Remaining in Charge of Your Health: 10 Alternatives to Conventional Painkillers

Health

In a National Health Interview Survey taken in 2012, over 126.1 million American adults said that they suffered from pain in the previous three months.  Further, over 25.3 million reported that they suffered from chronic daily pain.  And over 23.4 million reported experiencing a lot of pain.

It should be of no surprise that problems associated with opioids have reached epidemic proportions.  This is because opioids have, for the past few years, been one of the most common go-to’s for physicians seeking to help their patients manage pain.  Opioids can be highly effective at relieving pain, but they can also carry with them a high risk of addiction and other forms of abuse.  It’s for this reason that the demand for alternatives to conventional painkillers, such as Pure Plan has become so great.

10 Alternatives to Conventional Painkillers

Realizing the potential dangers involved in taking conventional painkillers, the demand for alternatives has increased exponentially.  What follows is a list of 10 of these alternative treatments.

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  1. Exercise

Proper exercise has long been a recommended method of treating pain, regardless of its level.   In fact, authorities have advocated the benefits of proper exercise for years.  Proper exercise not only helps with motion but can also help strengthen and stretch tendons and muscles.  Before you begin any exercise regimen, you should consult your doctor, especially considering the specific pain you are experiencing.

  1. Nutrition

Changing your diet such as incorporating fresh unprocessed foods, cutting back on or avoiding caffeine entirely, and following a diet that might address specifics of your pain such as a diet that is gluten-free might benefit you.

  1. Physical Therapy

For many years, the benefits of physical therapy have been used to relieve the pain most commonly associated with accidents and injuries.  However, that physical therapy can benefit practically anyone suffering from any pain.  Physical therapy involves a patient under the care of a trained therapist undergoing a specific regimen of exercises, body movements, and stretches that help to improve flexibility and strength, which cause pain.  A physical therapist can also show a patient how to use body mechanics at home or in their office to make their own adjustments to reduce or eliminate pain.

  1. Massage Therapy

A massage therapist helps a patient to manage pain by using specific movements to relieve muscle tension.  A therapist may also provide a course of treatment that might include trigger-point therapy, neuromuscular therapy and others to provide pain relief.  A massage provided by a trained professional can also help in emotional well-being and relaxation.

  1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a treatment method provided by a trained professional to help uncover and relieve pain derived from negative behaviors and beliefs.  A psychologist helps patients by working through emotional baggage to relieve distress, thus helping with pain.

  1. Dietary Supplements

Anyone open to the use of other substances that are not a prescriptions painkiller might consider these suggestions:

CBD oil is an extract derived from the cannabis plant which is diluted with other oils such as coconut oil.  Experts in the health and wellness world have known the benefits of CBD oil for years, but only recently have several scientific studies been performed confirming that its use may ease the symptoms of ailments such as chronic pain and anxiety.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in different types of fish oil, vegetable oil, and seafood.  Experts have shown that an intake of fish oil helps relieve symptoms of pain, particularly in those involving rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant and commonly used in Asian food.  Experts have shown that turmeric can alleviate pain with its anti-inflammatory capacities.

  1. Other Medicines

Just because you might be wary of using opioids doesn’t mean that other medications can’t be of benefit.  Other pain relievers can also work to help alleviate pain. There are many over-the-counter medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen that are excellent at treating the symptoms of pain.  There are also prescription topicals such as diclofenac, which can help relieve the pain due to acute soft tissue injuries and joint conditions.. Topical lidocaine can also be used to help mitigate pain.  Other pain-relieving medications include gels such as Tiger Balm and Biofreeze.

  1. Yoga

An age-old practice of postures (asanas) and breathing exercises that can help the practitioner increase their body awareness, stretch muscles, and increase strength and mobility. Yoga has also been shown to help users reduce and prevent pain and improve functioning. Many people also report that they experience improvements in their overall well-being and stress levels thanks to yoga. These benefits can often relieve physical pain. The individual asanas that can be most beneficial will depend on the type of pain you have, and it may be necessary to avoid certain poses or modify them in your practice for safely and avoid aggravating any condition you may have.

  1. Hypnosis

Hypnosis is frequently performed by a practitioner who has been trained in the use of this technique.  Your practitioner may also instruct you on how to conduct self-hypnosis for you to utilize these techniques at home. Learning hypnosis may help to relax you, refocusing your attention away from pain, and to change your thoughts and behaviors related to pain so that you can deal with it more effectively.

  1. Guided Imagery

Guided imagery and other relaxation techniques are two more methods of treatment that are often part of cognitive-behavioral therapy. They can help to reduce with pain as you learn to relax using deep breathing, releasing muscle tension, and visualization.

As this synopsis shows, there are many alternatives to medication that you can explore in the treatment of pain. These techniques and many more can work for relief.  Ideally, you will work with a variety of professionals as part of a holistic approach to pain management to arrive at the best possible outcome. Whatever path you choose to pursue, remember that there are many resources that can be explored, all possible relievers of pain.

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Remaining in Charge of Your Health: 10 Alternatives to Conventional Painkillers
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