Posts by Hannah Friedman

The anti-inflammatory diet is often recommended for people with chronic pain because it can reduce painful inflammation. However, it can be challenging to keep up with as the anti-inflammatory diet involves a lot of cooking and food prep that might be strenuous. When you’re in pain, spending 10 or more hours cooking in the kitchen…

Exercise is often recommended for chronic pain patients; but, did you know that stretching is equally as important? This article will explore why a regular stretching routine can help folks with chronic pain.  Stretching improves flexibility which is one pillar of physical fitness. Flexibility refers to the ability of a joint to move through its…

If you have chronic pain, you’ve likely been advised to start a pain diary. But, what is a pain diary and why start one?  This article will explore the purpose and undeniable benefits of keeping track of your pain experience via a diary or log.  What is a pain diary? A pain diary is a…

Distracting yourself from pain is a valid and effective pain management tool. Focusing on your pain all day and night can be extremely distressing. Finding moments where you can distract yourself from the pain can help you find momentary relief.  Professionals recommend using distraction as a pain management tool; however, only if it’s a healthy…

Goals provide purpose and drive in our lives. Can you think of a goal you once had and how it felt to achieve that goal? It most likely felt great. When you think of goals, the first thing that usually comes to mind is someone trying to reach a fitness goal or land their dream…

If you experience back pain, you’re not alone. Back pain is extremely common – about 80% of people will get back pain in their lifetime. But what causes back pain? There are several reasons that someone may develop back pain, acute or chronic. In this article, we will explore five common causes of back pain.  Common…

Brain fog is a word that was created by patients to describe the cognitive effects of chronic illness; for many, the causes are unclear and it is hard to cope with.  The COVID-19 pandemic led to more people experiencing chronic fatigue and other persistent symptoms. Consequently, the term “brain fog” spiked in popularity. But, what…

Online health communities are popular for several reasons, but how can they benefit you? Recently, research has explored how online communities, centered around common health goals or diseases, can help their members. Read on to discover how you can use these communities to your advantage. As humans, we’re programmed to seek community. With the introduction…

What is an invisible illness? Invisible illness is when you cannot tell that someone has a chronic illness at first glance. For that reason, invisible illnesses are defined from the perspective of the general public. However, this does not make them any less serious than other, more visible, conditions. A person’s condition may be invisible…

Introduction Guided imagery is a meditative practice that can induce relaxation and calm the mind. It is used as a tool to ease stress and anxiety, but many practitioners suggest that guided imagery can be beneficial for people with chronic pain, too.  In this article, we’ll explore what guided imagery is and how it can…

What is a Fibromyalgia Flare Up? Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects several systems in the body, and causes widespread pain. It is associated with a wide range of daily symptoms, from fatigue to sleep disturbances. This article will explore what causes fibromyalgia flare ups and how someone dealing with a flare up can…

You’ve probably heard the words “acute” and “chronic” pain before – but what is the difference between acute and chronic pain? The differences extend beyond how long the pain persists. Length of pain is a factor; however, there are more important differences. We must consider how each type of pain can affect someone’s quality of…