What Helps with Chronic Pain: Home Modifications and Assistive Devices
Chronic pain can have physical, emotional, social and psychological impacts on an individual’s life. It is an enduring companion that slowly shapes the very fabric of how people approach their personal lives. That is why chronic pain management has become an increasingly popular topic in health and wellness forums. But what is chronic pain?
Most people confuse acute and chronic pain. However, unlike acute pain (which lasts for a few hours or days), chronic pain is a persistent and long-lasting discomfort that often endures for weeks, months or even years. Simply put, if pain extends beyond the expected healing time, it is classified as chronic pain.
Chronic Pain Management: Creating a Comfortable Living Environment
Since chronic pain can greatly influence an individual’s personal life, it is essential to learn how to create a comfortable living environment for them. Living in a comfy and supportive home is crucial to mitigating some of the challenges they experience daily and enhancing their overall well-being. It minimises their discomfort and gives them the ability to easily navigate their surroundings. But how do you create a comfortable environment for individuals living with chronic pain?
There are two primary ways to create a comfortable living environment for individuals living with chronic pain: home modifications and using assistive devices.
Home Modifications
Home modifications are strategic changes thoughtfully tailored to minimise discomfort and strain experienced during routine activities. The modifications are a beacon of hope and provide a renewed sense of autonomy for persons living with chronic pain. However, addressing pain-related discomfort and improving mobility aren’t the only reasons these home modifications are perfect for chronic pain management.
This strategic overhaul of the living space can also help enhance safety. For instance, installing grab bars in bathrooms and high-traffic areas provides a sense of security, minimising the risk of slips and falls that could worsen the pain. Additionally, replacing regular mats with non-slip options helps cushion every step the individual takes, helping transform solid floors into cushy surfaces that do not put a lot of pressure on the joints.
Assistive Devices
Home modifications are only useful when an individual is at home. With that in mind, knowing how to deal with chronic pain when they are outside, visiting the grocery store, walking their dog, tending their garden or doing any other outdoor activity is essential. That is where assistive devices come in.
Assistive devices are ergonomic tools that serve as an extension of support. Examples of these devices include canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and other mobility aids. The primary purpose of these tools is to reduce physical strain during movement and enhance the safety of these individuals as they engage in their routine activities.
Chronic Pain Management: Benefits of Using Ergonomic Furniture
Ergonomic furniture have emerged as a reliable solution for individuals looking for ideas on how to deal with chronic pain. These pieces of furniture are thoughtfully designed to reduce strain on the body, enhance comfort and improve posture, which enhances the overall well-being of the individual dealing with persistent discomfort.
The key advantage of using ergonomic furniture over regular options is their ability to align the body with its natural contours and movements. It is a proactive way to manage chronic pain as it minimises pressure on joints and muscles, reducing the risk of worsening the pain.
If you are looking for ideas on how to stop lower back pain and other types of chronic discomfort, then you might want to invest in adjustable beds and supportive chairs. You can also choose furniture with adaptive devices, such as footrests or lumbar cushions, to redistribute pressure even further and address specific pain points in your body.
How to Deal With Chronic Pain: Pain Relief Through Assistive Devices
Besides providing comfort and making daily routines possible, assistive devices are essential for relieving chronic pain. Here are a few examples of assistive devices that take pain alleviation to another level:
- Heat pads – heat pads are small-sized devices used to generate soothing warmth to aching muscles. They offer a targeted approach to pain relief since they can be applied directly to specific body parts. Some of the features you can expect on these heat pads include adjustable temperature settings, automatic shutoff (prevents overheating) and a soft barrier between your skin and the pad.
- Heated blankets – these devices extend the concept of pain relief through gentle heat, enabling the user to cover their entire body with soothing warmth. The features you should look for are the same as those on the heat pad.
- Ergonomic pillows – these are special pillows designed to offer customised support to the neck and spine. They are specifically crafted to cradle the head, neck and shoulder, enhancing comfort for the individual living with chronic pain. Some of the features of ergonomic pillows include contoured shapes, memory foam material and breathable fabric for maximum comfort.
As we delve into the therapeutic benefits of these tools, we cannot fail to mention the pivotal role played by other assistive devices, such as reachers and dressing aids, in chronic pain management. These indispensable companions are perfect for individuals striving for independence while struggling with mobility challenges associated with chronic pain.
Reachers eliminate the need for awkward bending when picking up items. That makes them an ideal option for individuals looking for ideas on how to stop lower back pain and arthritis. Dressing aids also reduce strain for these individuals as they put on clothes. Together, these assistive devices reduce discomfort and promote independence, which most individuals living with chronic pain strive to achieve.
Conclusion
Learning how to manage chronic pain is crucial to enhancing your overall well-being. Luckily, home modifications and assistive devices are perfect for dealing with a wide range of persistent discomforts. Contact Veritas Care today for additional information on chronic pain management and a complete care assessment for elderly individuals living with chronic pain.
