Your experience with chronic pain and diabetes will always be unique. When it comes to long-term chronic pain management, you have to find what works for you. It's important to always talk to your doctor, but be open to trying new things to alleviate your pain symptoms. We've compiled 10 tips for living with chronic pain. Remember, before trying anything new it's important to talk with your doctor or medical team.

Try Heat and Cold Therapy

Depending on the type and severity of your pain, using cold or heat compresses may help alleviate your pain. Many compresses can be warmed in the microwave or placed in the freezer. You can apply heat or cold to the impacted area in warning increments to help soothe pain and discomfort. You can also do things like take a hot bath or shower, use a heating blanket, or freezer a water bottle and roll it against the area. If you have neuropathy, be very careful and test the heat or cold before use. You don't want to further injure yourself due to extreme heat or cold.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is known to provide relief to a lot of people dealing with chronic pain. Very thin needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate healing and pain relief. Acupuncture treatment may also involve a variety of other treatments including acupressure, massage, or even traditional Chinese medicine. This type of treatment isn't for everyone but is an alternative to traditional pain management techniques.

Reduce Stress

Many people don't realize the impact that stress has on the body. In fact, stress can manifest in the body. The more stressed you are the more you may actually feel pain. Do things daily that help you relieve stress. This can be anything from exercise to meditation to swimming to yoga. Whatever it is that helps you reduce and relieve stress.

Track Your Pain Symptoms

If you are experiencing pain daily, tracking your pain can help you figure out if there are things that make your pain better or worse is by tracking your symptoms. Keep a journal and track your pain levels every day, you'll also want to track if there are things that make your pain better or worse. Taking this journal to your doctor can help you figure out the things that improve your pain problems.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is known to be associated with increased pain levels. By quitting smoking, you can potentially reduce your pain levels as well as reducing other potential complications.

Use a TENS Unit

Talk to your doctor to see if a TENS unit can provide some relief for your pain. A TENS Unit, aka Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, gives electrical stimulation to a specific area of your body. You use a small device that sends electrical currents to a specific part of your body.

Improve Your Sleep

Lack of sleep or sleep that is not completely restful is tied to increased pain levels. Talk to your doctor about options for improving your quality of sleep. There are a number of natural ways to improve your sleep as well as medications. Be sure to track which things work and which things don't work so you're not trying the same things over and over again.

Exercise

Exercising more can boost your endorphins, improve mood and alleviate pain. Not only is exercise good for you but it has pain reducing properties. Be sure whenever you are trying a new exercise regime to always consult with your doctor.

Anti-Inflammatory Diets

If your pain is due to inflammation, an anti-inflammatory diet may help you reduce pain due to inflammation. Green leafy vegetables, tuna, and turmeric are all anti-inflammatory foods that may help reduce the inflammation in your body and also the pain. Talk with your doctor about whether or not your pain may improve from an anti-inflammatory diet.

Try a Quell Device

Quell is a device that is worn on your upper calf. It is designed to stimulate sensory nerves to help you reduce pain. For many people, it helps provide relief from pain and may be a good option for you to try.

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How have you managed your chronic pain? What devices, tools, and tips have you found to be beneficial for yourself. Please share your experiences in the comments below.

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