Coping With Someone Else's Chronic Pain

When you live in the same home as someone who battles chronic pain, you're naturally affected. You might feel helpless regarding their pain and find yourself stressed because much of the family's responsibilities lay on your shoulders. How can you help them manage their pain and still enjoy your own life?

Eat Well

One of your most important responsibilities is likely to keep everyone fed. Attention to good, nutritious foods is vital; an unhealthy diet can lead to inflammation which deeply aggravates your loved one's pain. However, you're not going to fare well on a diet full of unhealthy food either; diets with too much "junk" and sugar can be terrible for the quality of anyone's life. In fact, poor diets can cause vitamin deficiencies which affect your health. Do your best to consume healthy foods and remain well-hydrated to give everyone a strong foundation from which to be healthier and happier.

Watch Them Sleep

At times, people with chronic pain feel worse upon waking each day. The way they sleep can contribute to this discomfort. For instance, someone with chronic neck pain might be sleeping in one position all night which could be causing that muscle strain. Watching your loved one sleep can provide clues which could help relieve their discomfort. For instance, someone who rolls around all night could be helped with a foam wedge which prevents rolling over.

Encourage Exercise

People who experience pain regularly will typically shy away from regular exercise because they don't want to hurt more. However, exercise can be valuable for blood circulation and lifting people's moods, along with other benefits. Encourage your loved one to do low-impact exercises if they can't manage much. For instance, suggest getting up and strolling around your neighborhood, and offer to accompany them. You can also get the benefits of exercise, which will help you both.

Take Breaks

It's not always easy to be in a home where chronic pain receives so much attention. For that reason, taking breaks and clearing your mind is recommended. Even simple outings to movies or dinner can break up the monotony and strain of regular life, and planning such events can brighten your mood and provide activities and times to look forward to.

The actions you take to assist loved ones with pain relief can also help you feel better and more content with life. Seek therapy and medical assistance with your loved one so that they're getting good professional care while you work on the suggestions here.

For more information and assistance, contact your local chronic pain services today.