Category: Exercise

Chronic pain, also known as persistent pain is a type of pain that carries on for more than 12 weeks despite treatment or medication. Research shows that a lot of people get back to their normal conditions after pain from an operation or injury. Still, there are times when the pain might go on for longer or emerge without any cause of injury or operation.

Several people might be affected by chronic pain, and they include:

•   People with arthritis
•   People living with diabetes
•   People with back pain
•   People with irritable bowel
•   People with fibromyalgia

Therefore, chronic pain usually affects people with the conditions mentioned above. There are also other causes of chronic pain, which we are going to talk about below.

Causes of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain usually occurs as a result of an injury like a pulled muscle or back sprain. It is also believed that chronic pain might develop as a result of nerve damage. When nerves are damaged, it results in intense pain, which tends to last longer. When this is the case, it might be quite difficult treating chronic pain. 

But sometimes people may experience chronic pain as a result of an underlying health condition. These health conditions may include:

• Endometriosis – This is a painful disorder that usually occurs when the uterine lining grows out of the uterus.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome – This health condition is associated with extreme and long-lasting weariness that causes a lot of pain.
• Interstitial cystitis – It is a chronic disorder that is marked by pain and bladder pressure.
• Vulvodynia – It is a chronic vulva pain that occurs without any cause.
• Inflammatory bowel disease – This is a group of health conditions that cause chronic inflammation in your digestive tract and pain.

Types of Chronic Pain

There are various types of chronic which might be experienced by different people depending on their conditions. These include:

• Cancer pain
• Arthritis pain
• Post-surgical pain
• Neurogenic pain
• Psychogenic pain
• Headache
• Lower back pain
• Post-trauma pain

According to research from the American Academy of Pain Medicine, over 1.5 billion people globally experience chronic pain. It has also been noted to be the most common long-term disability condition in the U.S. Chronic pain affects over 100 million Americans.

Is Chronic Pain Common?

Chronic pain is much more common than people may think. It is believed to affect 1 in 5 people worldwide. Another thing to note about chronic pain is that it doesn’t choose age. It can affect people of all ages and body types.  

The worst thing is that it’s impossible to predict if the pain would become chronic. However, it is believed that people have a high potential for developing chronic pain if they undergo stress. Some people might also experience chronic pain after their usual tests fail to provide the right answer.

Best Ways to Treat or Manage Chronic Pain

Chronic pain requires the right treatment if you want to manage it properly. Luckily, there are many ways to treat chronic pain. Check out some of the ways to consider:

1. Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic treatment is one of the best ways to consider when you want to treat chronic pain. What happens is that chiropractors use various non-surgical treatments like spinal manipulation to treat chronic symptoms. These chronic symptoms may include muscle tension or inflammation. You can manage chronic pains like back or neck pains through various chiropractic treatments.

2. Kratom

Kratom is also considered as an excellent option for treating chronic pain. Kratom has been used in many cases to treat chronic pain that results from fibromyalgia or arthritis. Kratom is also used to help in the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms like mood disturbance and muscle aches.

3. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is also another ideal option to consider for chronic pain treatment. You can use it to treat headaches, skin injuries, and musculoskeletal health conditions. It is also prescribed by doctors to help in the treatment of back pain and osteoarthritis. Another suitable option is to combine it with opioids to reduce the amount needed for treatment.

4. Antidepressants

Antidepressants can also be used to control pain. The best is Tricyclic antidepressant since it is very effective when it comes to relieving pain. However, antidepressants need to be taken daily for them to be effective enough.

5. Exercise

Once you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are feel good hormones. You will realize that when these hormones are released, they block pain signals, such that you only get immersed into a great mood. Exercise will also ensure that your muscles are strengthened in a manner that further pain and re-injury are prevented. 

6. Meditation

It is important that you learn how to meditate and deep breath properly as they are incredible techniques to ease your pain. This is because meditation will help your body relax, and in the process ease the pain that you may be experiencing.

When your muscles receive a message to relax, they ease up on their tightness and tension. This is a great way to ensure that your chronic pain eases up and puts you on an easier path to recovery.

