If you are one of the one in five Canadians who suffer from chronic pain you already know that it affects not only your physical but emotional well-being. Because it is often an unseen illness, the negatives seep into your life, impacting work, family and other relationships. You take more disability days, spend more time in the hospital, and have more frequent doctor visits than those who do not experience chronic pain.
Chronic pain is generally described as pain lasting longer than 12 weeks. Causes may be a past injury or surgery, back problems, migraines or headaches, arthritis, nerve pain, fibromyalgia, or an infection. One of the most common treatments is prescription medication (sometimes even an opioid), which can lead to dependence and even addiction. More holistic, less risky options include laser therapy, acupuncture, massage and yoga. A weighted blanket for chronic pain could also be an option for those looking to improve their overall level of discomfort. Weighted blankets allow for a restful sleep, which therefore increases energy and wellness overall.
How Does Chronic Pain Happen?
According to WebMD, scientists theorize that chronic pain occurs when nerve signals signifying an injury to the body keep firing long after healing is complete. The sensations can range from a dull, throbbing ache to shooting, searing, stabbing pain, and can display in concert with feeling extremely tired, an absence of appetite, mood changes and lack of energy. Not only is chronic pain extremely uncomfortable, it can cause major difficulties in day-to-day life and be extremely detrimental to mental health.
A Testimonial for a Weighted Blanket for Chronic Pain
Hippo Hug client Anna wrote in to let us know how her weighted blanket for chronic pain helped her. She reported that previous to owning a weighted blanket she had great difficulties sleeping due to a constant pain in her leg, but that her Hippo Hug allowed her to sleep for a solid seven hours.
Anna also said that her weighted blanket seemed to allow her to regulate her temperature better and calmed her nerves.
How a Weighted Blanket Works
Over time, untreated chronic pain can lead to depression, sleep deprivation, and isolation. Unfortunately, too many people who suffer from chronic pain also develop a reliance on alcohol (or even street drugs) to help numb their symptoms. But evidence shows that alcohol and drug use does not facilitate a good night’s sleep, which is imperative to feeling better. An article titled, “Chronic back pain: does bed rest help” published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s website states there is strong evidence pointing to the fact that prolonged bed rest does not improve pain. It also reports that, “14 of 18 controlled studies do report that active exercise can improve outcomes.”
In short, being physically active can help alleviate symptoms far faster than bed rest, but to be able to get up and be energetic one has to be well rested.
Hippo Hug weighted blankets are essentially sensory modulation tools. They apply what is referred to as deep pressure stimulation, which can be described as the feeling of a firm hug, swaddling, or massage. This type of stimulation has a calming effect, reducing blood pressure and decreasing heart rates. The deep pressure also causes the body to produce serotonin and endorphins, which are what the body uses to relax. All of these can contribute to an excellent sleep.
Our blankets do not restrict movement, so you will never feel trapped and uncomfortable. Our exclusive weighting system consists of ceramic-coated metal disks, which allow for true freedom of movement. Weights are quilted onto the batting of your blanket and sewn in with three strong seams between each weight, making our blankets more durable than other options on the market.
A weighted blanket might be right for you if you like small spaces, prefer tight clothing, tend to pile up blankets or often curl up in a ball while relaxing and reading a book or watching TV.
Additional Help for Chronic Pain
Alberta Health Services runs a Chronic Pain Centre in Calgary providing services by chronic pain specialists as well as dieticians, kinesiologists, neurologists, occupational therapists, physiatrists, physical therapists, and others in the field. You must be referred by your family physician, be 18 years of age or older, be in stable medical condition, be cognitively capable and not have an undiagnosed substance abuse problem to receive treatment. The Chronic Pain Centre provides pain education classes and focuses on goal attainment, self-management and functional improvement.
Hippo Hug Weighted Blankets Are Made Especially For You
Hippo Hug weighted blankets are fully customizable. We create our blankets in five different sizes and in weights from three to 25 pounds. It is a personal choice how much weight to use, however we recommend from five to 15 percent of your body weight. We have dozens of fabric choices available as well. We also carry pre-made blankets. Have a look at our online store, and feel free to contact us at any time. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
what are the regular exercise we should follow to reduce the chronic pain?
Hi Lisa,
You would need to talk with a medical professional for advice on exercises for chronic pain. Our expertise lies in weighted blankets and helping people find the right one for their needs