Lifestyle modifications

A healthy lifestyle is very important in treating pain and preventing pain from occurring

• Weight loss: Please calculate your BMI (BMI calculator). If your BMI>25 consider weight loss. I know it is not easy. I suggest to start with a healthy diet: decrease portion size, no sodas (drink water), no artificial sweeteners, minimize sugar, cook your own food (so you know what is in your food), no junk food, minimize processed food, eat more vegetables. If you have diabetes talk with your primary care provider, maybe dietitian consult is needed. For more information on this topic click here.

• Sleep: it is essential for normal functioning. Lack of sleep can amplify pain. Try first sleep hygiene tips. If you snore at night and you are overweight consider discussing with your primary care provider about sleep medicine referral. If you have anxiety please see next paragraph about meditation.

• Consider meditation/relaxation techniques: They can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep and pain. There are a variety of meditation techniques (transcendental meditation, Buddhist meditation, mindfulness meditation...). You can even use apps on your phone: Calm (iPhone, Android)) and Headspace (iPhone, Android) are some of the popular ones. For more information on this topic click here.