What causes lupus pain? and how it can be alleviated?

Lupus is one of the least recognized diseases in US. It’s symptoms' range from mild to life threatening. The most challenging part of the disease is pain that it causes to its victims. Different people experience lupus symptoms differently; similarly everyone experience pain differently and in different amounts. The most common sites of pain are:

·        Joint pain

·        Headaches

·        Itchiness and irritation from rashes

·        Lung pain

·        Abdominal pain

What causes lupus pain?

Usually symptoms associated with lupus aggravate to cause pain. Such as rashes that come from flares turn itchy and irritating; severe stomach cramps may result from digestive issues associated with certain types of lupus; sun sensitivity may bring eye pain, headaches or sun burn; your joints swell to cause pain even when you are not moving around.

How to alleviate lupus pain?

Identifying the symptoms that are causing you pain allows you to address the root cause instead of the pain just. Following would help you address these root causes of the pain;

·        Use sunglasses, hats, or long sleeves in the sun

·        Mind what you eat and select your diet to help your stomach issues.

·        Ice and rest any swollen joints or muscles

·        Consult your physician and get right medication early.

Doctor would help you to develop effective strategies targeting the cause of pain, not just the pain itself.

What makes lupus warriors struggle rather challenging?

Lupus warriors are not battling just lupus; often they face other conditions that cause pain like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. If other conditions debilitate your life as well then it is important to address them appropriately. It is vital to consult your physician to find right medications and track your pain. Pain medicines provide relief in many instances but they are not without side-effects. It is important to try other approaches that help reduce the pain.

·        Mediation / Breathing Techniques

·        Yoga

·        Warm Baths

·        Moist Heated Towels

How to manage lupus stress and staying positive?

Frustration that comes along lupus is perhaps most challenging part of the lupus pain management. Daily aching, headaches, and rashes can build mental stress and make your normal life exhausting; and the stress that results can actually worsen your physical pain. Therefore the fight against lupus requires you to keep your mood and mind healthy.

How can you help yourself?

·        Exercise

·        Do meditation or light yoga

·        Keep your brain distracted with hobbies and activities

·        Stick to a healthy diet from your doctor

·        Share with friends and family