Living with chronic pain takes a hell of a lot out of you, so treat a loved one to a gift that can help them manage things better.
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If you know someone who lives with chronic pain, you'll know just how much of a struggle it can be for them.
And the constant aches and pains, lethargy, and lack of sleep are just the tip of the iceberg.
Because it can also lead to:
This puts a real strain on your close personal relationships, which makes you feel even more isolated and alone.
In fact, the struggle can be just as much mental and emotional as it is physical.
So, as a friend what can you do to help?
Well the first thing is to always be there for them and give them your love, care and attention when they need it.
But you could also get them a little gift that will help to ease their pain and make their life easier and more manageable too.
So, I've come with the following gift ideas that will all help a person with chronic pain in some way.
What Kind Of Gifts Are Helpful For People With Chronic Pain?
For people with chronic pain, it's important that they adapt their lifestyles to give themselves the best chance of keeping their pain levels down to a manageable level.
There are lots of ways they can do this that will help them on both a physical and emotional level.
And there are also plenty of things they can buy that will make this whole process easier.
Which gives you plenty of useful options when it comes to gift ideas to help someone with chronic pain.
So, look out for gifts that can:
So, have a read through my list of gift ideas and see if you can find something that would suit your loved one and help them in their daily life.
1. Warm And Comfy Slippers & Robe
One of the sad facts about having chronic pain or a chronic illness is that you inevitably have to spend more time at home than you'd like to.
Because there are days when the pain is so bad that you just can't make it out the front door.
Which means you end up missing important events, have to pass on certain hobbies that you enjoy doing, and postpone on meeting up with friends.
All of which combine to make you feel just as crap as the pain is doing.
So, my first gift suggestion for people that suffer from chronic pain is to get them some comfortable lounge wear and slippers to relax in on days when they're stuck on the couch.
As this can help them to feel a little bit better about themselves.
So, a plush robe or gown is great for this, as are a pair of warm and luxurious slippers.
And some loose fitting loungewear will feel really nice to wear, especially when their body is on fire with the pain.
So, you can help lift your loved one out of their blue mood and make them feel more comfortable at home with a well thought out gift along these lines.
2. A Heated Blanket To Snuggle Under
Another gift idea that will keep a loved one with chronic pain feeling warm and comfortable at home is to get them a heated throw blanket.
As getting snug underneath one of these is the ideal way to get the rest their body needs to heal and recover.
And the added bonus is that the heat can help tight, tired and aching muscles to release and let go of any stress and tension that may be causing pain.
So, if this sounds like something they'd appreciate check out the Serta Heated Throw Blanket.
As this one has 5 heat settings, so they can tune it up to get the perfect level of heat that they're comfortable with.
And the faux fur material is soft to the touch and super comfortable on your skin.
So, one of these blankets will definitely make any day stuck on the couch that little bit more palatable.
3. A Heated Cuddly Toy
One common complaint people with chronic pain have is stomach cramps.
And these cramps are really uncomfortable to deal with, as they make you feel nauseous, cause bloating, and give you an upset stomach.
However, by adding a little heat to your stomach area you can soothe this cramping, as the heat relaxes your stomach muscles.
And this can also help to take away your nausea and calm your symptoms.
Which is why a hot water bottle is so great to have at home, and the next gift idea can have exactly the same effect.
Because I'm going to suggest you get a loved one that suffers from cramps and abdominal pain a heatable stuffed toy.
As these are primarily cuddly toys that look cute and feel comforting to snuggle up with in bed (so work great as a gift).
But ones such as those in the Warmies range can be heated up in the microwave so they will work exactly like a hot water bottle does.
This means they can really help you when cramps strike and work well as a stress reliever at other times.
And the example I've given you above of the Warmies Stuffed Sheep is a good one, as it's made from a soft fabric that is feels lovely to hold.
Plus it gives off a calming lavender scent that will help them to relax and sleep better too.
4. A Migraine Busting Hat
If you suffer from migraines you'll know just how debilitating they can be.
As the throbbing pain inside your head feels like the worst kind of torture, and makes doing anything other than laying in a darkened room until it passes almost impossible.
Because every flash of light or slight noise drills deep into your skull, making the pain a whole lot worse.
And even after the migraine has passed, you can feel so drained of energy that it can take a day or so to feel normal again.
