Everyone has different pain tolerance levels, but if you’re experiencing mild musculoskeletal pain, try practicing these natural techniques to improve how your body copes, without taking any form of painkillers.
Many of us reach for the painkillers as soon as we feel pain creeping in. While medication is an effective way of reducing mild pain, taking too many painkillers in the long term can cause further complications, such as increased tolerance levels and liver damage. Luckily there are more natural ways you can manage mild musculoskeletal pain, which can affect the joints, bones, muscles and tendons.
INCREASE YOUR LOW-IMPACT EXERCISES
A common misconception when experiencing musculoskeletal pain is to think you should move as little as possible, but exercise has been shown to improve pain and psychological wellbeing. In almost all circumstances some form of exercise is appropriate and will help reduce pain, improve tissue healing and support recovery.
It has been known that swimming or walking to get you started will help. If walking is difficult, you could try a cross-trainer machine or treadmill, which will relieve the impact from the movement.
Low impact classes such as yoga or Pilates will help to build strength, but if you’re taking part in classes or personal training, make sure you let your trainer know so they can tailor your sessions.
Faster or higher impact exercise that aggravates pain or symptoms should be avoided; Football, Running and Tennis, at least in the short term. And if pain worsens with exercise, modify the type or intensity accordingly.
REDUCE STRESS LEVELS WITH RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Having constant pain naturally causes added stress but learning how to relax and decrease stress levels is proven to help reduce pain. When you’re stressed you clench up and tense your body, which puts pressure on the nerves around the source of the pain and makes it even more painful. It can become a frustrating cycle, as the added stress brings more pain which in turns brings more stress.
Considering relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises can be helpful. Take slow, deep breaths and try to relax your muscles. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress, talk it through with someone who can help, such as family, friends or your GP.
CONSULT A OSTEOPATHY
Osteopaths guarantees to improve your current condition; including back, joint and muscular pain. There are 3 stages to osteopathy;
- Assessment and identification of your symptoms
- Creating a strategy to help you manage these factors more effectively
- Regular check-ups
Don’t ignore unexplained pain, get it checked out by a osteopath or your GP.
