Pain management: Lifestyle changes

Pain management may be improved with simple lifestyle changes. Making a few or all of these changes might not cure your pain, but they may complement your already existing treatment plan. As you read on, you may be amazed by how interwoven some of these categories are. (For example, good sleep hygiene includes eating a balanced diet, exercising when appropriate and reducing stress.)

Lifestyle changes overview

Eating a balanced diet can ensure that you are getting the vitamins and nutrients you need to stay healthy. Be sure to discuss your diet with your doctor. Some foods and vitamins should be avoided when taking certain medications.
Eat healthfully: Visit the Food & Nutrition Center

* Eat a balanced diet for chronic pain
* Healthy diet basics
* Visit the Food & Nutrition Center for more tips

More and more studies are showing that sleep is tied to your health. Sleep deprivation can lead to high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, a weakened immune system, depression and even weight gain. Poor sleep can also worsen existing conditions.
Sleep better: Visit the Sleep Center

* The rewards of sleep
* Sleep and your health
* 10 tips for better sleep
* Visit the Sleep Center for more tips

Regular exercise can benefit those with chronic pain. Physical activity increases energy and joint flexibility. Remember to start out slowly and ease into your exercise routine. Consider getting a personal trainer or participating in physical therapy.
Start exercising: Visit the Fitness Center

* Exercise to help with chronic pain
* Find condition-specific exercises
* Find articles on how to get started
* Find articles on strength and muscle training
* Visit the Fitness Center for more tips

Extra stress in your life can cause tension in your muscles and worsen existing conditions. For some people, exercise (e.g., aerobics, running, yoga) also acts as a stress reliever. Others may need to take a few extra minutes to focus on relaxation.
Reduce stress: Visit the Stress Management Center

* Stress management overview
* Find articles on relaxation and breathing techniques
* Find articles on massage therapy
* Detect your sources of stress
* Visit the Stress Management Center for more tips

Smoking may worsen your pain and prevent pain management treatments from being maximally effective. People who smoke also develop more illnesses than nonsmokers and are at higher risks of cardiovascular diseases, lung problems, cancer and infertility. Discuss your method of quitting with your doctor in order to be sure that it works well with your current pain management plan.
Stop smoking: Visit the Nicotine Dependence Center

* 10 rules of change
* Nicotine dependence: Treatment overview
* Visit the Nicotine Dependence Center for more tips
* Smoke-free: Get support from others like you

If your chronic pain keeps you from getting around or enjoying activities outside the home, assistive devices (such as a cane or crutches) and some home modifications may help. Your doctor may or may not want you to use an assistive device, so discuss your plans with your doctor first.
Assistive devices: Visit the Caring for Others Center

* Home modifications and assistive devices
* Find articles on safety and mobility in the home
* Visit the Caring for Others Center for more tips