Here at Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we are familiar with that fact that living with chronic pain is a constant battle and in some circumstances even the best treatment can’t make certain activities easier. Specifically designed assistive devices can aid in your every day life and help avoid pain or discomfort.
When thinking about possibly getting some assistive devices, you must first point out the areas of your lifestyle that are difficult with your condition. When there is close to 100 million Americans that suffer from chronic pain, not only are you not alone, but it is very likely that an assistive device has been created to effectively help you as well.
In general, canes and splints can allow you to be more mobile around the house, taking stress off of painful or recovering joints. Orthotics may be administered or purchased and are another alternative to stress relief. If bending over is a difficult task, reachers are poles with pinchers at the end that make sure you don’t have to cause discomfort just to pick up a remote, piece of trash, or laundry.
If the kitchen is an area of the house that has become difficult to maneuver around or operate, there are quite a few devices or techniques that could be beneficial for you. Raising the height of your chairs with extenders make it easier to get up and down from them. Purchasing pots and other cooking materials that have easy to grab handles allow you to carry them a much simpler of a task. Opening jars and cans can be difficult for anyone, especially with arthritis sufferers. Electric openers are a smart substitute for stress and pain.
Waking up in the morning can sometimes be the most stiff or painful part of the day. Your bedroom should be arranged in a way that allows you to get up and out of bed without pain. Light switches should be easily seen and easily accessed. Voice activated lamps or touch-triggering lights can be installed as well.
The bathroom may be the most dangerous and difficult room in the house for anyone suffering with chronic pain. An extremely common device used in the bathroom is a seat or stool in the shower or bathtub and can be immensely helpful. Sponges with long handles can help you wash up with out bending over to clean your legs and feet and easy to move shower curtains can be better than shower doors. Grab bars can be installed to help with balance and stress relief from legs and other activities.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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