If you are in chronic pain, you have probably turned to medications to make your life more bearable. While these can be helpful, it’s important to explore all available options for effective pain management, including the role that exercise can play in improving quality of life and decreasing pain.
These five proven ways exercise can help manage pain and may inspire you to get up and move today!
Exercise relieves stress
One of the most important functions of exercise is stress relief. When people are stressed out, they’re more likely to experience increased pain as well. The challenge here is that when we feel pain, it also heightens our stress levels, which in turn further increases our level of pain.
But a good workout can reverse this process by releasing serotonin and endorphins into the brain which can decrease stress levels and diminish the perception of pain.
Reduces stiffness
One way exercise helps is by reducing stiffness. Our spines and joints stiffen up as we age, which can cause pain in our neck, back, hips, and lower limbs. Stretching keeps these parts more mobile and it also prevents arthritis from setting in.
Moderate exercising increases blood flow to the joint, which improves function and range of motion. It also reduces stress hormones that restrict muscle flexibility
Helps you heal faster
Exercise promotes cellular healing by producing endorphins and collagen, two natural substances that promote healing. Muscles and bones also get stronger when exercised, which means that your injuries heal faster. Besides, when you exercise regularly, you improve your balance, flexibility, and range of motion, all of which are necessary for everyday life.
Reduces cognitive issues
Exercise has been shown to decrease chronic pain by making the body more resistant to it. Studies have found that exercise can also reduce depression and lower the risk of mental illness, which often causes or worsen chronic pain.
There are a number of specific types of exercise that have been found to be effective for pain management, such as swimming or regular exercise in general.
Decreases inflammation
The main goal of exercise for managing pain is to decrease inflammation in the body. Exercise does that through a process called hormesis.
Other common benefits from aerobic and strength-based exercises are reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, decreased risk of cancer, cardiovascular benefits, and bone strength improvement.
Make you stronger for everyday activities
In addition to providing you with time to focus on yourself, exercise can help you feel stronger and better able to take on everyday activities. Regular physical activity is important for improving mobility, balance, endurance, strength, and flexibility. By maintaining your flexibility, you may be able to reduce the pain from arthritis in your joints.
Conclusion
Exercise can reduce stress, improve mood and sleep quality, aid in relaxation, and offer many more benefits. For anyone suffering from chronic pain, exercise can help to relieve some of the symptoms and might even act as a long-term solution for coping with pain on a day-to-day basis.
However, if regular exercise and medications are not offering relief in your pain, it’s time to find the best pain management doctors near you and make an appointment now.
