Alternative Options for Chronic Pain
By
January 26, 2019
Realizing that what you’re going through is chronic and should be dealt with in a specific way is the first step to treating your pain. It’s not easy to come face-to-face with the fact that you’re suffering from a certain type of pain that doesn’t go away by just taking two aspirins.
Most of us, sadly enough, believe that living with the pain is something they have to endure and move on. However, this way of thinking is extremely selfish behavior towards yourself and your loved ones. In addition, just dealing with the pain can lead to more serious repercussions like hinder the healing process, have a negative effect on the immune system, and increase the risk of psychological and physiological anxiety.
However, the good news is that it may take a little longer than just popping pills for the pain to go away, but there are ways to treat and manage your chronic pain that will give long-lasting relief.
Most people even rely on a combination of treatment methods to deal with their source of pain and its symptoms. The best available options are:
· Physical therapy and exercise to help ease joint pain and release endorphins, which are our body’s own version of natural painkillers. This can include water therapy, stretching exercises, and more
· Acupuncture and acupressure relieve pain by releasing endorphins and influence key points in the body
· Relaxation techniques, such yoga and meditation, help reduce muscle tension and decrease stress levels
· Massage, in all its different forms, is the manipulation of tissue to help increase circulation and release patterns of chronic tension
· Chiropractic therapy moves joints and vertebrae in order to relieve stress and tension
· Hot and cold therapy. This type of therapy has been used for centuries, but the trick is knowing when to use which. Use heat when you have chronic muscle spasms. For example, you can take a warm shower, and then massage the part of the body with the spasm with a topical cream, which will increase blood flow to the affected area, thus relaxing the muscle as well as the stress resulting from the pain. On the other hand, if you’ve just twisted your ankle or bumped your knee, use cold treatment immediately. The reason for icing the injured area is to reduce swelling and decrease blood flow, thus minimizing the damage.
Micke Brown, B.S.N., R.N., Director of Communications for the American Pain Foundation (APF), says, “Pain and its treatment are complex, and what works best for one may not work for another. The secret to creating an effective pain treatment plan is adding the right ingredients to find the recipe that works for the individual.”
Therefore, while it may take you a while to figure out a treatment plan that is right for your body, you can, in the meantime, consider taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help relieve your pain.
The most well-known kinds of OTC are topical creams to help treat pain from arthritis and muscle spasms, acetaminophen (like Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. The latter helps diminish inflammations and swelling, while both types of pain killer medications help alleviate the feeling of mild pain.
Nevertheless, each type has its own list of negative side-effects that you should be wary of. Using NSAIDs over prolonged periods of time can cause stomach ulcers and increase the risk of a heart attack, and the long-term use of acetaminophen can cause liver or kidney damage. Both cause addiction.
Sometimes, the level of pain is much stronger and can’t be treated solely by OTC medications. If this is the case, your doctor will likely prescribe something stronger to help ease your pain, as the following:
· Nonopioids (aspirin, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen)
· Opioids (morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone)
· adjuvant analgesics (certain antidepressants and anticonvulsants)
Recently, a great deal of research has been carried out on using natural supplements and minerals. Integrating what nature provides us with into our daily diets can significantly reduce inflammations as well as the pain they cause. Here are just a few examples:
· Fish oil supplements play a major role in easing pain and its sources because it’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Since fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it helps manage the inflammation, which is the main source of pain. It’s especially great for those suffering from neck or back pain.
· Turmeric is a spice used mainly in Indian dishes, but can be incorporated into any type of cooking. It’s best known for its anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief, especially with those suffering from osteoarthritis.
· Vitamin C helps eases inflammations in general because of its high intake of anti-oxidants. It also does wonders for the immune system.
· Magnesium is a powerhouse when it comes to fighting off pain and inflammations. First off, it helps convert vitamin D to calcium for stronger bones. It’s also been proven to relieve muscle tension, migraines, and tension headaches.
You can choose from so many various treatment options. Talk with your doctor, and the two of you can decide on a combination of medical and alternative treatments to help control your pain.
