Baby Boomers And Pain Management

As boomers age it is normal to have a certain amount of pain.  There are those that suffer from acute pain or chronic pain.  Messages are sent to our brains which says, “Ouch that hurts so stop.”  The brain sends the message to the body part as pain.  Unfortunately we can not always stop.  There are over 75 million people that suffer from pain due to diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.  Some boomers think the pain is imaginary, but it is not.  Stress is one of the main culprits of pain.  Inflammation causes pain.

There are boomers that suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, low back pain, headaches and neurogenic pain to list but a few.  Relationships are affected and job performances can be difficult.  We boomers need to get the best that we can out of life therefore there are things that we can do.  Above all, see a physician and follow his advice.  There is hope.

Here are some things that you may want to try doing on your own to aid in the healing process of pain or to help you cope.

1. Alleviate as much stress out of your life as possible.  Exercise each day.  Even a short walk will help.  Instead of watching a boring rerun on television take a short walk.  Stretch to loosen those stiff muscles and joints.  Maybe lift a few cans while cooking and count.  Bend over a few more times than necessary to tie your shoes.  Go back and forth toe then heal.  Give those calves a stretch.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables.  Peaches, bananas and berries are very good for pain.  Actually fruit salad makes a delicious snack instead of potato chips.  Try keeping a container of raw vegetables in the refrigerator for quick access.  Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower,radishes, and even spinach leafs are good.  Olive oil and whole grain has been know to help pain.  Try those new whole grain crackers that are flavored with olive oil and garlic. Keep a container of whole grain pasta prepared and refrigerated.  There are many things that you can mix with pasta cold or hot.  Eat more oats.  Try to avoid sugar,milk and flour as much as possible.
3. Try deep breathing and meditation.  Deep breathing can help clear the lungs.  Start slow and work up to longer periods.  The more you do, the better you will get.  Set aside time for this.  Try it while you are waiting on a friend to visit or bored on a rainy day.

Focus on the present and stay centered.  Again, the more that you practice this the easier it will become.  Think positive thoughts.  Let your mind go to pleasurable places.  The mind is very powerful.  It will try to play tricks on you.  Be patient and soon you will be in the drivers seat.  Let pain know that you are in charge not IT.

There are many places out there to get help such as pain management centers, physical therapy offices, physician’s practices, yoga and meditation classes, holistic medicines, and massage therapy.  Then there is the pain pill and patches.  No matter what we boomers choose we still must do the work.  Make a decision.  Discuss options with a health care person.  Put your best foot forward and do what you can.  After all, why not get the best that you can out of life by working to defeat pain or learning to deal with it.

Originally posted 2011-08-03 16:11:59.