7. Lower Stress Levels

It is worth noting that negative feelings such as anger, anxiety, stress, and depression can intensify your bodies sensitivity to pain. Therefore, when you take control of your stress, you will certainly ease up on some of your chronic pain.

Some of the ways by which you can relax and reduce stress is by listening to calming and soothing music. This will mean that you will better live with your chronic pain as it will be much more endurable. You could invest in relaxation tapes that are specifically designed for this.

Conclusion

The road to recovery from chronic pain is uncertain but not impossible. We’ve discussed various ways that you can use to manage and treat chronic pain. Therefore, these are things you need to consider and ensure to conduct more research for better results.

You will certainly better manage your chronic pain when your body is relaxed and you are not stressed.

Staying fit and healthy is something pretty much everyone is about these days. Not only is it important for your physical health, but it also helps your mental health. It’s a win-win. But going to a gym isn’t the best option for everyone. It’s not very convenient and memberships to gyms can cost an arm and a leg. Working out at home is the perfect option for anyone and everyone. Go at your own pace, workout when you want, and do how you please. Here are some helpful hints on how to have the best at home workout.

Tip #1: Create a Schedule

The best way to make sure you stick to your routine is to set aside a certain amount of time during the day to workout. You can then break down that time into different parts of your body that you’ll be focusing on. Or if you really want to get serious about it, you can set specific days for specific parts of your body. Alternate your arm days and leg days, it can really help you keep focus.

Tip #2: Create a Home Workout Plan

A home workout plan is a great way to keep track of your fitness journey. You can see where you started and how far you’ve come. It’s a great way to reassure you that you’re moving in the right direction. Seeing your progress from the start will really boost your confidence and want you to keep going. Setting goals and then one day reaching them is the biggest payoff!

Tip #3: Look Up Workout Videos

There are plenty of free workout videos on the internet. There’s no need to pay for a personal trainer when you can have one for free on your TV! While you may have to do a little research to see what type of videos will help you the most, it’ll be worth it when you see the results. Videos will show you exercises you didn’t even know existed!

Tip #4: Put on Your Gym Clothes

While it may seem a little silly to put on actual gym clothes, it really will make a difference. Knowing that you’re dressed for the part will help your brain stay focused on the task. You’ll actually want to workout when you’re dressed to do so.

Tip #5: Remove Any Distractions

Having your phone nearby or your favorite show playing in the background can easily distract you from the task at hand. Creating a space that is distraction-free is essential to keeping a focused mindset when working out at home.

Tip #6: Get a Partner

When there’s someone else in your home that you’re working out with, you’re being held accountable for when you decide to slack a little. Having a partner not only makes the workouts more fun and less lonely, but it also keeps you on track.

Tip #7: Remember to Stretch

Stretching is essential before any workout. Giving your muscles a good stretch before using them prevents injuries and releases tension. It’s also a great way to get into your workout mindset. Being in that peaceful mode really helps you focus on what you plan to do that day and what your goals are for the time being.

Tip #8: Keep It Fresh

It’s important not to get bored of your workout; that can cause you to become less interested in working out and more intrigued about the newest episode of your favorite TV show. There are tons of different workouts to do at home, so mix it up from time to time and keep it interesting!

Working out at home can seem intimidating. But the sooner you start, the better you’ll be looking and feeling in no time. And once you get into your routine you’ll realize what you’ve been missing out on this whole time. While there are many ways to go about it, these tips will help you have the best at home workouts. 

Exercise is an important component of an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. There seems to be an infinite number of ways to get your daily dose of exercise. From yoga to weightlifting, there is something out there for everyone. Boxing is one of these that virtually anyone can do. Boxing consists of a full body workout as well as different types of workout. Boxing provides your body with the cardio and muscle mass gains it needs to have you feeling fresh and healthy. Before going to your first boxing class it is important to do your research beforehand and below are 3 ways you can prepare for your first boxing class.  

