Chronic pain can make us feel so restless and uncomfortable. Sometimes, it can even interfere with our daily activities. Usually, they come and go and last weeks to years. While studying with chronic pain can be very challenging and frustrating, it can be managed with a bit of help. Thankfully, we’ve provided some helpful tips to help you study better while dealing with chronic pain. We hope you find them resourceful.
Maintain a good sitting position.
Back pain, arm pain, neck pain, and headache are some types of chronic pain. If you experience these types of pains consistently, it could be made worse with bad posture when reading. Many students don’t realize the health benefits of a good sitting position. Some are aware of it but often ignore the warning signs in a bid to maintain focus, especially when studying for an exam. Over time, bad posture can necessitate spine surgery.
The good news is that conservative treatments for spine injury include home exercise, steroid injection, physical therapy, and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. If you keep experiencing this pain after taking pain medication, consider scheduling a doctor’s visit for a proper diagnosis. Although neck surgery is a rare procedure, experts recommend surgical procedures like laminectomy, cervical spine fusion, artificial disk replacement, and posterior cervical and anterior cervical discectomy, also known as cervical spinal fusion.
A typal cervical spinal fusion allows for the implantation of a metal or a bone graft to a vertebra. Bone grafts are mostly donated and drawn from your hip bone. Keep in mind that the recovery process may take six to 12 months. You should know there are risks involved in neck surgery.
Opt for online courses.
If you have disabilities or chronic illnesses, going to college can be pretty challenging. A better way to deal with this situation is by taking an online course. That way, you can continue schooling while managing your illness. Before COVID-19, online courses were not as popular as they are today. Nowadays, you can find an online course in almost any field of study.
For example, if you’re into accounting, consider enrolling for self-study CPE courses. Accounting professionals usually offer these courses to improve their skills. Some online courses even have opinion boxes on their website where students tell their issues or offer feedback about their self-study courses. All in all, online learning allows you to stay home and still have access to quality education. In contrast, going out might put a strain on the condition.
Take breaks at intervals.
Chronic pain in your leg can be caused by a lack of activity and can easily be avoided with proper habits. A study shows that men who sit and watch TV for 23 hours per day have a higher tendency to get pain than those who watch TV for 11 hours.
Sitting in one position for too long is generally not a good healthy habit and can cause even worse problems beyond pain in your back, neck, and legs. It can further restrict blood circulation, which can take a toll on your cardiovascular system. So, it’s always best to remain upright when studying.
Furthermore, taking a break at intervals and perhaps walking around when reading can save you from chronic pain. If you’re unsure of how to take breaks at intervals, consider setting the alarm on an hourly basis so you can stop to stretch and exercise. Regular breaks also reduce your stress levels. Studies show that reduced stress levels can increase your creativity and performance.
All in all, it’s best to maintain a good sitting position and take ample time to rest in between studies and always remember to take your medications to improve your condition.
