For thousands of people across the country, chronic pain is a part of their everyday life. Simple activities, such as getting out of the bed and walking upstairs, can be a major struggle. Despite the discomfort, it’s important to never give up hope. Believe it or not, you can find relief without relying on powerful medications.
There are several effective natural treatments available. Here are some valuable tips on how to manage chronic pain.
The Goal of a Treatment Plan
When first beginning a new treatment plan, some people tend to have unrealistic expectations. It’s often extremely hard to eliminate chronic pain completely. The main goal of a good treatment plan is to gradually improve your quality of life.
If you stick to the plan of action, you’re bound to experience positive results. However, progress won’t happen overnight. Maintaining a patient attitude will help prevent you from losing confidence.
Clinical Treatment Options
Don’t overlook the potential damage that can be caused by taking over-the-counter pain pills. Not only can NSAIDs such as Advil and Aleve cause stomach bleeding from long-term use, but they can also seriously damage your kidneys. Furthermore, these over-the-counter medications can foster ulcers as well as increased blood pressure. This is the key reason why so many people are now seeking alternative treatment options.
The first step to overcoming chronic pain is to visit a doctor. If you’ve unsuccessfully treated your pain with over-the-counter medications like aspirin and Ibuprofen, your physician will likely prescribe a more powerful drug. While these various pain medications can be effective, they put you at risk of experiencing serious side effects. Corticosteroids, which are designed to treat joint pain, are known for causing thinning of the bones and a weakened immune system. Weight gain is yet another potential side effect.
Opioid pain relievers can cause even more trouble in the long run. Some of the most popular narcotics include codeine, hydrocodone, tramadol, and meperidine. When taking an opioid medication, there’s always a chance for the person to become addicted.
In an effort to further reduce their discomfort, some people will take a lot more than their prescribed dosage. The craving for the medication can become incredibly strong. If you suddenly try to stop taking an opioid cold turkey, expect to experience some troubling withdrawal symptoms. The constant restlessness and mood swings will eventually take a toll. For good reason, government officials are very concerned about the current painkiller epidemic facing the country. It doesn’t take long for an opioid addiction to suddenly spiral out of control.
Natural Treatment Options
Chiropractic Care
Research shows that chiropractic treatment can definitely help reduce the symptoms of chronic pain. It’s an especially good option for people seeking drug-free pain management. After a few visits to the chiropractor, a lot of clients report an improved level of comfort.
In order for chiropractic care to be completely effective, you must obtain treatment on a regular basis. Manipulations of the spine and other extremities help your body’s ability to gradually self-heal.
Chiropractic treatment is more of a long-term solution opposed to a quick fix.
Yoga
Chronic pain often causes people to become inactive. However, exercising is among the key aspects of good health.
Unlike activities such as running and jumping, yoga doesn’t put unnecessary stress on your body. It allows you to gently stretch your muscles. The increased flow of oxygen will help you to move around with less pain.
The best aspect of yoga is that you can do it right at home. Some of the best books for beginners include Yoga for Pain Relief by Kelly McGonigal and Overcoming Chronic Pain Through Yoga by Qat Wanders.
Fish Oil
If you’re looking for a safe and inexpensive way to treat chronic pain, try taking fish oil. It’s especially effective for rheumatoid arthritis.
Fish oil contains a high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids, which your body converts into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals. Over time, you’re bound to experience decreased joint stiffness.
Capsules are readily available online. When selecting fish oil to treat chronic pain, make sure it contains at least 30 percent EPA/DHA.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin, which is derived from chili peppers, can help curb your daily pain. It’s available in the form of gels, lotions, and creams. Simply rub capsaicin into your skin and allow it to penetrate.
From achy knees to throbbing shoulders, capsaicin can be used to treat a wide range of different pains. However, you will need to reapply it throughout the day. Aside from an initial burning sensation, most people don’t encounter any major side effects.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is among the most popular herbs in the world. As such, it’s long remained a staple in Chinese medicine. This ancient herb’s anti-inflammatory properties may help you to obtain pain relief.
Before you try Ginkgo biloba, first get an okay from your doctor. Combining it with some medications can cause complications.
Ginseng
Ginseng is another well-liked herb worth considering. In fact, many natural health experts are now recommending ginseng to treat fibromyalgia.
Taking around 200 to 500 milligrams of ginseng daily has been shown to help. Aside from helping decrease bodily pain, ginseng can also help boost energy. The extra vigor will give you the motivation to stay active. While this herb is available in pill form, many people enjoy sipping on Panax ginseng tea.
Choose What’s Right for You
To efficiently manage chronic pain, it’s advisable to try different treatments. What works for one person may not work for the next. Performing your own research and discussing what you find with a doctor will give you the best chance of finding a long-term solution.