Research

Research is the single most important thing you can do to prepare for your first boxing class. The first thing you’ll want to look up is nearby gyms. For example if you lived Austin Texas you would want to look up “boxing gyms in Austin”. Each gym has their own philosophy and way of teaching so it is important to find a local gym that you feel meshes well with your own philosophy and with what you hope to get out of the class. Once you have found a gym that fits you, you can explore the website to se about scheduling your class, what you will need to bring, and many other helpful tips. Many gyms will offer a free class so doing your research could end up saving you money in the longrun. 

Getting Equipment

Boxing is an activity that has a relatively low cost of entry. With many classes not being too expensive, the only other cost is the equipment. The equipment you will need is dependent on the class you sign up for. Often the specific gym will give you a list of things you will need to supply on the first day of class. In general the equipment that you may need to supply includes boxing gloves, hand wraps. Mouthguard, headgear, and shoes. The latter items on the list are normally not utilizd in class number 1. Sparing or practice with another person is often not done until the basics of boxing have been taught so mouthguards, headgear, and shoes are things you would need to get later on if you continue your boxing classes. 

Conditioning

Every major sport and good athlete participates in something known as conditioning. Conditioning is the act of deliberately pushing your body to increase your overal athleticism before you go and try an activity. Many acentionists will condition for months on stair steppers, treadmills, and other machines with their heavy backpacks on to simulate the conditions they will be met with as they climb a mountain. Conditioning is great because it increases your athleticism and allows you an advantage when you actually get to preform. While boxing can be started cold turkey, it is advisable to condition your body to exercise and go outside frequently and get your heart pumping. This will make the transition to boxing classes much easier physically and will allow you to focus more on technique than being physically exhausted. 

Overall boxing classes are a great entry level class that people of all ages can participate in. One doesn’t have to be a mixed martial arts fighting specialist to enjoy the benefits of boxing. Boxing gives you something to do that in the moment doesnt necessarily feel like a traditional workout, however it is giving you a great full body workout. In addition boxing gives you some practical self defense skills that could be used in an emergency situation where boxing classes and the techniques you learned could actually save your life.

If quarantine has you a bit freaked out about losing all your fitness gains, you’re not the only one. Everyone’s regular gym visits are canceled. Sports are canceled. Group classes are canceled. Some are lucky enough to have gym equipment at home, but most don’t, and at this point, every last dumbbell is pretty much sold out. People are terrified that they are going to lose all their fitness gains, gain weight, and never be back to where they were. 

The “Quarantine 15” is getting called that for a reason.  But you don’t have to gain that weight.  Or any at all.

It won’t be as easy as before to stay fit without the usual resources, and you may not be able to train the specific ways you did before, but it is definitely possible to stay fit with a little creativity. From online classes for cardio to sex for heart health, your options abound.

Online Classes

The first thing to do is to reach out to your local gyms and find out if they are offering any online programming. Zoom classes are all the rage and offer a great way to get a workout and interact with people you wouldn’t otherwise get to see. 

You can also seek out your fitness idols and see if they are offering online classes. Now that everyone’s online, people have unprecedented access to instructors.

If you have no equipment at home, it’s not a big deal. Lots of teachers expect that and have designed programming built entirely on bodyweight and in-place cardio. Yoga is another popular option that can be done at home, and there’s good reason more and more men are getting in on those downward dogs. If live classes are not your jam, just type in “home fitness” into YouTube and see what comes up.

Partner Up

It won’t hurt to find a fitness partner either, even if they are quarantined somewhere else. You can still check in with your bro every day and hold each other accountable, since it is all too easy to accidentally go a long time without working out when you no longer have a regular schedule. Having a friend to connect with will definitely make things easier.

Improvise and Get Frisky

But what other options exist? You can improvise fitness routines by using chairs, bags of rice, or countertops as gym equipment. Does your property need landscaping, repairs, upgrades, or maintenance? You’d be surprised how much of a workout you get from cleaning the gutters, weeding the garden, and painting the bedroom. 

And now that you’re in the bedroom, let me point out that one thing you can do is have sex for heart health. A good session in the bedroom is going to burn enough calories to cancel out all the quarantine snacks you’ve been eating (you may want to tone that down, by the way). 

