3 Lifestyle Choices That Can Enhance Your Pain Management Protocol
If you are seeing a pain management specialist to manage a chronic condition, there are a few things that you can do at home to enhance the effects of your medication protocol. While doing these things alone may not eliminate your pain, they can be effective components of your overall therapeutic management plan. Here are three lifestyle choices that may help enhance the effects of your prescription pain medications:
Not Smoking
Smoking cigarettes can delay healing and promote pain. Smoking damages the small capillaries in your body that help transport oxygen through your system. The toxins in cigarettes can also delay the healing of your incision if you are recovering from surgery such as a hip or knee replacement.
This not only is a risk factor for increased pain, it can also heighten your risk for infection. Avoiding smoking while undergoing treatment at a pain management clinic may help you feel better while allowing the medications to work more effectively. If you are unable to quit smoking on your own, ask your physician to recommend a smoking cessation program to help you quit.
Adding Magnesium
One of the primary mechanisms of pain is the release of a neurotransmitter known as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). While there are some medications that can help suppress the release of this chemical, they are not without significant side effects. Psychology Today explains, "magnesium seems to settle down NMDA without the toxicity." Foods that are rich in magnesium include fish, dark leafy greens, yogurt, whole grains, and dark chocolate.
If you are unable to tolerate these foods, talk to your doctor about taking magnesium supplements. These over-the-counter supplements can interact with certain medications and can lead to abdominal cramping and diarrhea when taken in higher dosages. Magnesium is also a potent muscle relaxer and it may even be helpful in relieving pain-related anxiety.
Eating Fish
Oily fish, such as salmon, contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help decrease systemic inflammation while relieving pain. Omega-3s are also available as fish oil supplements, but if you take aspirin or a prescription anticoagulant medication, talk to your doctor before taking them because fish oil is a potent blood thinner. According to the National Institutes of Health, omega-3 fatty acids have fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and may help reduce inflammation and pain.
If you are seeking relief from chronic or acute pain, contact a pain management specialist who can recommend an effective treatment program based on your general health status and symptoms. You may also be pleasantly surprised to learn that your prescribed pain management regimen is more successful in mitigating your discomfort when you incorporate one of the above strategies into your program.
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