When experiencing pain, the heart and respiratory rate may be elevated, the body may perspire, and a sense of panic may be present.

Meditation brings about a focused attention – and often can lower the heart and respiratory rate, and give you an overall state of calm.

-Dr. Tory McJunkin

There are many effective workouts you can do in the pool, no matter your fitness level. In fact, for those with chronic pain conditions, workouts performed in the pool are highly recommended. Since workouts in the pool are low impact, they are perfect for those with conditions worsened by impact, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Weights for use in the pool can be purchased, or “running” in the pool makes for a great low-impact workout! Don’t forget – you’re not a fish, you can’t hydrate through your skin. Keep drinking water even though you’re in the pool!

-Dr. Jonathan Carlson

By becoming completely immersed in the fun and activity of a video game, studies have shown that many who suffer from chronic pain are, at least temporarily, distracted from their pain. While video games certainly can’t cure pain (yet!), the benefits seem to be some relief from constant, chronic pain.

-Dr. Paul lynch

Exercise, no matter how low impact, creates endorphins, the body’s natural pain killer and mood lifter. By going for a daily walk with a family member or friend, you not only gain the benefit of low-impact exercise, but you can create even more endorphins by being in the company of someone else.

-Dr. Patrick Hogan

Many stability shoes (often recommended to those with arthritis) have a raised heel. It is this raised heel that may be the cause of more pain in the knees of the arthritic.

I’d recommend you try walking around your home barefoot a little more often – you may find that it helps with that chronic arthritis pain!

-Dr. Jonathan Carlson

In the past, if you wanted to journal, you would need to break out the ol’ pen and paper. And while this is still the preferred method for many, the internet offers many tools for those who want to journal and suffer from chronic pain.

One major benefit in journaling chronic pain is the “business” portion of your journal. By keeping track of your highest pain days, the activities you have done that day, how you relieved the pain (at least somewhat), and what your stress level is, you can report these findings back to your doctor, and he may be able to identify triggers for your pain.

In your personal portion of your journal, write down your thoughts, emotions and feelings. By writing it down on paper (or typing it into a computer), chronic pain patients often find they feel better just by getting those thoughts off their minds.

-Dr. Tory McJunkin

Calcium certainly is important for your body, but it is somewhat ineffective if there is a lack of vitamin D. Working as building blocks, vitamin D and calcium go hand-in-hand. The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Without adequate vitamin D levels in the body, minimal calcium absorption occurs.

Vitamin D can be obtained from fortified foods and drinks, and, in the sunny Arizona climate, just fifteen minutes in the sun per day. Your skin absorbs vitamin D from the sun!

-Dr. Paul lynch

The carbonation in bubbly drinks come from phosphoric acid. While the body naturally contains phosphorus, too much can lead to bone loss. In addition, when you’re drinking soda, you often replace water or milk – which is what you should be drinking. Caffeine has also been shown to inhibit calcium absorption, which is what makes bones strong.

Dr. Patrick Hogan

An inversion table is just that – a device that inverts you. As you go about your day, the discs in your spine that act as cushioning between your vertebrae compresses and can become dehydrated. By inverting your body, you give your discs a “break,” essentially. By giving them this break, they have the opportunity to re-hydrate and expand.

In addition, inversion has been found to strengthen ligaments, relieve stress and help with stimulation.

Dr. Jonathan Carlson

You can find episodes of The Pain Show by clicking here. We hope you find them educational!

-Dr. Tory McJunkin