Chronic pain is exactly what it sounds like—chronic. It usually lasts for more than three months and doesn’t respond to treatment. Even if the original cause of the pain has been cured, the body still sends pain messages to the brain. There are endless amounts of pain medications, but long-term use of medicine can lead to other health concerns such as addiction. This is why some sufferers prefer to take a natural, holistic approach to pain management. If medication no longer works or you think it’s time to incorporate natural treatments into your routine, here are three all-natural ways to manage your chronic illness.
Exercise
Exercising causes the body to produce its own natural painkillers in the form of endorphins. These hormones communicate with brain receptors and alter the perception of pain. Depending on the pain, start slowly with walking or low-impact activities and gradually build up.
Yoga provides the same pain management skills found in stretching and physical therapy. This ancient practice incorporates breathing exercises, self-care, and relaxation techniques, which can alleviate stress or anxiety-related pain.
An active body needs plenty of rest. Sleep deprivation can lower the threshold for pain, so try to achieve at least seven solid hours of sleep a night.
Supplements
Inflammation is a leading cause of pain. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can be taken as a daily supplement for the treatment of pain. Turmeric, commonly found in spicy foods, also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Capsaicin is a natural pain reliever found in chili peppers. It can be used as a topical cream to externally treat areas of pain. Ginger is another natural pain reliever that can speed up injury recovery and reduce exercise-related inflammation. It can be taken as a supplement or eaten fresh.
Getting sufficient amounts of vitamin D from diet, supplements, or the sun can help manage chronic pain. It can also have a positive effect on mood disorders, which can worsen the pain.
Several essential oils have pain-relieving properties. Lavender essential oil is thought to relieve pain, help sleep, and ease anxiety. Rosemary essential oil can help treat muscle and bone pain, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles. Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving effects. It can be applied topically when diluted to painful areas.
Many pain-sufferers utilize cannabis as a form of pain treatment. It’s federally legal to purchase hemp-derived cannabidiol oils in the form of topical ointments, creams, supplements, and edibles. In states where marijuana is legal, cannabis eases anxiety and depression, reduces pain, relieves nausea, and helps with sleep. Marijuana business attorney in Los Angeles McAllister Garfield has been pioneering legal strategies and services for the marijuana industry since 2009. The firm represents medical and recreational dispensaries, grows, infused-product manufacturers, and testing laboratories along with ancillary businesses including vendors, social media companies, consultants, investors, and lenders.
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture has been growing in popularity over the years as a therapy to reduce lower back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis pain. It can also reduce the frequency of headaches. Massage relieves temporary aches as well as chronic inflammation in muscles. Those who struggle with chronic pain often suffer from related stress and anxiety. Mindfulness meditation is a natural treatment that can improve pain, depression, and quality of life quality.
Hot and cold therapy is a tried and true way to alleviate pain. Soaking in hot Epsom salt baths relaxes the mind and redirects nervous input. Using ice will decrease local inflammation. Electric pulses are also known to help alleviate chronic pain. Electromagnetic waves restore cellular energy and help the body heal itself. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy reduces inflammation, increases circulation and oxygenation, relieves pain, and improves mobility. Find pulsed electromagnetic field therapy devices for sale at Pulsed Harmonix.