5 extraordinary simple steps to manage chronic pain

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Backaches, headaches, and various aches often experienced in various parts of the body on a day to day basis is commonly called acute pain. In contrast, chronic pain is defined as any pain that is consistently felt for 12 weeks and beyond, the National Library of Medicine reports.

While some may look to medication and therapies to ease or cure the pain, there are several ways to relieve and manage chronic pain that are less expensive and more beneficial to one's health. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Moderate alcohol intake. According to a study published this year by researchers from the Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, a moderate consumption of alcohol is linked to a lower risk and lessened severity of chronic pain. The study was published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.

2. Smoking cessation. The CDC reports that smoking is still the largest preventable cause of death in the country, but yearly, it claims 480,000 lives, 41,000 of which are caused by secondhand smoke. Huffington Post reports that tobacco reduces the amount of much-needed oxygen that gets to the bones and tissues in the body through one's blood. Because of the reduction in oxygen, individuals may experience low back pain and damage from osteoporosis.

3. Massage and aromatherapy. The Wall Street Journal reports that 100 million Americans are affected by chronic pain, most of which are women. Dr. Oz suggested in HuffPost OWN to massage essential oils on an aching body to trigger a calming response. He explained, "People with fibromyalgia who applied a mixture of oils (including rosemary, eucalyptus, and aloe vera) to areas of discomfort as needed for one month reported significantly less pain than those using a placebo oil, according to a study in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain."

4. Proper hydration and diet. According to Healthline, inflammation is the common cause of pain, so it's best to avoid foods that contain chemicals that cause inflammation. Such foods include high-fat red meat, wheat products, and processed foods. Instead, go for foods rich in omega-3 acids and low-sugar fruits. It's also best to keep hydrated, as it can help lessen the symptoms of some chronic conditions such as headaches and back pain.

5. Stress-reduction and mindfulness meditation. WebMD reports that depression, anxiety, stress and anger may increase the body's sensitivity to pain. Take control of stress, whether work or home-related, and try taking time off each day to practice meditation. This type of meditation does not serve as a distraction from the pain but instead offers a way for the body to detach itself from the pain and prevent it from becoming too overwhelmed in the feeling. Mindfulness meditation has also been reported to provide a number of health benefits.