Chronic pain is persistent pain that lasts more than three months and can range from mildly uncomfortable to debilitating. Those suffering from chronic pain may feel like the pain never goes away, and unfortunately for some, it never does. Long-term use of prescription painkillers can lead many to become dependent and even addicted. That’s why many chronic pain sufferers seek alternative ways to treat and manage their chronic pain without drugs.
Luckily, modern science combined with centuries-old medicine has produced successful and natural treatments for chronic pain. If you’re suffering and want to know how to manage chronic pain without drugs, here are eight methods for alternative, natural treatment.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
These ancient techniques are gaining modern popularity as effective ways to treat chronic pain. A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that 60 percent of chronic pain sufferers who received acupuncture improved their ability to function normally, compared to 39 percent of patients who received conventional methods of treatment. By triggering specific points on the body, acupuncture and acupressure can relieve pain and even help heal the body of certain afflictions. Luckily, many insurance plans today provide compensation for acupuncture and acupressure treatment.
Exercise
Regular exercise promotes flexibility and weight loss, which can reduce joint stress, muscle strain and improve range of motion. Exercise also encourages your body to release endorphins, which block pain signals from reaching your brain.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback treats acute pain problems and is often used for back pain and headaches. During a biofeedback session, electrodes are placed on various parts of the body to monitor muscle tension, brain-wave activity, respiration, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. Once this feedback is received, a therapist uses relaxation techniques to calm the patient, reduce muscle tension, and slow the heart rate and breathing. The goal of biofeedback sessions is to teach patients how to reproduce these calming effects on their own, and thus eliminate pain caused by tension and stress.
Ultrasound
This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to pass through the skin and warm the body’s internal tissues, which causes muscles to relax.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
During a TENS session, small electrodes are placed on the skin near the site of pain to generate electronic pulses along nerve fibers. These nerve impulses block pain signals to the brain. TENS may also help the brain stimulate endorphins, which is the body’s natural way of blocking and reliving pain.
Nutrition and Herbal Remedies (Chinese Medicine)
A poor diet that’s lacking in nutrients can cause inflammation and other triggers for chronic pain. Adding Omega-3 fatty acids (such as those found in fish and flaxseed), leafy vegetables and whole grains to your diet can reduce inflammation within the body.
Chiropracty and Massage
Physical manipulation of painful areas can relax tense muscles, increase circulation, improve alignment and increase flexibility. Chiropractic therapy and massage therapy are both great ways to achieve this kind of relief from chronic pain.
Psychotherapy
Chronic pain is sometimes a physical symptom of a mental or emotional problem. Depression, anxiety and fear can all worsen symptoms of chronic pain. Addressing these issues through proper therapy can help lessen the effects of chronic pain.
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