As the great philosopher Ayn Rand once said, "Pain is not to be feared, but conquered."
Pain management is a critical aspect of maintaining our physical and mental well-being. While medicines have long been used to manage chronic pain, their effectiveness can come with harmful side effects. Luckily, in recent years, people have turned to natural methods such as CBD and light stretching to alleviate pain and manage stress. The key is management - pain management, time management, stress management, lifestyle management - where at first, you wouldn’t think they are all interconnected, but zooming out, we can see how vicious cycles in certain areas of life can begin to effect other areas of our life without us noticing.
Pain comes in all kinds of forms, but how we manage and overcome it is everything. Mindset plays a huge role in this, the NEED to be better evokes the WILL to improve. Let’s take a look at some epic comebacks that without serious grit and determination, would have been a completely different story.
Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer, suffered a major setback when she lost her left arm in a shark attack at the age of 13! Despite the devastating injury, Hamilton was determined to pursue her passion for surfing. She underwent intense rehabilitation and adapted her surfing technique to accommodate her missing arm. Within a year of the attack, Hamilton was back in the water and competing professionally. She became an inspiration to many, showcasing resilience and determination. Hamilton's remarkable comeback story was chronicled in the film "Soul Surfer" and she continues to be an influential figure in the world of surfing. There is nothing that can stop a determined person from reaching their goals.
Peyton Manning, a legendary NFL quarterback, faced a career-threatening injury in 2011. Entering his 10+ seasons with the Colts. He underwent multiple neck surgeries and was uncertain if he would ever play football again. However, through sheer determination and hard work, Manning made an incredible comeback, joining the Denver Broncos in 2012, and going on to have one of the most successful chapters of his career. Manning led the Broncos to two Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl 50 and earning the title of the game's Most Valuable Player! Without all of those hours in rehab, and work behind the scenes, none of this would have been possible.
These stories serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness, even in the face of serious physical injuries. The “Why” behind the motivation to come back, better then before enabled both Peyton and Bethany to overcome unlikely injuries and continue their career and passion after recovery.
So, let’s look at a few tips to help with pain relief, increase wellbeing, and get you back on track faster.
There has been a significant amount of success of people finding relief and recovery faster using CBD.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound derived from the hemp plant, has been found to have excellent anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective pain-relieving agent. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system of our bodies, relieving us of chronic pain, reducing inflammation, and relaxing our muscles. People who suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain have reported significant relief from their symptoms using CBD. Keeping pain levels low, moving more, sleeping deeper, all lead to lower inflammation levels and faster recovery.
Using CBD is not complicated. However, it is crucial to be aware of the quality of the product you are buying. Look for labels that indicate the percentage of CBD and the absence of additives. Start with a small dose and keep track of the effects on your body. If you decide to use CBD regularly, incorporate it into your daily routine, and be consistent as the inflammation levels continue to lower after about two weeks of ongoing use. Depending on the amount of CBD you take, and how, it could be appropriate before activity as well as after.
A general rule is 5-10mg for stress management, 10-20mg for pain relief, and 25mg -100mg for sleep, but everyone is different.
Also, as we have discussed before, it is important to note what kind of CBD you are using, the differences between full spectrum (trace THC, not more than .03%, Broad spectrum (all cannabinoids present, minus THC) and isolate (purely CBD.) As pure CBD has no psychoactive effect, but a drowsy effect after a certain dosage, different for everyone. For more info on the differences of Isolate, Broad Spectrum, and Full Spectrum see or blog here.
As mentioned, recovery is part of the equation, pain management continues with activity, and recovery. Below are a few exercises you can do to improve mobility, pain, and blood flow leading to an overall better wellbeing.
Another alternative method for pain relief and stress management is light stretching. Stretching can release the build-up of tension and lactic acid in your muscles, reducing pain and making you feel relaxed. The benefits of stretching extend beyond the physical: it helps improve concentration and focus, boosts mood, and enhances self-esteem. Regular stretching can also aid in injury prevention and improve posture.
Here is a simple daily stretching routine to add to your pain relief and stress management regimen:
- Neck Stretch - Stand straight, and bend your head towards the right side. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the left.
- Shoulder Roll - Shrug your shoulders upwards and rotate them in a circular motion. Repeat for ten rotations.
- Hamstring Stretch - Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Bend forward and touch your toes. Hold for 15 seconds.
- Quadriceps Stretch - Stand straight with one hand on the wall for support. Bring one foot backward and hold onto it with your hand, pulling it towards your buttocks. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat for the other leg.
- Calf Stretch - Press your hands against a wall, and position one foot behind you. Bend the other leg slightly, leaning forward to stretch your calf muscles. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat for the other leg.
Healing from an injury or chronic condition involves more than just the management of physical pain. It requires a multi-faceted approach to maintain overall wellbeing, including mental and emotional states. Adopting a positive mental attitude towards healing can greatly impact the recovery process, reducing stress levels, and promoting overall wellness. Research has shown that our thoughts have a direct correlation with our physical health, so it is crucial to avoid negative self-talk and maintain positivity throughout the healing journey.
Lifestyle management is also an essential aspect of maintaining overall wellbeing and facilitating the healing process. This approach includes adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, managing stress levels, and getting enough rest. Proper nutrition is equally essential, as it provides our bodies with the necessary nutrients to repair and rebuild damaged tissues.
A healthy diet combined with an active lifestyle can promote speedy recovery from an injury or illness. Such a diet should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Some examples of daily diet choices that promote healing and overall wellbeing include:
Leafy Greens: Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with antioxidants that help the body fight off inflammation and promote healing.
Lean Protein: Lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and legumes are crucial for providing the body with the necessary amino acids for healing and repair.
Berries: Berries such as blueberries and raspberries are high in flavonoids that help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Whole Grains: Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins that promote healing and overall wellbeing. However, depending on what kind of injury you may have, your doctor could suggest a Gluten Free diet, as this drastically helps reduce inflammation in the body, helping CTE and concussion injuries heal faster.
Maintaining overall wellbeing and positive mental attitude when it comes to healing is crucial. A healthy lifestyle, combined with a proper diet, can aid in recovery and prevent future injuries or illnesses. By focusing on a positive outlook, adopting healthy habits, and incorporating a nutrient-dense diet, individuals can enhance their ability to heal and recover from injuries and illnesses quickly. At Inflamade we are committed to helping you not only heal faster, but live better. So that you can conquer your goals and achieve anything that you set out to do.
Life is too short to let pain hold us back. Pain management should be a priority in our self-care routine to ensure that we can lead happy and healthy lives. While medications have long been the go-to for pain management, CBD and light stretching offer safer, natural alternatives. To finish, another inspiring quote from Ayn Rand, "Achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life, and that happiness, not pain or mindless self-indulgence, is the proof of your moral integrity, since it is the proof and the result of your loyalty to the achievement of your values." Embrace the natural alternatives for pain management, and unlock a pain-free and happy life.
Sources:
Men's Journal. "13 Famous Athlete Injuries That Made Comebacks." source ↩
InsideHook. "These Athletes Made Amazing Comebacks From Horrific Illnesses and Injuries." source ↩ ↩2