So there you have it–you may not have access to the gym right now, but you definitely don’t have to give up on your fitness. It just takes a little extra willpower and creative thinking. Once you figure out what all your options are, it will get easier to get with a schedule and stick with it. 

You might even find yourself becoming more fit, or fit in different ways, which can be really good if you haven’t tried anything new for a while. So, go ahead–break a sweat. You might end quarantine feeling more fit than when it started.

Healthcare is the fastest-growing industry in terms of employment in the U.S. In the year 2000, there were 7 million more manufacturing jobs in the U.S than in healthcare jobs. In 2018 however, healthcare surpassed manufacturing with 16 million healthcare jobs recorded vs. just a little over 12 million manufacturing jobs.

There were many factors that led to the increased use of healthcare over the past two decades. From an aging baby boomer population to the advent of new technologies and procedures, but what is clear is that if you are looking for employment it may be time to consider the healthcare industry. 

Everyone knows the most common industry jobs, like nurses and pharmacists, but there are many unique opportunities within healthcare that may surprise the layman. 

Patient Advocate

Are you a people person? Do you love being there for loved ones in times of need? If so, being a patient advocate may just be the perfect position for you. 

Patient advocates spend their time explaining complex policies, procedures, and services to patients. They often interview patients and family members so they can address their concerns, and ensure their needs are met.  

In today’s often convoluted healthcare system patients need someone on their side, that is the role of a patient advocate.

Patient advocates also aren’t required to have a college degree so the position is attainable for a large percentage of the population.

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists are specialists in pulmonary medicine. They have a wide variety of responsibilities including education, diagnosis, and treatment of people who are suffering from breathing problems. 

They can either graduate with an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in respiratory therapy. The most educated therapists tend to end up in emergency rooms, while those with associate degrees usually work in outpatient care facilities or in-home practices. 

All levels of respiratory therapists are required to be certified by the NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care). There are seven unique specializations within respiratory therapy as well, they include: CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist), RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist), CPFT and RPFT (Certified or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist), ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist), NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist), and SDS (Sleep Disorder Specialist).

The variety of levels and specializations within respiratory care means the career is a great opportunity no matter your level of education. All healthcare jobs are rewarding, but respiratory therapists have the responsibility of keeping people alive in the direst of times, making this one of the most fulfilling careers around.

Dental Ceramist

Dental laboratories partner with dentists to create dentures, crowns, and bridges for their patients. The job of a dental ceramist is to form these dental implants using precision craftsmanship.

Dental ceramists need to have in-depth knowledge of dental anatomy and terminology. However, they aren’t required to have college degrees, so this is a great opportunity for entry-level job seekers.

Dental ceramists also have one of the highest-paying professions in the healthcare field that doesn’t require a college degree. On average ceramists pull in over $62,000 a year.

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are specialized physicians who attempt to prevent,  diagnose, and treat speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders in their patients. They are required to be certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (AHSA).

A speech-language pathologist assistant aids the physician in the treatment process. Not every state allows the use of SLPs assistants, but those that do offer a great potential career for entry-level job seekers.

If you are interested in becoming an SLPs you must acquire the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology. Then you are on your way to a rewarding and fruitful career.

Wound Care Specialist

Those afraid of blood need not apply. 

Wound care specialists are some of the most specialized nurses and physicians around. Their job is not easy. They are required to clean, treat and dress the wounds of patients. They also help educate families and patients on at-home wound care. 

All wound care specialists are required to be certified by the American Academy of Wound Management (AAWM) and physicians are further required to be certified as Certified Wound Specialist Physician (CWSP). 

Wound care specialists have a brutal, emotionally taxing job that many simply don’t want. However, they are paid handsomely for their services. Wound care specialist nurses make an average of over $90,000 annually.

The healthcare industry is booming, so if you are looking for employment it only makes sense to try your luck in healthcare. Many of the most common jobs, however, are facing stiff competition, so don’t be afraid to apply to some of the more unique careers in the industry.

It pays to be unique.