So, if you have a loved one who is unfortunate enough to get migraines, a really thoughtful gift idea is to get them a migraine hat that can help them to manage them.
As these hats minimise the pain and speed up recover by blocking out light and sound, while at the same time compressing and cooling your head to soothe you.
And the one I'd recommend is The Headache Hat.
As this hat contains a strip of 24 ice cubes and wraps around your head to bring you instant cooling relief, distracting you and numbing the migraine pain.
You can bring the cold ice section down to cover your eyes, or have it ice further up over your forehead, depending on where you need help.
It's made from a soft fabric which is perfect, as it feels light and comfortable to wear even when your head is pounding.
And you can easily adjust the level of compression to get it as tight or as loose as you want.
So, give them a helping hand to gain relief from migraine pain with the Headache Hat.
5. A Helpful Book For Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain can feel very lonely at times, because unless they've experienced it themselves it's a really hard thing to understand for your family and friends.
So despite their best intentions it's something that you have to try and get a grip on yourself.
And this is important, because the constant pain and struggle can really drain you mentally and emotionally.
As there are so many things you have to deal with aside from the actual pain.
So, a gift idea that could prove really useful and helpful to a loved one with chronic pain is a book that helps them learn how to live with it.
And a good one to go for is 'How To Live Well With Chronic Pain And Illness' by Toni Bernhard.
As this is written by an author with personal experiences of chronic pain and is full of advice on how to cope with the challenges and struggles that come with it.
This includes practical advice for day-to-day living, as well as mindfulness exercises to calm your emotions, and guidance on how to maintain good relationships with the people you love.
And there's also plenty of advice for your family and friends which will help them to understand what you're going through and how they can help.
So maybe buy one book to give as a gift to your loved one and another for yourself so you get a better understanding of their situation too.
6. An Infrared Heating Pad
Unfortunately, having nagging aches and pains all over your body is the norm for many people with chronic pain.
And these tight and aching muscles can completely take over at times, making it hard to think about anything else.
However, a good way to get some relief from this pain is by applying heat to the areas that hurt.
As this heat helps your muscles to release and relax, while also increasing blood flow to the area to help them heal.
And it can also stimulate your skins nerve receptors to the point where it distracts your brain away from the pain.
Which will take away it's power over you and make you feel a lot more comfortable.
So, a gift idea that can give someone the heat therapy they need to battle chronic muscle aches and pains is an infrared heating pad.
As you can wrap these pads around you and they'll deliver infrared rays of heat deep into your muscles and tissues to encourage them to relax and calm down.
And the one I'd go for is the iReliev far infrared heating pad.
As this heating pad contains over 56 jade and 56 tourmaline stones that deliver natural healing heat to your body.
And it's powerful enough to hit temperatures of up to 160 degrees fahrenheit, which is more than enough to take away the pain.
So, having one of these at home is a great pain management tool for anyone living with chronic pain.
7. A Heat Lamp
Another way to get some heat into your tired muscles is with an infrared heat lamp.
These are really handy gadgets, as they give off powerful infrared heat rays that can get right into your muscles and tissues to heal and soothe them.
And you can tilt the head of the lamp so it's pointing directly at the spot where you feel the most pain and discomfort.
Giving you targeted pain relief exactly where you need it.
So, something like the Beurer Infrared Heat Lamp would make a great gift for anyone with chronic pain.
As it's powerful enough with a 300 watt lamp that it can give off really strong heat to help ease even the tightest of muscles.
And the sensation of heat feels good too, which will improve their mood and help them to let go of any stress and tension they may be holding onto.
These lamps are safe to use too, as they have a UV blocking screen and shut off automatically after a certain amount of time.
8. A Pillow To Use In The Bath
The easiest way to relax an aching body and get some heat into tight and sore muscles is to take a nice soak in a hot bath.
As the moist heat works wonders for loosening you up which makes you feel a whole lot better afterwards.
And taking a bath is great for helping you to relax, unwind, and let go of stress too.
As you'll find that after a bath your breathing will have slowed down and you'll feel a whole lot calmer and more relaxed.
Which is important as the stress that comes from living with chronic pain can easily transfer itself into tension that you hold within your body.
So, a gift that can help them enjoy bath times even more is a good idea, and one thing that can help is a pillow to rest their head, neck, and shoulders on.
