A Tip Sheet For Exercising When Suffering From Chronic Pain

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Patients who suffer from chronic pain are still told to engage in physical activity. Exercise is a major part of overall wellness and health. That said, the thought of movement can be scary for people are constantly in pain. It is a fact that too much of the wrong activity can make the pain worse. This is why pain management specialists have come up with helpful tips for exercising when one has chronic pain.

Start small and build gradually: The first major step is to make the decision. This may sound obvious, but an essential part of any exercise program is the will and desire to move. People can often become trapped in their belief that any movement will trigger an attack. Patients can slowly build their confidence by starting small. The World Health Organization recommends brisk walking for 30 minutes a day to maintain overall health. Those who have chronic pain can begin with just 10 minutes of moderate walking. Even these tiny steps are enough to ensure improved health.

Move at a good pace: Patients with chronic pain should always remember to listen to their bodies. No amount of media should influence one’s decision to exercise -- especially with how fast or how slow one should move. There is, however, a thin but distinct line between listening to one’s body and being stubborn with movement. It is, therefore, best to ask a close friend or family member to monitor one’s behavior and act as a support system.

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Strive for balance: As much as possible, it is best for patients to follow an exercise routine that has elements of cardiovascular, strengthening, and stretching. This will, hopefully, help relieve some pain as muscles become stronger.

Most importantly, patients should remember to be patient with themselves. With the proper therapy, exercise will soon be easier to do.

Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., specializes in pain management. For more information on managing chronic pain, like this Facebook page.