Pain & Overeating

Let's be honest, who hasn't reached for that second (or third) slice of pizza in an effort to distract yourself from your aches and pains. We've all been there. But here's the thing: overeating isn't a cure for pain. In fact, it can actually make things worse! Overeating can lead to weight gain, which in turn puts increased pressure on your joints and increases inflammation. Plus, certain foods like sugar and processed snacks can exacerbate pain and inflammation in the body. So, what can you do instead? Here are some effective tips:

• Distract yourself with something else. Sure, food is great, but have you ever tried a good book or a funny movie? You might be surprised at how well they can take your mind off your pain.
• Go for a walk. Exercise releases endorphins, which are our bodies’ natural painkillers. Also, walking is low-impact and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Take a nap. Seriously, there's nothing like a good nap to help you forget about your pain for a little while. Just make sure you don't sleep through your next appointment at Pain Specialty Group
• Try some gentle stretching. Yoga, Pilates, or even just some simple stretches can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle tension.
• Laugh it off! They say laughter is the best medicine, and for good reason. Studies have shown that laughter releases endorphins, reduces stress, and can even help reduce pain.

So, there you have it, folks. Overeating might seem like a good idea in the moment, but in the long run, it's not worth it. Instead, try these simple yet effective tips to distract yourself from your pain. And as always, if your pain persists or gets worse, be sure to reach out to our expert team at Pain Specialty Group to see how we can help here.

Author

Aidan Fisher, Maureen Cassidy Pain Specialty Group