And for a good example check out the Bath Haven Bath Pillow.
As this pillow fixes onto your bath to give you a comfortable place to rest your head as you soak.
Which is great for both relaxing and relieving pressure.
9. An Ice Pack For Cooling Relief
Heat is great for relaxing and soothing your aching body, but there are times when you need to use ice instead.
Because if the pain is coming from inflammation in your muscles or joints then heat will just make it worse.
Icing the area on the other hand will help to reduce the swelling and speed up the healing process.
And the cold sensation that icing your body gives you is great for numbing the pain and distracting your brain away from it.
So you'll feel that satisfying relief almost immediately.
Which makes a good quality ice pack something that will prove to be a valuable gift for someone with chronic pain.
And the iReliev Reusable Ice Packs would be my choice.
As you can get them in a number of different sizes depending on which area of the body you need to ice.
And they're pliable, which means they will mold into the nooks and crannies of your body, keeping the icy coldness closer to your skin.
10. A TENS Unit To Zap Away Pain
Another top gift idea that can give someone with chronic pain some relief and respite at home is a TENS unit.
As these devices deliver electrical impulses directly into your muscles and tissues via the electrode pads you attach to your pain areas.
And this helps to relieve pain and tightness by:
So a TENS unit is a great self management tool for chronic pain and a good model to go for is the iReliev TENS & EMS Combo Unit.
As this one is lightweight and portable, meaning you can take it with you wherever you go.
And there are 8 pre-set TENS programs built in so it's easy to use straight out of the box.
These programs vary in strength and intensity and are great for giving you comfort and pain relief.
And there are also 6 EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) programs that will condition your muscles and tissues to help prevent the pain from returning so often in future.
So, one of these devices is a great gift for anyone that suffers from persistent pain.
11. A Handheld Massage Gun
If you want to go a bit more directly down the self-massage route for getting relief from chronic pain then a handheld massage gun is a good option.
As these guns can deliver a really powerful rhythmic massage that gets deep into your sore muscles.
And this is a great way of releasing tight muscle knots that may be causing pain and blockages in your system.
This is important as it helps your body deliver oxygen and nutrients to your damaged areas to help them heal.
While also flushing away any trapped waste and toxins that may be causing painful inflammation.
And one to check out is the TriggerPoint Impact massage gun.
As this one is lightweight and cordless, meaning you can use it to massage any areas of your body with ease.
And it's powerful too, and capable of giving you a really strong and deep working over.
However, there are four difference speed and intensity settings, so you can also tone it down if it feels too much for you.
So, it's a great thing for them to have at home to work through their pain and get some relief.
12. A Massage Cushion
A more relaxing way to massage your tired muscles is with an electric massage cushion.
As you can use one of these when you're sitting on the couch or lying down on your bed.
These are cushions that contain rotating nodes that work and knead your body wherever you are feeling pain.
And they're especially good for your lower and upper back, neck, and shoulders.
So, they make a really nice gift for anyone that struggles with muscle pain, and one I'd particualrly recommend is the Synca Wellness i-Puffy massage cushion.
As this one has a curved shape that is perfect for getting into the nooks and crannies of your pain area.
And the 4 rotating nodes are capable of giving a deep, pain relieving massage with movements that mimic a real life masseuse.
There's also a heat option which will help your muscles to relax even further.
So, it's a gift they'll use often and will be a welcome addition to their home.
13. An Acupressure Mat
Lots of people swear by regular acupuncture sessions as a way of keeping their chronic pain under control.
As having the tiny needles stimulating certain acupressure points on your body is a great way of opening up blocked pathways and increasing blood flow.
However, visiting an acupuncturist can work out as a big expense over time, and the thought of the needles doesn't appeal to everyone.
So, a decent alternative to acupuncture that makes for a good gift is an acupressure mat.
These are mats you lay down on that contain thousands of tiny plastic needles that work with your body weight to stimulate your acupressure points.
This stimulation will encourage muscle knots to release as well as increasing circulation and opening up any blocked pathways.
All of which will really help to relax your body and bring you some relief from the pain.
And the mat I'd recommend is the Nayoya Acupressure Mat.
As this one is well made and is a very popular choice.
And it also comes with an acupressure pillow, so you can get simultaneous relief from neck pain and headaches as well as any pain in your back.
