Be honest, you’re probably pretty set on ugly sweaters, Christmas-themed socks and/or cheap gift cards to pricey stores as gifts this year. Of course the theory “it’s the thought that counts” still applies to gifts like those, but wouldn’t it be great to give or receive a gift that truly had thought behind it? The kind of gift that tells whomever is receiving it that you care about their wellbeing and that you searched high and low for the absolute perfect gift.
Well, ‘tis the season for giving, and the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center want to provide you with a few gift ideas if you or someone you know lives with chronic pain! See below for gifts that will help ease the pain of those suffering from fibromyalgia/chronic pain.
Gift cards. They’re an easy buy for those needing a last-minute gift idea. Regardless, instead of purchasing the standard iTunes or retail gift card, try buying your loved one a gift card for acupuncture or massage therapy. Both are incredibly beneficial for alleviating pain and inflammation, and you can easily locate great places near you or your loved one(s) using Yelp! or AcuFinder.com.
A handmade gift basket filled with pain-relieving tools, foods and drinks is a great way to show someone you care about their health. You can find relatively cheap wicker baskets and tissue paper at Michaels or Wal-Mart and fill them with anti-inflammatory foods/drinks like freshly packaged cherries, olive oil and/or green tea packets. You could also put in a heating pad, socks or travel packs of aspirin. There are gift baskets like these that can be purchased online and mailed to the recipient if he or she is living in a different state. Visit http://store.wellbaskets.com to order one for your family member or friend living with chronic pain.
If you’re really close to the person you’re giving the gift to, something simple and creative like homemade vouchers guaranteeing your time and/or assistance can be absolutely invaluable. Simple tasks like grocery shopping, taking pets out for walks or cleaning the house can be excruciatingly painful and time consuming for people living with fibromyalgia. Offer your personal time to help take care of some of these difficult tasks. Trust us, it’s a greater gift than most people think!
Lastly, gifting soothing eye masks, electronic back and/or foot massagers, or DVDs (for the days your loved one spends in bed from the pain), can make a lasting impression. The point is to put thought into your gift, and don’t be afraid to ask those closest to this individual what he or she may want! You may be surprised but what else could help him or her ease chronic pain.
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
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2014