Reducing Pain

I was browsing the web about pain and what helps relieve the pain of grief. I came across the Caring Organisation. They offer the follwoing tips to help your heartache, during the bereavement process.

• Use warm showers, baths, hot water bottles, or warm washcloths.  Heat relaxes muscles; this can help reduce pain and give a sense of comfort. Do not set heating pads on high because they can burn the skin. Also, try massaging sore spots, such as neck and shoulders. Check with your doctor about how long to apply heat since prolonged exposure to heat can cause tissue damage.

• Use cool cloths.  For example, many people find that using a cool washcloth on their forehead reduces pain when they have a headache.
  

• Encourage relaxation. Position yourself carefully with pillows and soft seat cushions.  Breathing slowly and quietly helps the mind and body to relax and helps decrease pain.
  

• Being active takes the mind off the pain. Distractions such as pleasant visits with friends and grandchildren should be encouraged. Watching television, reading, and listening to music may also decrease a person’s awareness of pain.

• Emotional stress and anxiety increase pain. Try to minimize these types of situations.

I thought these may help others who are feeling the heartache…and let us all know if you have any other tips for us all!