Due to the number of pills prescribed for any type of pain and recent news reports of opioid use reaching epidemic proportions, many individuals are opting for other forms of pain relief – particularly non-prescription drug therapies. There are numerous alternative treatments available for successful pain management, including those without the harmful side effects that often come with prescription medications. How can you find the one that is right for you?
Choosing Complementary Health Treatments Safely
Massage, Acupuncture, Yoga, Tai Chi, Spinal Manipulation, Stress Reduction, Relaxation Therapy, Natural Supplements, and other therapies have proven effective for many individuals who suffer from chronic pain. Helping people get the pain relief needed is a positive goal for health care practitioners and patients alike. When considering alternate pain management therapies, you should always consult with your physician to determine the treatment that will be most effective for your condition while helping you make the transition from opioids and other prescription pain medications.
Successful Alternative Pain Relieving Therapies
Massage
Once thought of a method of relaxation, massage therapy had now come into its own – providing effective pain management for many chronic pain sufferers. Massage therapy delivers relief though the manipulation of soft tissue and muscles and has proven highly successful in relieving pain and tension for those with neck or back injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, from traditional Chinese medicinal practices, was, until recently viewed as a peculiar practice by most Westerners. Today, acupuncture has moved from the bizarre to successful in the treatment of pain. Acupuncture practitioners insert tiny needles into specific points along meridians parallel to the body’s pain. Why it works is still under scientific investigation, but studies have proven its worth for back and sports injuries as well as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
Yoga
The practice of Yoga, from ancient India, has always been touted as a healing technique for both mind, body, and spirit. The practice includes breathing disciplines, physical exercises, and meditative techniques which have been shown to ease chronic pain. Today, yoga is often ‘prescribed’ as a complementary pain treatment for arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
Tai Chi
Like many alternative pain relief therapies, Tai Chi also originated in China, as an exercise used in the fighting arts. The ancient mind-body practice, somewhat like Yoga, involves movements melded with breathing techniques, mental disciplines, and relaxation. Today, Tai Chi is used for the management of chronic pain, particularly for those with various forms of arthritis.
Spinal Manipulation (Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy)
Performed by doctors of chiropractic medicine (D.C.) and doctors of osteopathy (D.O.), spinal manipulation is a hands-on therapy which involves movement of joints (most often the spine) to restore mobility. This therapy seeks to realign the musculoskeletal configuration of the body to alleviate pain in the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues. Though once viewed as pseudoscience, spinal manipulation studies have proven it effective for pain relief.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation Therapy
Reducing stress and improving one’s ability to relax has proven successful in the management of chronic pain. There are many therapies used, like hypnosis, guided imagery, and relaxation therapy, all of which have been shown to improve chronic pain from back problems, cancer, repetitive injuries, headaches, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and more. Relaxation therapy, as one of the most successful, focuses on breathing and calming to achieve pain relief.
Natural Supplements
There is growing evidence that natural dietary supplements can successful treat inflammation and reduce chronic pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin has been shown to relieve osteoarthritis pain, while omega-3 fatty acids, like those in fish oils, can alleviate pain from swelling and turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation and offer pain relief.
