The chronic pain cycle means a world of maddening discomfort for so many of us. This article discusses the nature of pain, the cycle of its recurrence, and some helpful means of breaking the cycle once and for all.
Chronic pain can completely disrupt day-to-day life in the most frustrating way, and many people struggle to identify the root cause of their pain. Whether you are consciously aware of it or are at a loss for direction when it comes to identifying the cause, there are a few simple remedies that you can start with at home. This article will discuss the self-perpetuating chronic pain cycle and possible natural and non-prescription means of breaking it to obtain some relief.
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What is chronic pain?
While generalized or acute pain can be regular nuisances in your daily life and are normally the result of inflammation, chronic pain carries a strength that has the power to cripple your body, sometimes with devastating consequences. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports: “Chronic pain is one of the costliest health problems in the U.S. Increased medical expenses, lost income, lost productivity, compensation payments, and legal charges are some of the economic consequences of chronic pain.”
Experiences within the chronic pain cycle are: recurring headaches and migraines, arthritis, lower back pain, and other pain disorders. These issues are not as easily treatable because they persist for months and even years at a time, requiring a long-term treatment plan, as opposed to a quick fix.
The self-perpetuating chronic pain cycle
Chronic pain may be one of the costliest health problems in the U.S., but many people are unaware that chronic pain can be traced back to the self-perpetuating pain cycle. This self-perpetuating chronic pain cycle is often stress-induced. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health details the relationship between chronic stress and chronic pain, as well as the harmful cycle that these two factors often inflict on the mind. They explain that chronic pain can lead to excess stress over needing to deal with a physical malady. This may leave people angry, emotional, and anxious. Excess stress puts your body into an overly tense state while your brain releases a hormone called cortisol.
Cortisol, also referred to as hydrocortisone, was given the title, ‘the stress hormone,’ because it is released in response to external stressors. Science Direct reiterates that the release of this hormone increases your blood sugar levels, suppresses the immune system, and works to maintain the metabolic functioning of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
While this hormone is extremely helpful when released in response to a legitimate external stressor, individuals trapped in the self-perpetuating pain cycle have higher risks of increased inflammation and muscle tissue wasting. Fortunately, there are several simple remedies and non-prescription means of providing relief from the cycle of chronic pain.
Remedying your chronic pain cycle
Some of the easiest at-home remedies, as described by Hopkins Medicine, are aerobic exercises and core strengthening, physical therapy, stretching, meditation, and mindfulness practices. These exercises for breaking the chronic pain cycle are more focused on attacking the root of the problem rather than just stress. Mindfulness and meditation, in particular, help release both the physical and emotional tension experienced alongside stress. If larger psychological issues are present due to the initial stressors, you may want to consult with a doctor.
It is in these moments of extreme vulnerability and pain that individuals try to push themselves more than their bodies can handle. However, accepting your limitations and taking the time you need to heal physically and mentally is what’s going to speed up the recovery process instead of inhibiting it.
CBD as a remedy for pain
There are several non-prescription remedies for the chronic pain cycle, many of which fall within the holistic treatment sphere; acupuncture and massage therapy are just two examples of holistic treatments that can benefit those suffering from chronic pain. Additionally, topicals and tinctures made with full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) have proven to be very effective at combating chronic pain. CBD is the non-psychoactive concentrate taken from the Cannabis sativa-L plant. There are several CBD products now on the market that are made specifically to target and relieve chronic pain. We recommend Partnered Process CBD Muscle Rub for its hemp-powered healing properties.
Partnered Process’ CBD Muscle Rub is not just another beeswax-based product for pain relief. Partnered Process utilizes the strong healing powers of full-spectrum CBD extract to provide the best relief and break your chronic pain cycle. This standout company harnesses the power of hemp in its organic extracts, promising full transparency with its lab testing and extractions. Partnered Process products are designed by its two founders (a medical professional and an engineer) to maximize the botanical strength of each item. The strong effects of its CBD muscle rub and several of its other topicals and tinctures make Partnered Process a fantastic place to start for chronic pain cyclerelief.
The best ways to relieve pain
The chronic pain cycle can dramatically inhibit your functioning on a day-to-day basis. Preventative and proactive measures, such as stretching and aerobic exercise, are fantastic options that may provide temporary pain relief. However, a topical or tincture may provide a level of relief that stretching and exercise cannot. If you decide that going the topical route is the best option for you and your recovery process, then you might enjoy the benefits of a CBD cream or lotion. However you may decide to relieve your pain, you are sure to see an improvement in your productivity and quality of life with some of these methods.
Further Reading:
National Library of Medicine: Chronic Pain, The Role of Learning and Brain Plasticity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Managing Chronic Pain
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies: Chronic Pain Fact Sheets and Information
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
