Keep a pain diary
Keeping a diary can help you understand your pain, identify any triggers and keep track of what eases your pain.
Practice pacing
Plan what you’re going to do and don’t over-exert yourself. Try to break tasks which feel difficult down into smaller chunks, and alternate easier and harder activities or spread them out through the day.
Keep moving
Keep active to help maintain your strength and flexibility. Physical movement can help to relieve pain. Just be aware of your limits.
Try relaxation and distraction
Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, and meditation have been shown to relieve pain. Distracting yourself with these techniques or another activity, such as reading or doing something creative, has also been shown to relieve pain.
Reduce your drinking and try to stop smoking
Drinking and smoking can affect the sensitivity of your nervous system and potentially increase your pain.
