Chronic pain is a kind of pain that lasts more than six months. It is a pain that would last for a given period when treated, but in reality, you are experiencing it beyond the expected period of healing.
Chronic pain and its impact on life
It has been observed that people with chronic pain tend to focus not only on physical ailments but also on negative emotions caused by pain. Therefore, experiencing chronic pain for an extended period can affect your mental health as well. Remember that there are some ways to avoid it. It is advised to perform physical activity in the treatment process, as it contributes to endorphins (happy hormones) secretion in your blood system.
Lockdown and social distancing
Social isolation forced by the coronavirus outbreak, and the associated chronic stress are the factors responsible for lowering mood. Commercial face masks for coronavirus can help you feel safer and more confident outside your home. Social distancing and other precautions as washing hands often are crucial in taking care of your physical and mental health as well. Keeping your stress levels low, taking care of proper sleep, and eating healthy food will help you alleviate chronic pain.
Chronic pain caused by stress related to lockdown
Stress is one of the main factors contributing to chronic pain ailments. Stress causes inflammation of the body, and unpleasant reactions felt on the part of the digestive system, but also headaches, muscle tension, and general weakness. The COVID-19 lockdown, and therefore, limited freedom of movement are some significant stressors, and not everyone is resistant to their effects. Inflammation is a response of your immune system. It occurs when you worry about things that could go wrong, also when you are experiencing a stressful event like a pandemic outbreak. Unfortunately, inflammation and stress are making chronic pain very hard to bear.
How chronic pain develops
Chronic pain is a process that comes in a cycle. Inflammation irritates your nerves, also the ones in your chronic pain area. The consequence is that the nerves get more sensitive. Stress response of the immune system is causing increased inflammation, and the more sensitive nerves eventually require fewer stimuli to cause pain. It is why you experience much more pain over time with your normal activities.
Check out the infographic below if you want to learn more about managing chronic pain:
