There are multiple "unwellness" factors that are found in patients with chronic pain:
- Low levels of physical activity
- Smoking
- Dissatisfaction with employment
- Pain-related factors-duration of symptoms, pain radiating into the leg, and widespread pain
- Restriction in spinal mobility
These people are stressed out, have low self-rated health, don’t exercise, don’t like their jobs, regularly take over-the-counter medication (aspirin, Tylenol, etc.) and tend to smoke. With this is mind, a wellness plan that gives these patients the best chance for a recovery includes:
- Quit smoking if a current smoker
- Accept current job while engaging in activities to find new, more satisfying work.
- If unemployed and receiving social benefits, actively engage employment opportunities with a positive outlook.
- Begin to exercise. Walking 30 minutes per day is a great start along with spinal stabilization exercises.
- Get adequate sleep/rest.
- Embrace a stress management program to develop a more positive outlook.
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods (more fruits and veggies, and proteins. Avoid wheat products like bread pasta and cereal), take anti-inflammatory supplements (Omega III oil), and transition off chronic NSAID use.
