Chronic pain and exercise

Chronic pain is a persistent pain that lasts more than six months to years. It can be due to old injuries, musculoskeletal problems, poor posture, depression, but usually, it occurs without any apparent cause.

The sensation of pain originates from our nervous system and brain and is usually a warning sign from the body that something is not right. If the pain is mild, the issue may be minor, but if it’s alarmingly intense, seeking help from a doctor is advisable.

SYMPTOMS Chronic pain is often accompanied by a variety of symptoms such as muscle spasms, lack of energy, fatigue, limited mobility, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite. The most common symptoms of chronic pain are headaches, low back pain, sciatica, pain in the back, neck, joints, and muscles. As a result, psychological manifestations such as anxiety, fear, and depression may occur.

When we live in pain for a long period, the situation can worsen. Pain restricts a person’s daily life, prevents them from simple activities, and leads to introversion and discouragement.

IT’S NOT ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL Dealing with such a condition could involve psychological support, medication, physiotherapy, exercise, and diet. The first thing to do is to visit a doctor. We provide our medical history in detail and describe the pain. The specialist guides us.

EXERCISE IS THE MEDICINE It’s essential for people with chronic pain to remain physically active. Resting or inactivity is not a remedy; on the contrary, it may worsen the pain. Research has shown that moderate exercise releases serotonin – “the happiness hormone,” which positively affects our physical and mental health and keeps our musculoskeletal system in good condition.

Before seeking the cause in a doctor’s office, consider your daily routine. If your routine consists of sitting at a desk, lying on the couch in front of the TV, using your car for transportation, and feeling bad from being sedentary, then start exercising.

Thalia Roupakioti

Advanced Personal Trainer

SOURCES: ▪ http://algologia.org/ ▪ ACSM’S Health & Fitness Journals, Peterson James A., March/April 2021