14. A Self Massage Kit
A more active way to self-massage and work out your tight muscles at home is with a foam roller or a set of massage balls.
Firstly, foam rollers are cylindrical self-massage tools that are covered with a firm outer layer of foam that has indents and nodules in the design.
The idea is that you rest your body weight down on the roller then roll up and down over the area of the body that hurts.
And the force of gravity will work with the nodules to give your muscles a massage that puts pressure on your trigger points to get tight knots to release.
You can use these rollers on your mid to upper back, legs, glutes and hips so they're great for easing pain for all your major muscle groups.
And they can also improve your flexibility and mobility too which will keep you fitter and better able to get on with your daily tasks.
Massage balls work in a similar way, yet these are great for giving you a more targeted massage.
And they can get deeper into hard to reach places than a foam roller can.
So, giving someone the tools to massage their pain away at home makes for a useful gift, and for this I'd recommend the TriggerPoint Mobility pack.
As this contains a top quality textured foam roller along with a massage ball that is firm enough to hit the right spot.
15. A Massage Cane
The final gift idea on this list that allows someone with chronic pain to self-massage to release tight muscles is a massage cane.
These canes are S-shaped with a variety of knobs and nodules at different points and handles that you use to pull the knobs into your muscles.
Because when you press them into your body where you feel a muscle knot is they help to stimulate it and encourage it to spasm and release.
So, just like all the other self-massage gift ideas here this will help to increase blood flow, open up pathways, and help muscles heal and loosen.
And as you are the one pulling the handle to push the knob into your knot, you are the one that gets to choose the intensity of pressure.
So you can stay comfortable using one of theses canes whereas using lacrosse balls may be more painful as your body weight pushes down to create a more intense sensation.
And a really popular cane that would be ideal as a gift is the trigger point massager by Backjoy.
As this one has therapeutic knobs dotted around it in strategic places so you should be able to get to any knot in your back, neck and shoulders.
And there is a variety of pointed knobs for more intensity and dull knobs for a gentler stimulation.
So you have the best of both worlds with this one.
16. Topical Pain Relieving Gel
A nice gift that can bring some instant relief but without all the effort is a topical pain relieving gel.
As you can target the exact area of pain by rubbing some of this gel directly into the skin.
And while the relief it gives you is only temporary, on bad pain days that brief respite can be a godsend.
So, why not pick up some Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel for your loved one with chronic pain.
This is a good choice because the menthol in it creates a cooling sensation on the skin that is soothing and comforting.
And this cold sensation will stimulate the skins nerve receptors to the point where it can override pain signals from being sent to the brain.
Thus taking away their power and hold over you.
And it'll also numb the area of skin where you apply it, which is both satisfying and takes away any feelings of pain.
So, give them easy pain relief with a tube of Biofreeze.
17. A Gift To Distract Them
Chronic pain can completely take over your thoughts and emotions if you let it.
As it's so difficult to deal with the constant aches and pains that nag away at you every second of the day.
But this is bad news because the more you focus on the pain, the more powerful it becomes and the worse it feels.
However, by distracting your mind away from it and choosing to focus on something else instead, you can gain the upper hand.
As studies have shown that distraction can be a really effective way of lowering the intensity of persistent pain.
This is because your brain only has limited space to take in signals from the world around it.
So, when you consciously fill it with other things then the pain signals your body is trying to send can't get through.
Which means getting absorbed in things you enjoy such as hobbies is a great idea for anyone with chronic pain and a really good pain management strategy.
So, why not buy them a gift that can help them to do that?
This can be something that complements an existing hobby, or maybe something that encourages them to try something new.
Because whatever it is, if it occupies their mind it will help them to forget about their pain.
18. Essential Oils To Calm And Soothe
It can be extremely hard to relax when you suffer from chronic pain.
And not only does this cause you to become stressed and frustrated, it can also play havoc with your ability to sleep too.
Which is seriously bad news, as you need to be getting a good quality sleep to help your body recover from the pain and to refresh your mind.
So gifts that can help people with chronic pain to relax are always a good idea.
And you can do that by getting your loved one some soothing essential oils and a diffuser to use at home to unwind.
As using essential oils has been found in studies to be an effective natural way to get rid of persistent pain.
So you fill the diffuser with a mixture of water and essential oils and it will then pump out a mist spray every few minutes that fills the room with calming aromas.
