Have you been diagnosed with a condition that will lead to chronic pain? This is not pain that will go away on its own within a week or a month. Rather, it is something you will deal with for the rest of your life. That does not, however, mean that you need to just ignore the pain or live with it. There are plenty of long-term pain management tactics that you can employ with the help of your doctor.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting needles into specialized trigger points along the body. It can be very helpful in promoting relaxation and easing muscle tension, which will help keep your pain under control. It's particularly helpful for conditions related to the muscles and bones, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. If you're worried about the needles being painful, don't be — you will barely feel them entering your skin. Keep in mind that you will need regular treatments, at least once a month, to keep your symptoms at bay.

If you are not a fan of needles piercing your skin, you can undergo acupressure instead. This is a similar tactic, but instead of inserting needles, your practitioner will just apply pressure to the trigger points.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Most chronic pain conditions are, at least in part, related to inflammation. If you can alleviate inflammation in your body, you will experience less pain. Eating the right foods can help minimize inflammation. Some foods to eat more often include green veggies like broccoli, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and berries. Avoid processed foods and white sugar as much as possible. Consider meeting with a dietitian to outline a specific diet for you to follow.

Massage Therapy

Undergoing regular massages will also help keep you loose, limber, and pain-free. Massage helps increase circulation, which helps with a whole array of pain conditions. It also triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals that help keep you from experiencing pain. Make sure the massage therapist you choose has experience working with pain patients, and choose a deep tissue approach unless your doctor recommends otherwise.

The best pain management techniques for you will depend on your individual health. Talk to your pain management doctor or the professionals at a pain management center to get a better idea of what methods will work for you. They can work with you to streamline your approach over the coming months.

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