Chronic pain, as the name implies, is a condition that can be daunting and stressful for one who suffers from it. Thomas Rutledge, PhD, wrote, “Based on more than a half-century of pain research, we now know that it is more accurate to think of chronic pain as being both a medical condition and a psychological condition. The psychological part of chronic pain refers to the degree of negative social, emotional, and quality of life effects experienced by a patient.”
Most often, people depend on the pill to be immediately alleviated. However, there are other healthier and more holistic methods to do that. Below is a list of other treatments for chronic pain.
Acupuncture. This conventional Chinese alternative treatment is all about getting rid of pains. It may sound painful, as the process involves sticking needles to the painful areas, but it really isn’t, especially when a licensed acupuncturist does it. When the needles are placed on the ‘trigger points’ like the back, neck, or sinuses. How it works technically is not very clear yet, although simply believing that it will work is probably the first step.
According to Jeffrey E. Barnett, PsyD, ABPP, and Allison J. Shale, MS, “Acupuncture has been shown to be effective at relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as migraines and other forms of chronic pain.”
Music
Playing your favorite types of music has been proven to ease your painful body parts. It involves the release of some brain chemicals that aids in controlling negative emotions. Fibromyalgia, a condition that causes pain in the joints and muscles, has been found in studies to be relieved through music therapy. Several trials proved that just spending at least 20 minutes listening to music produces positive outcomes also for those with arthritic pains.
Turmeric
This popular Indian spice does more than flavor foods. They are known to be anti-inflammatory. It cures or alleviates inflamed joints in arthritic conditions. It is safe to mix turmeric into your food, but you can’t take it as a pill if you are diabetic, as this may cause your blood to lower down abruptly.
Medical Marijuana
Cannabis leaves works more indirectly, as it stimulates the brain to think that the pain is slowly going away. It doesn’t directly take the pain literally but the comfortably ‘high’ feeling makes you believe that your painful condition has disappeared. Marijuana has also been proven to treat insomnia and pain from multiple sclerosis. To use these medicinal leaves, you need a doctor’s recommendation and should live in a state where marijuana is legal.
Massage Therapy
The healing power of a therapist’s touch is among the most effective ways to relieve chronic pain, including fibromyalgia and arthritis. It works by the massage therapist administering skillful strokes that are comfortable, relaxing, and alleviating. When he applies pressure on the soft tissues, it stimulates the person’s body in a way that the pain is reduced and the blood circulation normalizes. Massage also tremendously helps decrease stress and anxiety levels.
According to James Lake, MD, “Massage is widely used in all cultures to evoke feelings of deep relaxation and reduced anxiety. The anxiety-reducing and mood-enhancing benefits of massage are probably related to changes in EEG activity, decreased levels of cortisol and increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts automatically to calm the body and brain during stress.”
Essential Oils
Little research has been done on the relief of pain with the use of essential oils, although several studies have proven its help in producing relaxation, which may actually lead to pain relief. Sage and marjoram are best for calming tight muscles, while lavender oil eases headaches.
Yoga
This old Indian practice combines meditation, exercise, and various poses that will help alleviate pain in the back, shoulders, and knees. Yoga also encourages a person to live a healthy and balanced life. Mental and emotional pain is eventually alleviated through long-term yoga practice.
Conclusion
Those are among the most popular treatments that can be used to substitute prescription medications that are often effective but dangerous. It won’t hurt to try one of these. Remember, though, that before you stop your usual medications, you should notify your primary physician about it.