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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffOne frustrating aspect of chronic pain is that it can have a major impact on your daily life. When pain strikes, you may have trouble sleeping, exercising or performing physical tasks. If you're depressed and pain is sapping your energy, you may withdraw from social situations.
These self-care measures may help ease your discomfort:
- Try an over-the-counter pain reliever. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may provide a temporary respite from your pain.
- Seek emotional support. Chronic pain can trigger some intense, negative emotions, which can affect your self-esteem and your relationships with others. Admit your feelings to yourself, to supportive family members and friends and to your doctor. Acknowledging and talking about your feelings are the first steps toward improved emotional health.
- Learn strategies for managing stress. Becoming too anxious or stressed over certain situations may exacerbate chronic pain. Effective stress management techniques not only help reduce your stress levels but may also have the indirect effect of easing stress-triggered pain. Try to use relaxation and stress-reduction techniques that have worked for you in the past, such as exercise, meditation or simple deep breathing.
References
- Hoffman BL. Pelvic pain. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3154265. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
- Lentz GM. Differential diagnosis of major gynecologic problems by age group: Vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pelvic mass. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2011.
- Chronic pelvic pain. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp099.cfm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
- Howard F. Evaluation of chronic pelvic pain in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
- ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins - Gynecology. Chronic pelvic pain. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2004;103:589.
- Howard F. Treatment of chronic pelvic pain in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
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