Dealing with Body Aches and Pains

Lately, I’ve been dealing with some aches and pains. Although I try to get up and move around a lot, being sedentary has resulted in body aches, pain, and stiffness. I’ve come up with some solutions that have helped me. I hope they’ll help you, too.

Pain on my right side

I used to have pain on my right side — sharp pain when I moved suddenly. I spoke to my doctor about it, but he wasn’t sure what caused it. Over time I figured out that it was from being inactive, which resulted in my muscles being tight. I started doing stretches, and the pain has gone away.

Reduced range of motion

I noticed over time that being inactive was reducing my range of motion. Lack of movement was causing my entire body to become stiff. I was also becoming more vulnerable to injury. I’d heard how yoga was good for keeping our bodies limber, so I investigated the possibilities. I found an online program called “Chair Yoga for Healing, Strength and Mobility.” It was a very reasonable price, and it has helped me increase my range of motion and become more flexible. I hope it might help you, too.

Backaches

I was in a serious car accident over 20 years ago, and I still experience some back pain. I go to a chiropractor once a month, and this has really helped me. I found that getting an adjustment lasts longer if I get a massage the day before, so I do this, too. The massage I get isn’t just to feel good; it is to work out all my body aches. My massage therapist works on my back, as well as my hands and feet. I have neuropathy in my feet as a side effect from the chemotherapy I received for breast cancer five years ago. My forearms and hands are often tight because I use them so much to write this column, my blog, and finish a book I’m working on for PF patients and their loved ones.

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Feeling sluggish

I have days when I feel sluggish, like I just can’t get going. I’ve found that exercising in 15-minute stretches three times a day has really helped me feel less lethargic. In a previous column, I shared about how important regular exercise has been to gain stamina and lose weight. I must confess that when I feel sluggish, the last thing I want to do is exercise. I’ve found that doing it anyway really helps.

I bet I’m not the only one who struggles with body aches and pains. I hope these tips will help you care for yourself. You are worth whatever it takes to feel better!

I’d love to hear from you!

Do you struggle with body aches and pains? If so, how do you experience them? What has helped you find relief?

Please leave a comment below and share with those who could benefit via email or on social media.

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Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.