A lot of us experience occasional pain from time to time. But this isn’t always a bad thing, because it’s an important indicator that we have sustained a possible injury. Typically, the pain will subside as the injury heals, but in the case of chronic pain, the body continues to react to pain signals even when the injury has already healed.

Chronic pain is a kind of pain that persists for a period of 12 weeks or longer and the pain sensation can vary. It could be sharp, burning, aching, or dull depending on the affected area. The most common types of chronic pain are headaches, lower back pain, arthritis, and post-surgical pain. Most of the time it is caused by an initial injury, such as a strained muscle or back twist.

If you’re experiencing chronic pain or know someone who does, this article may help. From a few lifestyle changes to considering the option of seeing a professional, we’re hopeful you can learn something to help treat your chronic pain symptoms.

Here are 4 tips for you:

Stay physically active and control your weight

By controlling your weight you are actively reducing the pressure on your weight-bearing joints and this helps to reduce the feeling of pain. Being overweight is linked to many illnesses, such as diabetes, heart diseases, and even cancer, although this is still being researched. It’s important to keep your weight in check to help improve your health overall. If chronic pain is preventing you from carrying out certain movements, don’t worry because you don’t have to go all out and push yourself to the limit. Some exercises, such as yoga, walking, and water aerobics are less intense yet just as effective at managing joint pain. These also help with strength and flexibility, both of which will lessen the chances of experiencing chronic pain in future.

Consider chiropractic care

A lot of people who suffer with chronic back pain seek chiropractic care for relief. Chiropractic is a type of alternative medicine that aims to diagnose musculoskeletal and spinal disorders. Chiropractors help to manually align the spine through careful manipulation and other learned techniques. It helps joints regain mobility and also enables the body to heal itself without any surgery. Combined with regular exercise it is possible to manage pain and eventually there is the hope of becoming entirely pain-free.

Always be positive

It’s easy to feel disheartened whenever you feel pain, but keeping a positive attitude can definitely boost your ability to cope with it. So don’t forget to smile. Even when your hands are shaking and your feet have swollen to double the size, find something to be happy about. Laugh about it and don’t wallow in self pity; don’t let your pain limit you or define who you are. Keep doing the things you want to do, or start something new, like a new hobby, read more books, take long, gentle leisurely walks etc. When you’re happy, it gives you the opportunity to forget the pain, even for just a moment.

Take medication as prescribed

If you have consulted a physician about your condition, they may have prescribed pain relief to aid with your condition. These prescription medicines and over the counter drugs are helpful in addressing pain and controlling inflammation. Common chronic pain medication includes NSAIDS, antidepressants, muscle relaxant, and corticosteroids. But it’s absolutely essential that you do not self-medicate. Always consult your doctor and ask what drugs are appropriate for your needs. If you are experiencing side effects, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor about it as well.