Learn about chronic pain therapy, techniques, and long-term remedies for those who would like a natural alternative to opioids and invasive procedures.
Around one in five US adults are living with chronic pain. How many of these are managing it effectively?
If you’re trying to manage your condition, there are many types of chronic pain therapy to try. Here, we’ve outlined some techniques and remedies that could be just what you need! Keep reading to find out what they are.
Exercise in Moderation
It’s no secret that exercise is good for us, but it can often feel like the last thing you want to do when you’re in pain. That said, exercising can be a great help when trying to manage chronic pain due to the endorphins produced by your body.
Essentially, these hormones increase your pain threshold, allowing you to cope better with the pain you’re feeling. The effect endorphins have on the receptors in your brain alters the way in which you perceive pain.
Use Turmeric and Other Herbs
The spice commonly found in many Asian cuisines contains the active compound curcumin, which has numerous health benefits including anti-inflammatory functions. Incredibly safe and completely natural, in some studies, curcumin has even performed better than many over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Other herbs that may help in chronic pain management include devil’s claw, ginger, and feverfew, although more studies are needed for concrete evidence.
Meditation for Mind and Body
If you’re feeling somewhat dubious about this, just hear us out. You might think of meditation as one of the more ineffective chronic pain therapy techniques, but studies have shown that it can help to relieve pain.
Not only do meditation and mindfulness contribute to physical pain relief, but they also improve your mental state. Why not try killing two birds with one stone?
Orthopedic Treatment
As well as treating your chronic pain at home, you may want to see an orthopedic doctor. Take pain caused at work, for example. A workers comp orthopedic doctor will be able to treat your condition using methods which can include natural remedies.
The doctor may refer you to chiropractic care or physical therapy if you both feel it could be useful. If you’re unsure what to do to manage your chronic pain best, they’re there to help you.
Hot and Cold Therapies
Yes, it’s a simple treatment, but it can be great for chronic pain control. Try using hot and cold compresses, as switching between the two extremes encourages anti-inflammatory proteins.
To reduce swelling and inflammation, you’ll want to decrease the rate of blood flow to your injuries, and the compression does this effectively.
An alternative to compresses is to take a hot shower and massage the relevant body part. Just be mindful that heat isn’t always best — if you’ve recently been injured, you should put ice on it first as the heat would increase the swelling.
Choosing Chronic Pain Therapy
These are only a few of the numerous chronic pain therapy methods you can try. Different treatments are effective for different people, so you may have to try a few before you find something that works for you.
Speak to your physician if you need any further advice.
For more advice on health and self-care, check out some of our other posts.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.