Pain Awareness Month: Listen to Your Body

Amy Carroll, MS, MCHES 

September is Pain Awareness Month, a time to recognize something that affects millions of people every day: pain. Pain can look different for everyone. It might be a sore back after a long day of work, aching knees that make it harder to get around, headaches that keep coming back, or pain that comes with a long-term health condition. Sometimes pain lasts for a few days. Other times, it can stick around for months or even years.

For people living with diabetes, or those working to prevent diabetes, understanding pain and taking care of your overall health is important.

Pain Is More Than Just an Ache

Pain is your body's way of getting your attention. It can tell you that something has been injured, irritated, or needs care. A little soreness after working in the yard or doing a job you are not used to may be normal. But pain that keeps coming back, gets worse, or starts getting in the way of your everyday life is worth talking about.

When pain persists, it can interfere with sleep, lower your energy, and make it harder to stay active. You may find yourself avoiding activities you normally enjoy or moving less because movement feels difficult. Over time, less movement can lead to weakness or stiffness, which may make everyday activities even more challenging and create a cycle that can be difficult to break.

What Does Diabetes Have to Do with Pain?

Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels. This can sometimes cause pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Diabetes can also increase the risk of other health problems that may contribute to pain. But pain does not always mean diabetes is the cause.

People with diabetes can experience the same aches, injuries, arthritis, back problems, and other common sources of pain as anyone else. That’s why it’s important to talk with your health care provider about pain rather than trying to figure out the cause on your own.

If you have diabetes and notice new pain or a change in how your body feels, let your provider know. They can help identify what may be causing the pain and determine the best way to manage it.

Don't Let Pain Keep You from Moving

When something hurts, it is natural to want to sit down and rest. Sometimes rest is exactly what your body needs. But for many types of ongoing pain, staying active in safe and appropriate ways can help you feel better and keep your strength. Movement does not have to mean joining a gym or following a complicated workout plan.

For many people, it can be as simple as:

• Taking a walk around the neighborhood

• Working in the garden

• Doing chores around the house

• Stretching in the morning

• Walking while talking on the phone

• Playing with the grandkids

• Getting outside for a little while each day

  
  

If you have pain or a health condition that makes exercise difficult, talk with your health care provider about what type of activity is safe for you. And start small. A little movement is better than none.

Healthy Habits Can Help

Whether your goal is to manage diabetes, prevent diabetes, or simply feel better, many of the same healthy habits can help. Eating more nutritious foods, staying active, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco can all support your overall health.

If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, small changes can make a real difference. You do not have to completely change your life all at once. Maybe you start by drinking more water instead of sugary drinks. Maybe you take a 10-minute walk after supper. Maybe you add more vegetables to one meal each day. Pick one change and build from there. Healthy living does not have to look perfect. It needs to be something you can actually stick with.

This Pain Awareness Month, Listen to Your Body

This September, take a few minutes to think about how you are feeling. Is there pain you have been putting off? Has something changed? Are you sleeping poorly because of pain? Has pain made you stop doing activities you enjoy? If so, it may be time to talk with your doctor. 

Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, and asking for help is not a weakness. Listen to your body. Pay attention to changes. Take small steps toward better health. And don't be afraid to speak up when something doesn't feel right. You only get one body, and it is worth taking care of.