Chronic pain is not only felt by patients physically. In fact, chronic pain can be a consuming disorder that also manifest itself emotionally through the development of depression, anger, anxiety, and fear of re-injury which may hinder a person's ability to return to his past activities. The emotional toll of chronic pain can make a patient's condition worse. Anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and fatigue combined with chronic pain can decrease the body's production of biological painkillers. These negative emotions can also increase the level of substances that intensify sensations of pain, hence, causing a vicious cycle. If you are suffering from an anxiety disorder and chronic pain, here are some pointers on managing both effectively:

1.Get treatment for chronic pain.

The anxiety disorder, while also uncomfortable and debilitating, is not the root cause of your problem ? chronic pain is. Whether the pain is caused by surgery or musculoskeletal problems like joint pain and arthritis, seek treatment for it. By lessening the intensity of the cause of the pain, you also minimize its psychological and emotional effects. The less you experience chronic pain, the more you will gain confidence about going back to your usual activities.

2.Manage symptoms of anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder can range from shortness of breath, palpitations, excessive sweating, and vomiting to diarrhea. These symptoms usually surface when you are confronted by activities that cause you anxiety. For example, if you are anxious about going up a flight of stairs, you are likely to experience symptoms. Symptoms are triggered because you feel afraid of doing a particular activity or being in a certain situation. Manage these symptoms by practicing breathing techniques to calm your nerves and thought redirection. The latter refers to directing your thoughts to positive events instead of dwelling on negative ?what-if? events.

3.Cut back on bad habits or, if possible eliminate them completely.

Drinking alcohol, smoking, and having lots of coffee can worsen your condition since they also introduce chemicals in your body that trigger reactions. Eliminating or cutting back on these habits can also improve your health and sleeping habits which may suffer due to chronic pain and anxiety. Pain makes sleep difficult, and these substances can make your sleep problems worse. If have chronic pain, taking less of these substances can improve your quality of life.

4.Reduce stress in your life.

Stress can also make chronic pain and anxiety worse. Instead of stressing over things that worry you, direct your thoughts to happier memories. Practicing positive thinking can do wonders and may even encourage you enough to try the activities that worry you so much. Resting often, exercising, eating a balanced diet, and practicing stress management techniques can help you reduce stress in your life.

5.Visit your doctor regularly.

You may be managing anxiety and chronic pain well on your own but you still need to visit your doctor for follow ups. This is essential in tracking your treatment progress. Your doctor can also suggest alternative treatments like massages to complement the chronic pain and anxiety management techniques that you are practicing.