Physical Pain and Mental Health
Physical pain such as back or neck pain can have a major impact on your overall health – including your mental health, especially if conditions persist over time. Common examples of chronic pain include low back and neck pain, arthritis, and migraines. Other examples include fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. The latest CDC data show that chronic pain affects more than one in five U.S. adults, so you’re not alone. Ignoring the pain can have dangerous effects on your overall health and entire lifestyle – including your work and home life.
It isn’t surprising that pain and your mood can be connected. Anyone who has to deal with intense hurt over and over is likely to have an emotional response. But it could become a problem if you dismiss emotional or psychological feelings as simply not “as important” as the physical issue. Acknowledging that you’re feeling frustrated could help you realize you need to do something about those feelings while addressing the root cause of your pain.
Strategies to Help
Remember that the body and mind are connected. Ask your healthcare provider about treating your physical condition, and also talk about the effects on your mental health. For example, are you feeling depressed or anxious? Are you having trouble sleeping or getting up in the morning? It is difficult to perform your daily activities?
It’s important to find strategies that help both your mood and your body. One approach is exercise – including gentle forms such as walking, yoga, or swimming – or other exercise recommended by your healthcare provider. Joining a class or engaging an exercise buddy may also lend some friendly social support. Other techniques may include practicing mindfulness or calm breathing. Nutrition is also helpful; ask your healthcare provider about the best diet for your condition, which may include anti-inflammatory foods and supplements. Proper hydration is important, as well.
At Bronston Clinics, we believe in finding and treating the source of your pain, not just masking the symptoms. For example, it’s important to avoid the use of pain medications such as opioids which can be addictive. Natural, non-drug, non-invasive treatments can help you get back in motion, ease pain, and increase mobility without risky impairment. With several types of care professionals on hand to help, Bronston Clinics offer a caring resource. We will listen to you and help develop a treatment plan designed around your needs. The Bronston Chiropractic & Community Care Clinics offer chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, medical care, and laboratory testing, as well as referrals. We’ll be proactive in addressing your needs and help you get back to the things you love.
Learn more about the connection between physical pain and mental health. Then, contact us today for expert, affordable care in Onalaska or La Crosse.
