4 Natural Methods Of Pain Management

Chronic pain associated with inflammation, arthritis, fibromyalgia, stress and trauma plays a significant role in drastically diminishing health and quality of life. Fortunately, there are natural methods of pain management which do not require prescriptions or the dangers of over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Some studies, such as those recently published by Reuters, have revealed that ibuprofen has been shown to be equally toxic as the prescription drug Vioxx which was pulled from the market for being potentially dangerous.

Pain Management Starts at Home

Our bodies are equipped to combat pain naturally, on a cellular level, by creating antioxidants which fight inflammation. As we age, production of these antioxidants begins to slowly diminish year after year. However, with a few simple dietary and lifestyle changes, your bodies natural pain management defenses can be supported, and restored.

4 Easy Methods for Managing Pain

• Massage – A brief massage is so effective at releasing endorphins and serotonin – the body’s natural pain killers – that it’s now used regularly in hospitals to lower the anxiety levels of post-operative patients and speed up the recovery process. Whether suffering from anxiety, fibromyalgia, tension headaches, back pain or osteoarthritis, massages can assist with pain relief by addressing inflammation at a cellular level.

• Yoga – Millions of people around the world practice the ancient mind-body technique of intricate stretching poses, not just because it’s a gentle way to build lean muscles, but also because it reduces the stress hormone cortisol in the body and promotes peace-of-mind. Studies published in the professional journal Spine reveal practicing two times a week for two months can significantly reduce back pain, migraines and arthritis.

• Hypnotherapy – Pain associated with past traumas – whether psychological, emotional, or physical – can significantly affect quality of life. Hypnotherapy, hypnosis, and guided imagery are fantastic methods of practicing the mind-over-matter method of natural pain relief. These methods are proving so effective at relieving lower back pain, anxiety, and tension headaches that it’s now being recommended as part of treatment plans by the American Pain Society and American College of Physicians both.

• Herbal Supplements – Simple dietary changes such as the addition of a few tablespoons of turmeric and ginger to a breakfast smoothie can be as effective as over-the-counter pain killers at reducing inflammation and the pain associated with arthritis. Though several studies reveal a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and dark, leafy greens can help relieve a number of chronic conditions, it’s always wise to consult with a physician before relying on dietary supplements alone to manage pain.

Stress and Pain

Chronic anxiety from the daily responsibilities of a stressful work environment, hectic schedule, and overwhelming bills creates an overload of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body. As cortisol builds up in the body it will result in inflammation and pain. Reducing stress with natural methods such as herbal supplements, massage, hypnosis and yoga is a great method of pain management without drugs.