Dealing with Post-Workout Chronic Pain

You’ve been dedicated to your workouts, pushing your limits, and staying consistent. But instead of feeling stronger and more energised, you’re constantly dealing with chronic pain that won’t go away. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 

Back in 2023, 24.3 percent of US adults had to deal with chronic pain. At any given moment today, more than one out of five Americans are experiencing chronic pain.

While some muscle soreness is expected after exercise, persistent pain that lingers for days or even weeks is a different story. It can be frustrating, disheartening, and make you question whether your fitness routine is doing more harm than good.

The good news? You don’t have to live with post-workout chronic pain. Understanding why it happens and learning how to manage it can help you continue your fitness journey without unnecessary suffering. 

Understanding the Difference Between Soreness and Chronic Pain

First, it’s important to recognize that not all pain is the same. If you have muscle soreness, you’ll find that it peaks within 24 to 72 hours and gradually subsides. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is persistent, lasting for at least two to three months. 

If you’re feeling constant pain in the same areas for weeks, it’s a sign that something is off. It might be due to overuse, poor movement patterns, inflammation, or even an underlying injury that hasn’t healed properly.

Giving Your Body the Recovery It Deserves

If you’re dealing with ongoing pain after workouts, one of the first things to examine is your recovery routine. Exercise breaks down muscle fibers, and they need proper time to repair and grow stronger. If you’re constantly pushing yourself without adequate rest, you’re setting yourself up for chronic pain.

Aim for at least seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night, as this is when your body does most of its repair work. Hydration and nutrition also play a significant role in recovering from chronic pain. 

During recovery, you might even be suggested to undergo spinal cord stimulator surgery. According to TruLaw, spinal cord stimulators are implantable medical devices. They deliver electrical impulses to the spinal cord and disrupt pain signals before they reach your brain. In doing so, these devices can help you manage chronic pain. Professionals suggest spinal cord stimulator implants when all other treatments have failed to provide relief. However, be careful if you are actually going for a spinal cord stimulator surgery.  

Device malfunctions and a lack of risk warnings have led to severe complications among many who opted for such implants. As per these spinal cord stimulator cases, many patients are currently having to deal with worsened pain and, in some cases, permanent injuries. The spinal cord stimulator lawsuit has been filed for this very reason. Victims involved in the spinal cord stimulator lawsuits are suing manufacturers for their inability to address the device failures.

Knowing When to Scale Back

There’s a fine line between pushing yourself and overdoing it. While challenging workouts are great for progress, constantly training at high intensity without periods of deloading can lead to chronic pain. Overtraining syndrome is real, and it can manifest as persistent soreness, fatigue, joint pain, and even a weakened immune system.

Listening to your body is crucial. If you’re experiencing pain that doesn’t improve with rest, it may be time to reassess your workout intensity. 

Incorporating active recovery days with lower-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga can help you stay active without further aggravating your muscles.

Strength training is another important factor. If your workouts focus on cardio or endurance-based activities, your body may not have the muscular support needed to handle the stress of exercise. 

Seeking Professional Help When Needed

Sometimes, chronic pain isn’t something you can fix on your own. If you’ve tried everything but still experience lingering pain, it may be time to seek professional help.

A sports chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopedic specialist can assess your pain and determine whether there’s an underlying injury that needs to be addressed. Conditions like tendinitis, stress fractures, and nerve impingements can mimic general muscle pain, but they require targeted treatment to heal properly.

Alternative therapies like acupuncture, dry needling, and deep tissue massage can also provide relief for chronic pain by improving circulation and releasing tight muscles. If you’re open to exploring different approaches, these treatments might be worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should you go to the gym when you have chronic back pain?

Yes, but with caution and proper guidance. Light exercises, stretching, and strengthening routines can help relieve chronic back pain. High-impact workouts or improper form may worsen the condition. Consulting a doctor or physical therapist ensures you choose safe exercises that support recovery rather than cause further strain.

Does chronic pain mean you have to undergo surgery?

Not necessarily. Many cases of chronic pain can be managed with physical therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or alternative treatments. Surgery is usually a last resort if other treatments fail or if there’s severe structural damage. A doctor’s evaluation helps determine the best approach for managing chronic pain effectively.

Do chiropractic methods help relieve chronic pain?  

Yes, chiropractic care can help relieve certain types of chronic pain, especially back and neck pain. Spinal adjustments and manipulations may improve alignment and reduce pressure on nerves. However, effectiveness varies by condition, and some cases require medical treatment. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures chiropractic care is safe for your situation.

Post-workout chronic pain can be discouraging, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on exercise altogether. Your fitness journey should be about feeling strong, not constantly battling pain. 

With the right approach, you can continue making progress without putting your body through unnecessary stress. 

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