<ref> https://ift.tt/2JuPdKS> [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 13.jpg|center]]
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#*Physicians may be reluctant to help if they suspect you are faking an illness in order to obtain narcotics. Be very clear about how you describe your pain and when it occurs. Do not just demand pain medication without much explanation because this will make a doctor think you are drug seeking.
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#*Talk to your general practitioner or other specialists you work with for a referral to a pain specialist in your area.
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#*Talk to your general practitioner or other specialists you work with for a referral to a pain specialist in your area.
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#Take medication to control your pain. There are a wide variety of pain medications that your doctors might prescribe for your chronic pain, depending on how bad your pain is and what is causing it. They can vary from simply a higher dose of an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, to strong painkillers, such as narcotics.<ref>https://ift.tt/2Ji68QI> [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 6.jpg|center]]
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#Take medication to control your pain. There are a wide variety of pain medications that your doctors might prescribe for your chronic pain, depending on how bad your pain is and what is causing it. They can vary from simply a higher dose of an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, to strong painkillers, such as narcotics.<ref>https://ift.tt/2Ji68QI> [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 6.jpg|center]]
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#*Although it's understandable to want to get rid of your pain, is important to be cautious when using narcotics to treat chronic pain. Many pain medications can be very addictive, so they need to be used under the close supervision of a medical professional. They are habit-forming and become less effective over time if not used responsibly.
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#*Although it's understandable to want to get rid of your pain, is important to be cautious when using narcotics to treat chronic pain. Many pain medications can be very addictive, so they need to be used under the close supervision of a medical professional. They are habit-forming and become less effective over time if not used responsibly.
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#Stick with your treatment plan. Once you consult with your doctor about how to treat your pain, you need to commit to following through with the treatment plan. Working through the plan, which is usually a combination of medication, exercises, and lifestyle changes, may not relieve all of your pain right away but try to stick with it. It will be most successful long term.<ref>https://ift.tt/2XtWbJZ>
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#Stick with your treatment plan. Once you consult with your doctor about how to treat your pain, you need to commit to following through with the treatment plan. Working through the plan, which is usually a combination of medication, exercises, and lifestyle changes, may not relieve all of your pain right away but try to stick with it. It will be most successful long term.<ref>https://ift.tt/2XtWbJZ>
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#*It is important to take medication on time and as directed. Taking it on time will build up the medication in your system and reduce the chance of it wearing off before you take another dose.
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#*It is important to take medication on time and as directed. Taking it on time will build up the medication in your system and reduce the chance of it wearing off before you take another dose.
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#*If parts of your treatment plan are causing you
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#*If parts of your treatment plan are causing you more pain than expected, stop doing them and let your doctor know right away. Your doctor may advise you that some level of pain is normal during exercise as part of a plan to help desensitize you.
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#Go to an [[Choose an Acupuncturist|acupuncturist]], a [[Find a Naturopathic Doctor|naturopathic doctor]], a massage therapist, or a doctor of Chinese medicine. In most cases, incorporating a variety of techniques into your treatment plan will give you a better chance of reducing your pain. In many cases, an acupuncturist, a naturopathic doctor, or a doctor of Chinese medicine will be able to help with your pain in a new way.<ref>https://ift.tt/2Xs2Ggy> [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 7.jpg|center]]
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#*Talk to your primary care provider about your desire to also get non-traditional treatments. They may be able to refer you to someone or they will have suggestions for what type of treatments might be beneficial or harmful for your condition.
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#Get supportive [[Find a Good Psychologist|psychotherapy]] with a mental health professional. Chronic pain can be so challenging to cope with that it creates a variety of problems in your life, including problems with your mental health. Therapy is often helpful to help you deal with the actual pain and the ways that it impacts your life and causes limitations.
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#Get supportive [[Find a Good Psychologist|psychotherapy]] with a mental health professional. Chronic pain can be so challenging to cope with that it creates a variety of problems in your life, including problems with your mental health. Therapy is often helpful to help you deal with the actual pain and the ways that it impacts your life and causes limitations.
