As you all know by now, our little world is facing an unprecedented health crisis. The globe has come to a standstill to fight the spread of Covid-19. Confined to our homes, it's time to consider the value of wellness and the things we can all do to stay fit, healthy and flu free.
For those managing chronic pain conditions like myofascial pain or spinal stenosis, the challenge is even greater. However, with the right tools and advice, there is no reason people with controlled conditions can emerge from lockdown happier and healthier than before.
This article offers advice on staying healthy for those dealing with chronic pain amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
Don't Panic. Talk to Your GP
Unless you're sick with the virus or another unknown condition, it's best to avoid doctors' surgeries and local clinics. Emailing or calling your surgery instead of visiting in person is necessary for protecting your own health and ensuring you don't take medical attention away from those who are seriously ill.
If you're already on a viable treatment plan - be it medication or physical therapy - health advice should be sought only via phone or email. If possible, keep up with treatments throughout quarantine or lockdown even if they were due to be reviewed. Your GP may not be available for a review and it's better than having no plan at all.
Use Prescription Delivery Services
There are countless prescription delivery services available. So, unless you require medications that are in short supply, there shouldn't be any risk of running out of pain meds even when self-isolating. The important thing is to make sure you're registered with a service well before your current prescription runs out.
One of the easiest services to use is Echo from Lloyds Pharmacy. It takes approximately 30 minutes to set up a profile, connect with your GP surgery and log a prescription request. It tells you if your medication is running low in local pharmacies and updates when both your doctor and pharmacist receive the order.
If your movements are restricted but your prescription is unchanged, it's one of the fastest ways to get meds delivered to your door. It's still important to leave at least a week between the request and running dry, preferably longer.
Stay Informed and Know What to Expect
Covid-19 is, by all accounts, a nasty flu for the majority of people. However, those with immunodeficiency disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are at risk of more serious sickness. If you have lupus, RA, scleroderma, connective tissue disease or vasculitis, you must stay self-isolated indoors for your own safety.
Whether you have an immune disorder or suffer from discomfort caused by back, neck or orofacial pain, it's likely the virus would exacerbate existing aches and pains. Coughing may also worsen pain. If you contract the virus, gargling with saltwater (three times per day) and drinking peppermint tea can help to decongest the throat and reduce coughing.
Get Active As Often As Possible
It's not always popular advice, but it is undeniable. Physical activity is one of the best remedies for back pain (often more so than medications or surgery). Read our blog to find out why fitness experts recommend controlled core exercises for back pain relief!
We want to remind Easy Physio users there's no better time to get active, stretched out and sweaty with our custom exercise rehab programmes. These personalised plans are designed for use in smaller spaces, for those with impaired or disrupted mobility and for maintaining health while managing chronic pain. Nobody could have predicted the coronavirus outbreak, but we have the perfect app for it all the same!
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