The Therapeutic Side of Nature

New research indicates that spending time out in nature is more than relaxing. There’s a potential therapeutic benefit for those that suffer from chronic back pain, too.

 

A recently published study indicates that being in nature has the potential to help people that are struggling with chronic back pain. The team surveyed a group of individuals that suffered from chronic back pain, some participants having suffered for 40 or more years with the pain. The survey, in part, focused on what the individual’s relationship with nature was like. 

 

 

There were a variety or reasons why time in nature seemed to benefit people. The change in scenery from the house, beautiful views, escapism, and other reasons were listed as potential positive influences when it came to fighting pain. 

 

Additionally, an increased ability of being able to connect with nature seemed to have a relationship with increased social relationships. The researchers believe that people that are able to get out of the home regularly to enjoy time out in nature are also better able to get around to see other people. This seemed to have a positive impact on the mental health of participants.

 

The team also said that based on these findings, they’ll be looking at virtual reality as a potential method of helping people to reap some of these benefits without having to leave their homes in the future.

 

This research comes from the University of Plymouth, in England. The team published their findings in The Journal of Pain. It’s the first major study that looks at chronic back pain and the relationship that those who experience it have with nature. Hopefully, it will be used as a jumping off point for future researchers.

 

There are a lot of treatment options out there already for those that experience chronic pain. Some are not very effective over the long term. Some are helpful, but come along with even worse side effects, such as what many people who use opioids find. Coming up with better, safer options will only help people in the future.

 

Sometimes, having the right care team can also make a difference when it comes to the management of pain. Someone who is knowledgeable about care is important, but understanding the nuances of chronic pain, someone who can socially engage the people that they work with, and someone who just truly cares makes a world of difference when it comes to the mental health of the person receiving care.

 

That’s why we here at Paradise In-Home Care place so much value in the staff that we employ on our team. The right caregiver has an incredibly positive impact on the lives of the people that they serve.

 

If you would like to learn more about getting connected to the right care for your family’s unique set of needs, please feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to talk and answer questions and go over what you might need for your family. There’s no cost and no obligation on your end. Our consultation sessions are completely free.

 

Give us a call today to get the conversation going!