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Believe it or not, regular exercies maybe the new prescription
for alleviating the discomfort of chronic pain. When the benefits
of movement and the drawbacks of inactivity are compared, the
advantages are quite lucid. When
an individual is overwhelmed by pain, exercise is last recourse
a person may consider; however, it may offer more relief than
not. A regular fitness program represents a versatile arsenal
against the pangs of chronic pain.
For instance,
inactivity may pose a myriad of risks. During inactivity, all
muscles weaken, including the heart. As a result, they will
not work effectively. The susceptibility of elevated blood pressure,
diabetes and high cholesterol increases. Not to mention,
inactivity leads to stress, fatigue, and anxiety.
Years ago,
physicians would prescribe bed rest as a means of healing the
body. Today, medical science has found the opposite to be true.
As long as the body is limited to rest, it is more prone to
become de-conditioned —contributing to chronic pain.
On the
contrary, movement offers many physical and health benefits.
When the body is in motion, it triggers the body to release
endorphins. Endorphins are beneficial chemicals that have the
ability to impede pain signals from being transmitted to the
brain. Additionally, endorphins help ease stress and anxiety.
In the
opinions of certain medical experts, these endorphins act as
natural pain relievers.
Restful sleep is another advantageous to exercising, because
it innately reduces stress hormones from interrupting a good
night’s rest.
Moreover,
activity enhances, the body’s strength. When the body is stronger,
the more relief it can provide for the bones and cartilage.
More importantly, through a regular fitness program, flexibility
is improved, alleviating the propensity of chronic pains and
aches. |
