Exercise For Chronic Pain Releif
October 3rd, 2009 Posted by: admin
EXERCISE
People who are experiencing extremely severe pain are obviously not candidates for a regular exercise program. In many instances, however, moderate exercise can be quite beneficial in the pain treatment process. When a person engages in exercise, endorphins, which act as natural opiates, are released by the body. This is one reason athletes are often able to continue partaking in athletic events after they are injured. In these situations, sensations of pain are not experienced during participation due to the constant release of endorphins. It is only after the event is finished that the pain is felt. Tramadol is a man-made (synthetic) analgesic (pain reliever). Its exact mechanism of action is unknown but similar morphine. Like morphine, tramadol binds to receptors in the brain (opioid receptors) that are important for transmitting the sensation of pain from throughout the body to.
In addition to the release of endorphins, moderate exercise promotes the release of natural cortisone. Also, since pain and discomfort are frequently accompanied by excessive anxiety, the stress-relieving aspect of exercise can be quite beneficial. Furthermore, exercise can normalize sleep patterns and enhance self-confidence, both of which can be useful in the treatment of pain. Moderate exercise includes activities like brisk walking, biking, and swimming. The idea is to choose something pleasurable that one can look forward to doing, and stick with.
There are a variety of stretches and exercises that can aid in the healing process and alleviate a number of painful disorders:
• For Sciatica … People suffering from acute sciatic pain, which is characterized by numbness or tingling in the thigh, buttocks, calf, toe, or groin, should lie on their back and carefully pull their knee toward their chest. This activity can alleviate symptoms of sciatic pain by opening the lower lumbar discs. In addition, treatment for sciatic pain can be performed by laying on one’s side and assuming the fetal position.
• For Neck Pain … Habitual poor posture while sitting at a desk or computer, and sleeping on one’s stomach, commonly result in neck tension and eventual pain. A stretch that can be performed to alleviate these problems involves gentle rotation of the head and holding it in place in each direction.
Remember that a sedentary lifestyle can result in the onset of chronic neck, back, and leg pain. It is important to take a short break every hour to stretch the muscles and reduce susceptibility to chronic pain.
• For Arthritis … Studies have indicated that arthritis, which can involve the increasing proximity of spinal-column bones and eventual pinching of the nerves, can be effectively combated with regular stretching, exercise, and chiropractic adjustments. Swimming for 30 to 40 minutes, three or four times a week, can be particularly advantageous. Injury to arthritic joints is prevented by the buoyancy of the water.
• For Leg Pain … Chronic pain in the legs can be treated by placing the injured leg on a chair and bending forward from the waist. This exercise will enable the patient to stretch out the muscles of the legs. While performing this exercise, one should remember to stretch using the waist and avoid using the lower back. Next, the patient should attempt to bend over while in a seated position. These stretches are especially useful for people who are constantly seated at a computer or desk
