While I would like to devote the majority of my app consumption time to playing games and reading customized news and status updates from Flipboard, I’m approaching an age where not everything that I tap into can revolve around leisure and entertainment.
With the big 4-0 not too far down the horizon, I’m developing a deeper appreciation for apps that can help make me feel as young as I usually behave. When your body begins to slow down, it’s nice to have an instruction manual for slowing down the process somewhere in your back (or more likely side) pocket. The WebMD Pain Coach iPhone app was created to do precisely just that.
In recent years I’ve battled through significant-to-severe back and neck issues (which may or may not be the result of leaning over a keyboard to write posts like this). Physical therapy, yoga, and quick-fix massages help, but I’ve been seeking a way to track symptoms, pain triggers, and rehab programs throughout the day to stay on top of the issue.
As WebMD has long been my preferred online resource for medical news, advice and information, I excitedly dove into the brand new app to see how it could help my particular conditions. So far, so good.
Upon downloading the free application, you are asked to detail what ails you with options including migraines, dizziness, fatigue and aching. Thereafter, you are queried on triggers (sitting in front of a computer too long, carrying heavy objects, clothing against the skin, etc.). Finally, you provide current methods of dealing with the pain (Advil, prescriptions, stretching, etc.).
After you indicate whether or not you wish to share your location, it’s on to defining your goals and putting together a plan to track and execute them. From here, the app lets you define and track trigger points, and keep a journal of various lifestyle decisions and activities you participate in each day (food, rest, exercise, mood and treatments).
From there, it’s up to you – the user – to follow-up and track daily activities and goals. I’m typically not great at doing this, but the tools in the WebMD Pain Coach iPhone app make it easier than ever to do what I know will ultimately help me manage and even get ahead of my back and neck pain.
Daily tips and inspirational notifications don’t hurt either. The rest is up to me.