And this can really help to take your mind off the pain and allow you to let go of any stress and tension.
Which will not only relax you but will put you in the right state to be able to sleep better afterwards too.
So, for a good diffuser look no further than the AroMini Essential Oils Diffuser.
As this is a high quality nebulising scent diffuser that allows you to control the intensity of the aromas released in the room.
And for the essential oils there are plenty of AromaTech blends you could go for depending on whether you need to relax or energise.
19. A Zoned Heated Mattress Pad
As I just mentioned, the nagging aches and pains that you get when suffering from chronic pain can make it hard to get a good enough quality of sleep.
Because even though struggling with the pain all day leaves you feeling exhausted.
The stress of it all and your sore body can still keep you up at night.
And this is bad news.
As it's during sleep that your body and mind can repair and refresh to help you heal.
So when you struggle to get the required amount of deep and restorative sleep, your chronic pain is only likely to get worse.
Which means a gift that can improve someone's chances of sleeping better will always be a welcome one.
And one thing that can be really helpful when you suffer from chronic pain is a heated mattress pad.
As using one of these pads will provide a steady flow of heat to your body that soothes you and helps your muscles to relax.
Which makes it much easier to fall asleep and be able to maintain it.
And a great one to get them is the Sunbeam Zoned Heated Mattress Pad, as this comes with 6 different zones that can all be heated independently.
Which means you can just focus the heat on the area of the body that feels tight and in pain, rather than having to heat the whole thing.
This is a good feature, as it will stop you from feeling too hot through the night.
And isolating the heat to only your side of the bed will mean your partner can keep their side cool at the same time.
So help someone with chronic pain wake up feeling refreshed and revitalised in the mornings rather than stiff and sore with a heated mattress pad.
20. A Weighted Blanket For Deeper Sleep
Another cool gift idea that can help them sleep better is a weighted blanket.
Because laying underneath a weighted blanket calms your nervous system, comforts you, and puts you into a perfectly relaxed state ready for sleep.
In fact, some people say it feels just like getting a nice hug!
And the fact the blanket is weighted means you won't toss and turn so much during the night, so you can maintain a deeper and more restorative sleep.
Which will help your body and mind to heal from the stresses of chronic pain.
So, if this seems like the ideal gift for someone you know, check out Dr Hart's Weighted Blanket.
As this blanket has been created by an expert in the field of sleep disorders using the latest scientific research.
So, you'll be able to maximise the sleep benefits with this one.
Just be sure to get the correct weight of blanket for the person you're buying for (it should be around 10% of their actual body weight) to ensure they get the maximum benefit.
21. A Full Body Pillow For Healthy Sleeping
If you liked the ideal of replicating the feeling of a hug with a weighted blanket, how about getting them a gift that they can actually hug as they sleep?
Because a full body pillow will give them something they can snuggle up to all night long.
As these pillows are long, soft, and really comfortable to use.
So they're great for helping you to forget about your worries, relax and fall asleep.
And if you use them right they can also help you to maintain a healthy sleeping posture by keeping your neck and spine in alignment.
Which will relieve pressure on your body and make maintaining good quality sleep much easier.
So if you want to give someone a comforting hug every night but can't deliver one yourself, get them the Coop Home Goods Full Body Pillow as a gift.
As this will really help them get the deep and restorative sleep that their body needs.
22. Be There For Them
While getting a friend or loved one with chronic pain a physical gift is a wonderful idea, the gift they will treasure the most is your love and support.
Because chronic pain is a very isolating illness that can make you feel anxious, frustrated, angry and depressed.
So, when you give them your attention and show them that you care it can mean the world and be just the pick me up they need to carry on the fight.
And you can do this in a number of ways such as:
The list could go on and on but it's really just about being a thoughtful and caring friend and being there for them when they need you.
Because even though chronic pain can feel lonely, it shouldn't be something they have to go through alone.
Rounding Up
Living with chronic pain is extremely difficult and affects far more than just your physical body.
Because it can also drain you of energy, put a strain on your relationships, and open up a Pandora's box of negative emotions that can be hard to escape from.
So, if you have a friend or loved one who struggles with chronic pain, treat them to a gift that can help them out a bit.
As all the gift ideas I've suggested here can make their life a little bit easier in their own way.
Because after all, what better gift can you give than something that can ease their pain, even if just for a little while?
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