Contending with chronic pain can be just as mentally as well as physically challenging and because there is still a general lack of understanding of the problems associated with the problem, it can leave sufferers feeling more isolated and frustrated than they should be.
Here is a look at some of the modern tools at your disposal that can help lift your spirits and allow you to manage your pain more positively. There is an overview of some proven coping strategies such as losing yourself in a book or an activity, plus some suggested apps for taking greater control over your pain management.
Divert your mind
It is not rocket science to suggest that if you can occupy your mind with a relaxing and engaging activity you will be able to take your mind away from the chronic pain you are experiencing.
It is easy to download a book in just a few minutes and you can choose to lose yourself in the latest offering from your favorite author, or perhaps you might want to find out why everyone is talking about Hygge and whether it offers some lifestyle tips that could prove beneficial to relaxing and coping with chronic pain more effectively.
Another great way to lose yourself for several hours would be to download the Coloring Book for Me and Mandala app. Adult coloring books have really grown in popularity and it’s easy to see why, as it encourages mindfulness and is a favorite activity for most of us from our childhood.
Medical guidance on your phone
It is also worth looking at some apps that can help you to be proactive with your pain management and get some guidance on what options are available to you.
The WebMD Mobile Pain Coach is an app worth considering for your phone as it will give you free access to a resource that helps locate the pain on your body and as well as keeping a diary of symptoms and triggers, it also offers the chance to print customized reports for doctors.
The app also aims to enhance your knowledge of what chronic pain involves and offers access to tips on how to treat your pain, exercise, and improve your mood.
Younger sufferers
It is worth remembering that chronic pain can affect people of all ages and there are teenagers who suffer from chronic pain and might feel that the general advice available is not focused enough on their age group.
The Mayo Clinic have recognized that scenario and offer the iBeatPain which is specifically targeted towards teens.
The app offers guidance on home therapies, relaxation techniques, and some self-care tips that could make a difference when trying to cope with chronic pain.
Meditation helps
One of the key strategies for coping with chronic pain is meditation and as you might expect, there are a number of worthwhile apps available that could help you channel your energy in a positive way.
Headspace and Smiling Mind are a couple of apps that aim to teach you some relaxation techniques and could be useful tools to have on your phone when you need to try and clear your mind from the pain.
Coping with chronic pain is always going to be a challenge but with some of these tools at your disposal, you should be improving your chances of finding a way to manage the pain.