Understanding Pain and Managing Discomfort
Even though everyone’s health and wellness journey looks different, there are some challenges that nearly everyone has to confront. Pain—and the discomfort that comes along with it—is one of those near-universal hurdles that we tend to come across. Of course, pain usually tends to be at its worst when our to-do lists are longest. Pain and discomfort can make even everyday tasks difficult, let alone any big projects or out-of-the-ordinary activities.
A key to overcoming pain and discomfort is understanding it—knowing your body and the pain solutions available can help you better know when to push through and when to ease back. Addressing pain with intention is one of the best steps you can take to manage your pain symptoms and can help you feel better, sooner. Here are a few tips to help best address different types of pain.
How to Manage Headache and Migraine Pain
One of the most frustrating types of common pain to deal with is a headache. Headaches and migraines can both set in with essentially no warning, and they are major disruptors in working through our day-to-day activities. Recognizing and managing early symptoms goes a long way to mitigating some of the worst effects of headaches, like dizziness, difficulty concentrating and nausea.
Once you’re able to recognize your headache symptoms and differentiate between different types of headaches, they can become a bit easier to manage. Here are a few quick ways to help with early headache symptoms:
1. Rest in a quiet, dark room. Loud noises and bright lights can worsen headache symptoms.
2. Massage your head, neck or back. A quick, meditative massage can help relieve tension and reduce stress.
3. Try an OTC headache medicine, like Excedrin Extra Strength. For some, headache relief begins in 15 minutes when used as directed. Or try Excedrin Migraine, with a triple action formula* that starts relieving migraine pain for some in 30 minutes.
* Triple action relief due to aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine combination.
Overcoming Back and Muscle Pain
Almost all of us have experienced the feeling of waking up in the morning and feeling the previous day’s physical activity. Whether it’s your back, your shoulders or your legs—or, if you’re very unlucky, your entire body—we often instantly know if the day ahead is going to be a challenge. New exercise routines, demanding physical projects or even a bad cold can cause muscle pain that can last for days at a time.
Often, the best advice for muscle pain is to rest and recover; the pain is often your body telling you to ease up. With busy schedules, that can be tough to do. If you’re experiencing mild pain, there are a few ways to help relieve it:
1. Do some gentle stretching. Stretching sore muscles can bring relief. If pain persists or gets worse from light stretching, consider seeing a doctor and/or physical therapist to ensure there isn’t an underlying, more serious issue.
2. Try ice or heat on an injury, depending on recency. Cold reduces swelling, so it’s often best for recent injuries. Heat tends to relax your muscles, so it’s often best for chronic pain or stiffness.
3. OTC medication like Advil** can help reduce pain. Advil targets pain caused by inflammation.
** Advil oral products.
Dealing With Joint Pain
Old injuries or sustained activity can often lead to joint pain in hands, elbows, knees and feet. Joint pain can make even simple things like walking or holding objects difficult. It can also be a sign of Osteoarthritis, which can affect people in different ways and lead to further complications.
Consult with your doctor if you’re experiencing joint pain to ensure you’re treating it properly. They can point you toward the best solutions for Osteoarthritis if you have it, which might include:
1. Exercise and physical therapy. Avoid overdoing it, but exercise can help improve strength, posture and range of motion to help mitigate arthritis pain.
2. Acupuncture. This treatment can improve endorphin production—essentially helping your body deal with pain.
3. Topical medication, like Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel. It’s the #1 doctor-recommended topical pain relief brand*** and clinically proven for long-lasting arthritis pain relief****.
*** Based on surveyed doctors. Voltaren is approved for treatment of arthritis pain.
**** May take up to 7 days to feel relief. Results are long-lasting with continued use. Use as directed, up to 21 days.
Plan Ahead for Your Most Effective Pain Relief
Pain is something we all have to deal with, but it shouldn’t be something we all have to live with. Don’t ignore your symptoms—addressing them early can go a long way toward an easier tomorrow. If you’re experiencing unexplained, chronic or abnormally strong pain, consult with your doctor to discover the best treatment plan for you.
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