Do you suffer from chronic pain caused by inflammation? If so, you are probably tired of sitting on the sidelines while everyone else has fun. This 4th of July, declare your independence from chronic pain so you can join in on the action! Here are some tips to help keep inflammation in check while you enjoy the holiday.

Stay Hydrated

Did you know that even being slightly dehydrated is enough to cause an inflammatory response in your body? This is especially true if you suffer from arthritis. When you don’t drink enough water, the cartilage in your joints becomes weak and more easily damaged. Low electrolytes can also accompany dehydration, causing your muscles to feel stiff and tired. Add to these problems the buildup of toxins that occur when there’s insufficient water in your system to flush them out, and you could be in trouble.

To keep a lid on chronic pain, be sure to drink enough water this summer, especially while spending extra time outside on the 4th of July. If plain water doesn’t quite do it for you, try infusing a pitcher with fresh fruit. Steer clear of sweet and syrupy soda and lemonade to prevent putting chemicals and extra sugar in your body.

Avoid Alcohol

This is another beverage that not only dehydrates you but can actually cause chronic pain by decreasing end nerve fiber densities resulting in alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy. Avoid drinking heavily at your 4th of July festivities (defined as four drinks for women and five drinks for men), and drink at least as much water as alcohol to counteract its dehydrating effects.

Go for a Swim

Are you hosting or attending a poolside Independence Day party? Take advantage of the effects the water can have on your aching knees. Once you submerge yourself in the pool, you become nearly weightless, taking all the pressure off your joints in the process. You might be having fun, but going for a swim can also be quite therapeutic if you have chronic pain.

Skip the Hotdogs

Hotdogs might be a staple at any 4th of July gathering, but the processed meat can wreak havoc on your joints if you have an inflammatory condition. Cured meats—including hotdogs, bratwurst, bacon, and lunchmeat—contain nitrates and nitrites, and they are also usually quite high in fat. The resulting savory flavor may be irresistible, but if you want to keep a lid on your chronic pain, you must resist the temptation.

Fortunately, other healthier options may be available at the barbecue, including grilled chicken breasts and turkey legs. You can even find nitrate-free hotdogs at health food stores. They may not be as pink as the dogs you’re accustomed to, but they offer a similar tempting flavor to satisfy your taste buds. Your body will thank you for making the switch.

Wear Sunscreen

Sunburns are unhealthy for your skin and cause painful red areas to appear within a few hours of getting too much sun. Inflammation also occurs, which can be miserable for people with chronic pain conditions.

To avoid this, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Look for mild yet effective sun-blocking ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for the benefits of sun protection without harsh chemicals. It’s also helpful to wear a hat that protects your scalp and face while partying outside.

Take Breaks

Fatigue often accompanies chronic pain, which could make the day-long festivities on the 4th of July too much for you. To ensure you don’t have to call it quits before the nighttime fireworks display, consider taking a much-needed nap in the afternoon. You’ll feel revitalized and able to join in the activities later in the day.

Treat Chronic Pain at Spine Correction Center of the Rockies

Make this the best Independence Day you’ve had in years with our tips to avoid chronic pain. If you need treatment to help combat inflammation naturally, check out the services available at Spine Correction Center of the Rockies. With a natural approach to whole-body healing, you may be able to reduce the need for pharmaceuticals and avoid surgery.

To learn more about starting down the path to a pain-free way of life, please contact our Fort Collins office at (970) 658-5115 to request a free consultation.