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#*Many chronic pain sufferers use antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about if that’s right for you.”<ref>https://ift.tt/2Ji68QI>
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#*Many chronic pain sufferers use antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about if that’s right for you.”<ref>https://ift.tt/2Ji68QI>
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#*It is important to not take too much pain medication, even if it is an over-the-counter medication. Taking too much can injure your organs and can even cause death in some rare cases, so follow the directions on the packaging and don’t take multiple products without taking your overall dose into consideration.<ref>https://ift.tt/2Xs2HRE>
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#*It is important to not take too much pain medication, even if it is an over-the-counter medication. Taking too much can injure your organs and can even cause death in some rare cases, so follow the directions on the packaging and don’t take multiple products without taking your overall dose into consideration.<ref>https://ift.tt/2Xs2HRE>
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#*If you are on other medications, consult with your doctor before beginning a regime of taking pain medications.
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#*If you are on other medications, consult with your doctor before beginning a regime of taking pain medications.
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#Use heat to reduce pain in your muscles. Get a heating pad or a hot water bottle and apply moderate heat to the area in pain. Apply the heat for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how much pain you are in and if the heat is helping.
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#Use heat to reduce pain in your muscles. Get a heating pad or a hot water bottle and apply moderate heat to the area in pain. Apply the heat for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how much pain you are in and if the heat is helping.
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#*A hot bath can also provide pain relief for large areas on the body.
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#*A hot bath can also provide pain relief for large areas on the body.
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#*Putting heat on an area of pain will increase blood flow and circulation in that area.
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#*Putting heat on an area of pain will increase blood flow and circulation in that area.
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#Soak in a bath that contains [[Take an Epsom Salt Bath|Epsom salt]]. If you are having a hard time getting relief from your pain, draw a warm bath and stir 2 cups of Epsom salt into the water. Soak in the Epsom salt bath for at least 15 minutes to reduce pain in your bones, joints, and muscles.<ref>https://ift.tt/2Jt1W0z>
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#*Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulfate, helps pain because it is absorbed through the skin and then reduces inflammation once it is in the body.<ref>https://ift.tt/2Xs2I8a>
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#*There is very little scientific evidence to prove that epsom salt baths help with pain. There needs to be more research done to prove whether it is actually effective or if the relief comes from the relaxation and warmth of the bath.<ref.https://ift.tt/2JuPfCu>
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#Apply ice to a focused area of the body that is in pain. Make an ice pack or get a reusable ice pack out of your freezer if you need some relief from your pain. Wrap the pack in a towel to protect your skin and then apply it to the area in pain. Leave it in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Then let the area warm up for 15 minutes and apply the cold pack for 15 minutes again. Repeat this process for as long as you like.<ref> https://ift.tt/2Xs2JsK> [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 8.jpg|center]]
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#Apply ice to a focused area of the body that is in pain. Make an ice pack or get a reusable ice pack out of your freezer if you need some relief from your pain. Wrap the pack in a towel to protect your skin and then apply it to the area in pain. Leave it in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Then let the area warm up for 15 minutes and apply the cold pack for 15 minutes again. Repeat this process for as long as you like.<ref> https://ift.tt/2Xs2JsK> [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 8.jpg|center]]
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#*Ice works on inflammation near the surface, not other kinds of muscle pain or inflammation deep inside the body.<ref>https://ift.tt/2JuPihE>
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#*Do not use ice on stiff muscle or joints. Heat will be much better for relieving that type of pain and discomfort.
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#*Do not use ice on stiff muscle or joints. Heat will be much better for relieving that type of pain and discomfort.
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#*Ice can reduce pain for hours, even if it is only applied for 15 minutes at a time.
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#*Ice can reduce pain for hours, even if it is only applied for 15 minutes at a time.
