Mind-Body Connection: Researchers agree that emotional factors have a strong influence on the perception of pain — so there’s no doubt that there’s a direct relationship between the mind and body. Consider meditation or breathing techniques to ease anxiety. My favorite app is Insight Timer, they have tons of free meditations and guided breath work.

Alternative Medication: This one is a hot topic. My experience is with cannabis and prescribed ketamine. Cannabis has been shown to help reduce pain symptoms and improve sleep quality. I’ve been told that RSO is the best for chronic pain. It’s an oil that you can learn more about here, if cannabis is legal in your state. Ketamine has also been gaining popularity in the world of pain management. It was a “miracle drug” for me until I developed a tolerance to the medication, which, my pharmacist said was common. It’s typically used for nerve pain and isn’t a first-line of defense, but if you suffer from severe chronic pain then it could be worth asking your care team about.

A Little Movement: Is your pain also terrible in the morning? Getting out of bed can sometimes be a challenge, but making a cup of coffee or easy breakfast could help your body wake up and lower pain levels. Stretching is another good one to ease mobility while decreasing pain sensations. YouTube videos are my go-to for this.

Hot & Cold Therapy: Cold plunges are all the rage. I’m personally too much of a baby to handle the cold, but I’m a big fan of the sauna. Hot and cold therapy can stimulate blood flow and decrease inflammation throughout your body. Check out Pause Studio or Den Mother if you’re located in LA - these are my favorite spots for a quick sauna sesh and offer cold plunges (if you’re feeling brave!).

Try a New Doctor: More doctors! More doctors! It’s never-ending. However, it’s never a bad idea to get another opinion if you feel that you’re hitting a wall in terms of your treatment plan. I’ve probably seen over a dozen pain management specialists and it took nearly a year for me to find a provider that I felt good about. Never stop seeking new treatments or fresh sets of eyes when it comes to your care.