Pain is an alarm system in the body that notifies you something is off. Whether it gradually builds over time or it suddenly appears, it may range from intermittent to continuous. It may also stem from an infection or injury. If left untreated, you may find yourself unable to function both mentally and physically. The following are 6 ways to control chronic pain.

Drink Plenty of Water

Chronic pain can be more crippling than cancer or heart disease. It can also cause a person unable to perform daily tasks. If your pain is from an injury, being dehydrated can make chronic conditions such as sore muscles, back pain and headaches even worse. While you may be tempted to quench your thirst with soda’s, coffee or fruit juice, water is the only liquid that helps you remain hydrated without adding calories, caffeine or sodium.

Medical Marijuana

Acetaminophen and other anti-inflammatory products reduce inflammation. But one of the most promising methods comes from medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is used to treat certain health conditions. People using the plant for pain don’t do so to gain a high.

If you’re suffering from chronic pain, products found in your Denver Dispensaries can provide relief from symptoms caused by chronic pain. Although many plants sold legally have similar ingredients to those used for pleasure, some marijuana is specifically grown to manage pain.

Meditation and Yoga

If your pain has progressed from minimal to severe, you may find it difficult to concentrate. You can calm your brain and mind by practicing meditation and yoga. Yoga helps build a stronger and more flexible body. It’s also a practice that can bring peace to your mind and reduce stress. Based on reports from the Mayo Clinic, meditation, breathing, and the various poses are helpful tools in reducing pain and teaching the body how to relax.

The Proper Foods

The body may become irritated when you eat the wrong foods. If you’re looking to alleviate stress and inflammation, stay away from processed foods. You also want to ingest nutritious edible sources such as omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, soy products and minimal amounts of sugar.

Asparagus, pineapple, plums, cherries and cranberries are superfoods to add to your diet. Chemicals that may irritate your system can be found in dairy, red wine, wheat products, eggs, high-fat red meat, citrus and chocolate.

Add Spice to Your Life

Turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Brightly colored and aromatic, it’s been used to treat chronic pain and boost the immune system. The curcumin found in the spice is what makes it such a natural healer. Whether you add to your favorite cup of tea or at meal time, turmeric is a natural treatment method for dealing with chronic pain.

Practice Perfect Posture

Your schedule may not allow time for yoga and meditation every day. You can still bring the basic yoga postures to your daily life without setting foot in the studio. Whether you’re sitting at your desk at work or watching T.V., practicing perfect posture is critical to managing chronic pain. Falling prey to poor posture is commonplace.

The more you walk and sit slouched, the more your body will adapt the C-slump position. This can then impair the nerves throughout your body. Make a conscious effort to be mindful of sitting with your back straight and head facing forward. This can lessen neck stiffness and prevent pressure from building on the spine.

Living with chronic pain can be a mental and physical challenge. It can also negatively impact your day-to-day lifestyle. With the above 6 strategies, you’ll be able to gain some much needed relief and significantly improve your quality of living.