Chronic pain can sometimes be frustrating to manage for both patient and health care provider. Most treatments are unsatisfactory, and medicines have side effects that are more painful to deal with than the original cause of pain.
Many patients now turn to natural remedies, which have given them more acceptable results. What are these natural remedies you can try and combine to give you better pain control and quality of life.
1. Taking Herbal Remedies
Two topical herbal remedies were found to help in chronic back pains:
- Cayenne or capsaicin
- A combination of wintergreen oil and peppermint oil
Researchers believe these herbs are powerful local stimulants and desensitize the patient to pain.
Celery seed and its related extracts also helped in managing arthritis. On top of its analgesic action, it also helps control inflammation and reduce gastric irritation caused by taking pain relievers.
An additional benefit includes the lack of toxic effect. And unlike other dietary supplements that are metabolized in the liver and affect the metabolism of other drugs, it does not have this effect.
2. Eating an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Inflammation is part and parcel of most chronic pains. Many dietary interventions are being explored, and some have relieved patients of chronic pain. Notable of which are the plant-based diet and intake of turmeric.
Intake of colorful, nonstarchy vegetables provides a rich source of polyphenols. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet can also reduce the expression of inflammatory genes according to one blog.
3. Implementing Relaxation Techniques
Laughter is indeed one of the best medicines that have no tag price. In a study where participants laughed for 30 minutes during a social laughter session, the level of naturally-produced opioids in the body increased compared to the baseline level.
In another study, the use of Mindful Meditation helped in managing the psychological effects of chronic pain, such as depression and quality of life.
4. Applying Heat
One of the more common and effective strategies patients use to self-manage chronic low back pain is the application of heat like warm packs, hot baths/steam, and infrared lamps. It can reduce pain/disability for up to 3 months.
5. Implementing Complementary Health Approaches
An evidence-based evaluation of complementary health approaches for pain management in the United States was conducted and revealed the following results:
- Acupuncture and Yoga helped in managing back pain
- Acupuncture and Tai Chi for osteoarthritis of the knee
- Massage therapy for neck pain with adequate doses and for short term benefit
- Relaxation techniques for severe headaches and migraines
As with any chronic condition, doctors must manage the chronic pain in a holistic way beginning with:
- A complete history
- A physical exam
- Diagnostic testing
There is a primary mechanism for pain and secondary factors that contribute to its persistence and aggravation.
We Can Help
At Rose Canyon Health and Wellness, we don’t just treat your pain, but we treat you as a whole person.
We look at the overall picture and determine what contributes to your pain before we come up with any treatment plan.
