How Fishing Can Help Alleviate Chronic Pain is explored in this article. Chronic pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of people — and if you’re like most who suffer from it, you’d love to find a pleasant, natural way to find relief. Fortunately, sports fishing might be the answer.
Here’s what you need to know about making fishing trips part of your routine can help alleviate chronic pain:
Physical Activity
Although it may seem counterintuitive, physical activity helps reduce pain in various ways. Fishing involves walking, casting, and reeling, which can help enhance muscle strength and overall flexibility. Physical activity of any kind also promotes good circulation and reduces tension in the muscles.
Perhaps most importantly, physical activity of any kind causes the brain to release endorphins, which not only block pain signals but also act as mood elevators.
Stress Reduction
There’s a reason why fishing is such a popular activity among otherwise busy adults — something about being out in nature near the water acts as a natural stress reducer. Research has shown that the body produces stress hormones such as cortisol as a response to physical pain. The calming effects of being in nature can significantly reduce the production of cortisol.
Social Engagement
Although some prefer solo fishing trips to more fully immerse themselves in the natural world, fishing is often a social activity. Social engagement can boost your mood and decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, making you less likely to focus on your physical pain. Whether you’re sharing tales of the ones that got away with your fishing buddies, sharing romantic moments by the water’s edge with your significant other, or joining in the competitive camaraderie of a local fishing tournament, these social interactions can be invaluable to maintaining a positive mental and emotional state when dealing with chronic pain issues.
Mental Distraction
Face it — being in constant pain takes a lot of mental energy. However, activities such as fishing that require taking focused steps such as baiting, casting, and paying attention to the surface of the water for signs that you may have a fish on the hook can take your mind off the pain. As an added bonus, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you catch a fish.
Nutritious and Delicious Fare
One of the best things about fishing is eating your catch — and certain types of fish are known to contain compounds that reduce inflammation, thereby helping to heal chronic pain. How you prepare your catch matters as well, so be sure to use olive or canola oils when frying your fish. Creating side dishes from leafy greens, fruit, and whole grains adds to the overall anti-inflammatory properties and nutritional benefits of the meal.
Additionally, preparing your own catch in healthy ways may also spark an interest in exploring other ways to incorporate nutritious foods into your daily diet.
Although fishing may not provide a comprehensive cure for chronic pain, it can definitely serve as part of a pain management plan — so don’t be afraid to grab a rod and head to a serene body of water.
Article by Brittany Cotton
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
