How Having A Dog Can Help Chronic Pain

If you’ve ever noticed that pain seems to ease when you’re with your dog, you’re not alone; studies have shown that pets support chronic pain self-management. 

From lowering cortisol levels to reducing loneliness, having a dog by your side can influence factors that lessen pain. They might not be able to replace medicine, but they can have a big impact, both mentally and physically.

REDUCES CORTISOL = REDUCES THE STRESS/PAIN CYCLE

Chronic pain can cause a stress cycle; the stress caused by the pain increases levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which makes you feel more tense, tightening your muscles, releasing more cortisol… and the cycle continues. 

Studies have shown that interacting with a dog, even if that’s just petting them, not owning them, not only reduces cortisol and lowers blood pressure, but increases oxytocin, the feel-good hormone. This rise of oxytocin being released into the central nervous system reduces the transmission of pain signals and influences your perception of pain, which means you notice pain less. 

EMOTIONAL COMFORT

The emotional support and comfort dogs bring can ease anxiety, and can quickly interrupt spiralling thoughts about the pain you’re in, which can sometimes make the pain feel worse. 

A gentle nudge when they want to be stroked, or a bark when they want to go for a walk, can bring you back to the present, and can make your thoughts and pain feel a little less overwhelming.

GENTLE EXERCISE

Regular, low-impact exercise from taking your dog for a walk is a very effective way to manage long-term pain. Gentle movement increases circulation, improves joint movement, stretches sore muscles, and releases your body’s natural painkillers – endorphins.

Painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help with pain and swelling, but you can also try other options from the pharmacy without a prescription, such as Naprosyn Pain Relief, which contains an anti-inflammatory called naproxen, to provide long-lasting pain relief for up to 12 hours.

STOP LONELINESS

A study across 139 countries revealed that people who were lonely had more than double the odds of experiencing physical pain, and another study showed that musculoskeletal pain was higher among lonely older adults. 

This could be because you notice pain a lot more when you are alone, as you’re not being distracted by the company and conversation of others. The companionship you get from a dog can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness, and in turn, lower the levels of pain you feel. 

WARMTH 

As well as emotional support helping with pain, the simple warmth of having a dog next to you or on your lap, acts as a natural heat pack; this is particularly helpful in winter, when the cold weather can seize up joints and aching muscles. Owning a dog isn’t a cure for pain, and it isn’t right for everyone; for example, a large dog or one with lots of energy might not be ideal if you have limited mobility. But the companionship of owning a dog, or perhaps even spending time with a friend’s dogs, can make a real difference.