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#[[Exercise|Exercise]] on a regular basis. While your pain may make it hard for you to exercise, it actually can be beneficial for many conditions that cause chronic pain. Spend time each day doing mild exercise, such as stretching, walking, or doing gentle yoga. Whatever you can do comfortably, which doesn't have to be a lot, exercise will help the severity of your pain.<ref>https://ift.tt/2XrYo8F>
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#[[Exercise|Exercise]] on a regular basis. While your pain may make it hard for you to exercise, it actually can be beneficial for many conditions that cause chronic pain. Spend time each day doing mild exercise, such as stretching, walking, or doing gentle yoga. Whatever you can do comfortably, which doesn't have to be a lot, exercise will help the severity of your pain.<ref>https://ift.tt/2XrYo8F>
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#*Consult with your doctor if you are concerned about your ability to exercise.
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#*Consult with your doctor if you are concerned about your ability to exercise.
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#Eat healthy meals. Eating foods that contain a lot of vitamins, minerals
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#Get enough [[Have a Good Night's Sleep|sleep]]. Sleep is an important part of helping your body heal and rejuvenate, which can reduce your pain. Most adults over 25 years old should aim for getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night. If you are younger than that, you should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep.<ref>https://www.sleepfoundation.org/excessive-sleepiness/support/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need</ref>
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#Eat healthy meals. Eating foods that contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that will help reduce your pain and inflammation. Try to [[Eat Healthy|eat balanced meals]] throughout the day and [[Drink Enough Water|drink plenty of water]] as well.<ref>https://ift.tt/2Jt1W0z> [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 12.jpg|center]]
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#*Do not over-indulge in tobacco, too much alcohol, or binge eating. These can cause more inflammation in your body, which can increase your pain.
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#*Do not over-indulge in tobacco, too much alcohol, or binge eating. These can cause more inflammation in your body, which can increase your pain.
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#Take [[Choose Vitamin Supplements|supplements]] that reduce pain. There are a variety of pain-relieving supplements that you can take to reduce your pain. Talk to your doctor before taking one of these supplements:<ref>https://ift.tt/2JuPiOG>
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#Take [[Choose Vitamin Supplements|supplements]] that reduce pain. There are a variety of pain-relieving supplements that you can take to reduce your pain. Talk to your doctor before taking one of these supplements:<ref>https://ift.tt/2JuPiOG>
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#*Glucosamine
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#*Glucosamine
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#*Magnesium
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#*Magnesium
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===Taking Care of Your Mental Health===
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===Taking Care of Your Mental Health===
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#Spend time focusing on [[Relax|relaxation]]. Tension and stress can increase your physical pain. To minimize this, practice relaxation, as it is a learned skill for most people. You can do activities that you find relaxing, such as gardening or taking a bath, or activities that are designed specifically to relax the body, such as meditation and breathing techniques. [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 1.jpg|center]]
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#Spend time focusing on [[Relax|relaxation]]. Tension and stress can increase your physical pain. To minimize this, practice relaxation, as it is a learned skill for most people. You can do activities that you find relaxing, such as gardening or taking a bath, or activities that are designed specifically to relax the body, such as meditation and breathing techniques. [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 1.jpg|center]]
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#*[[Meditate Deeply|Meditation]]
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#*[[Meditate Deeply|Meditation]] can be a particularly useful technique for relaxing the mind and body.<ref>https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress</ref>
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#*One way to do focused relaxation is with [[Meditate on Breath|breathing techniques]]. Long, slow, and focused breathing helps relaxation and takes attention away from pain.
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#*One way to do focused relaxation is with [[Meditate on Breath|breathing techniques]]. Long, slow, and focused breathing helps relaxation and takes attention away from pain.
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#Consider getting training in [[Perform Self Hypnosis|self-hypnosis]]. Use guided imagery, hypnosis, or biofeedback techniques to help reduce your pain. Learn about these methods from an expert so that you can use them at home when ever you are having a hard time and you need to reduce your pain. [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 5.jpg|center]]
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#Consider getting training in [[Perform Self Hypnosis|self-hypnosis]]. Use guided imagery, hypnosis, or biofeedback techniques to help reduce your pain. Learn about these methods from an expert so that you can use them at home when ever you are having a hard time and you need to reduce your pain. [[Image:Reduce Chronic Pain Step 5.jpg|center]]
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