According to a study published by the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), around 25.3 million Americans experience some form of pain each and every day. This pain can range from brief to long-lasting, and once it’s started, it’s hard to manage. Prescription medications can sometimes resolve this issue, but it’s easy to become hooked on them if you aren’t careful. Some misuse their prescription drugs, while others end up taking drugs from friends or family members that aren’t even theirs in an effort to reach a level of comfort, they so desperately desire. The work that we do every day can have a big impact on the pain that we experience, and this is where ergonomics steps into play.
In addiction recovery, it’s important to focus on the activities we pursue in our daily lives so that we can get a better idea of how to control our environment in the best way possible for our health. Ergonomics, defined by the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) as “what kind of work you do, what kind of tools you use and your whole job environment”, can help us take a look at your daily activities to assess what changes will most benefit the level of pain you experience. Addiction recovery shouldn’t be solely about treating the addiction – this disease affects the mind, body and spirit, and so should be treated as such.
Ergonomics helps us look at a wide range of movements that you perform on a daily basis to dig into the root cause of your pain. Movements such as bending, walking, lifting, sitting, getting out of bed, climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, exerting personal care, taking part in leisure activities and more are all rely on movement – and by honing in on some safe ways to go about these tasks, we’re less likely to have as many issues with pain as we did before.
Don’t wait any longer to start working towards your holistic health. Speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu about incorporating occupational therapy into your addiction recovery program today.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
