7 must haves to get you through a chronic pain flare

In the past eight years, I feel like I’ve tried every coping method out there to help deal with a chronic pain flare. Before I had access to pain medication I desperately wasted my money on anything that was suggested to me as a possible solution. I tried fad diets, vitamin supplements, exercise regimens, and every pain relieving device that I could get my hands on. It took a lot of experimentation to find what worked for me, but eventually, I found a few things that helped. Now that I no longer have access to treatment for my pain, I’m back to only relying on alternative methods to get through my pain flares. These are some of my favorite things to get me through a bad pain day.

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1. Heating pad for a chronic pain flare

This is the number one tool in my pain kit. I use my heating pad every day, multiple times a day. I cannot sleep without it. When I traveled to Europe a few years ago (when my health was better) and the connector I bought fried my heating pad, I cried. I had to spend my whole vacation without it, which meant not a lot of sleep for me.

I’ve fairly confident that I’ve tried every heating pad out there. The longest one has lasted is for six months, the shortest is two weeks. I have desperately searched to find a heating pad that is comfortable and that will last. I found an incredibly comfortable heating pad that I loved but didn’t last very long. I found a heating pad to go over the shoulder, which also didn’t last very long. The only heating pad I’ve gotten in last past two months is from Target and is Target brand. It’s not the most comfortable, but it has been incredibly reliable and would be my recommendation for anyone who uses a heating pad regularly.

2. Epsom salts

I take a hot bath with Epsom salts every night to relax my muscles, not just when I’m in a chronic pain flare. I’m in so much pain all the time I tend to tense up, and that causes more pain. Epsom salts don’t make all the tension go away, but they do seem to help. You can purchase fancy Epsom salts, or you can get the plain ones from Walmart as I do.

Distraction is the name of the game when you live with chronic pain. Click To Tweet

3. A Netflix Subscription

Distraction is the name of the game when you live with chronic pain. I love to read, but sometimes the pain gets so severe I can’t concentrate. Thank goodness for Netflix and binge-watching. My go-to relaxation show is The Great British Baking Show. My husband does not understand why I like it so much, but it calms me when I’m feeling stressed.

4. Quell Pain Relief

I reviewed the original Quell pain device a few years ago, and my review for Quell 2.0 will be out soon. Though I have tried quite a few pain relief devices, Quell continues to be my favorite. Unlike the TENS it doesn’t just address pain in a specific part of the body, it’s developed for all-over-body pain.

5. Bio Freeze or other pain relief cream

I’ve tried a few different pain relief creams, and bio freeze is one of my favorites. It’s easier to purchase than some of the others I like (fay farms for example) because you can just pick it up at Walmart. Like most other pain creams it’s a temporary fix, but I like to use it before I go to sleep to help lower my pain levels.

6. A soft and/or weighted blanket.

My skin is super sensitive and there’s nothing better than cuddling up in a soft blanket. I’ve also always wanted to try a weighted blanket as many of my readers have found it to be helpful.

7. Distractions

What works as a distraction is different for everyone. Some people enjoy crafting, spending time outside, baking, relaxing with pets, reading, knitting, spending time with friends, or chatting on the phone. Anything to help get your mind off the pain, even if it’s just for a little while.