In this day and age, most people work with computers. Unfortunately, that means long hours spent at a desk typing, which can lead to chronic pain in your hands and wrists. Pain is your body's signal that something is wrong, and it should never be ignored.

If you're troubled by chronic pain caused by repetitive motions, here are five tips that can help.

When you're at work, it's easy to get so distracted by your job that you forget your physical needs. However, this is a bad habit that can increase your pain over time.

Pay attention to your body's signals. If you begin to feel pain, stop to address it. You should take a break at least once per hour in order to stretch your hands and wrists. This can combat swelling and inflammation that may lead to chronic pain over time.

Pain caused by repetitive motions is often preceded by inflammation. This inflammation can cause pain because it applies pressure to delicate nerves and tendons in your wrist and hand.

One way to combat this pain is by using over the counter painkillers. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that work by preventing the production of prostaglandins in your body. By reducing swelling, these drugs give your body the opportunity to heal while also easing your pain.

Ice and heat application is a remedy you can try when you're at home. If your joints feel tender and inflamed, an ice pack may reduce swelling.

You can buy ice packs specifically made for this purpose, but if you don't have one on hand, try filling a plastic bag with ice and applying it to the affected area. You may want to wrap the plastic bag in a thin towel to protect your skin from the cold.

Alternatively, some people find that heat soothes their pain better. In this case, you will want to purchase a heating pad and wrap it around your hand. According to Healthline, heat therapy may reduce your pain in as little as 20 minutes.

If you've tried home remedies and your pain still persists, it may be time to visit your doctor. In order to get the most out of your doctor's appointment, keep a list of all the symptoms you've experienced. Your doctor will ask you when the pain in your hands started and how severe it is. An accurate report of your symptoms and timeline will help them make the best diagnosis.

Depending on your doctor's diagnosis, you may be sent to see a specialist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of wrist pain that primarily affects people who do repetitive motions as part of their work. While surgery is an option for treating carpal tunnel, less invasive methods are preferred. For example, a professional can administer carpal tunnel injections to relieve your symptoms.

Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist who can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your hand function. You may also be prescribed a wrist brace to wear at night, which will help to stabilize the joint as you sleep.

No one should have to live with chronic pain. If you experience pain in your joints due to your work, contact Specialists in Pain Management to find relief. By making these simple changes and seeking the aid of a medical professional, you can get your pain under control. You deserve to work and do the things you love without having to fight through daily discomfort.