Do you want a way to manage your pain without taking dangerous medications?
You are not alone. 24.3% of adults suffer from chronic pain. Countless people are looking for ways to deal with it that actually work without potentially life-threatening side effects. Medications are great for dealing with pain, but the side effects can be unbearable for some people.
Problem
Many people are unaware of natural therapies that are equal to (if not better than) conventional methods. The best part is that they work WITH your body instead of against it.
In this guide:
- You will learn about the Natural Pain Management Revolution
- Top Natural Therapies That Actually Work
- How to Build Your Personal Pain Relief Strategy
- Creating a Comprehensive Approach to Pain Management
The Natural Pain Management Revolution
The approach to pain management has changed dramatically in recent years.
The medical community has finally started to acknowledge what practitioners of natural health have been saying for decades… Our bodies are designed to heal themselves when given the proper tools. Dr Jordan Sudberg says that the most effective pain management strategies are the ones that merge natural therapies with conventional treatment.
Why is this important?
Natural therapies work by addressing the cause of pain rather than just masking the symptoms. It does this by using strategies that reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and aid the body in its own self-healing mechanisms.
Think about it… Taking a painkiller is simply the same as you telling your brain to block the pain signal. The source of the pain, however, is still there. Natural therapies take a different approach by actually healing the root cause of the pain.
With approximately 65% of American adults older than 65 experiencing chronic pain, finding effective and safe solutions has never been more important.
Top Natural Therapies That Actually Work
Let’s go over the natural therapies that have the most scientific evidence behind them…
Mind-Body Techniques
Mind-body therapies are on the rise for a reason. These techniques help train the brain’s ability to influence the functions and symptoms of the body. Some examples are:
- Meditation and mindfulness practices
- Guided imagery and visualization
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Biofeedback training
Here is the best part…
These techniques do not just lower the intensity of pain… They also improve the quality of life by reducing stress and anxiety. There are studies that show how mindfulness techniques are great at reducing the intensity of chronic pain and increasing physical functioning.
Acupuncture: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that has been used for thousands of years.
But wait, it gets better… Acupuncture has been the center of modern studies and they have finally confirmed what acupuncturists have known all along. Acupuncture is great at managing various types of chronic pain, such as back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture needles stimulate specific points on the body. This stimulation triggers your central nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals in your body. It’s the same thing as someone turning a switch that activates the body’s own drugstore.
Physical Movement Therapies
Movement may be the very last thing that you would like to do when in pain. But staying active is one of the most potent natural pain relievers available to you.
What types of movement work best?
Yoga is the practice that combines stretching, strengthening, and mindfulness all in one. Studies have shown that people with chronic back pain who practiced yoga for 12 weeks were less likely to take pain medication than the group that didn’t.
Tai chi uses slow, flowing movements to improve balance, reduce stiffness, and decrease the intensity of pain. It is especially beneficial to those with osteoarthritis and other joint conditions.
Swimming and water aerobics offer a low-impact exercise that can strengthen muscles without stressing joints. The water buoyancy supports your body while you build strength and flexibility.
Massage and Manual Therapies
Therapeutic massage does more than just feel good on aching muscles and joints…
Massage increases blood flow and oxygen to the targeted areas, reduces muscle tension, and can significantly lower pain levels. Massage has been found especially effective in the management of chronic low-back pain and osteoarthritis.
Chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation work by adjusting the spine and joints to improve function and alignment. These manual techniques offer significant pain relief to many people with musculoskeletal pain.
Natural Supplements and Nutrition
Did you know that your diet has a massive impact on inflammation and pain management?
Some supplements have shown great results in clinical trials for decreasing pain. They include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil which help reduce body-wide inflammation
- Turmeric and curcumin which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects
- Glucosamine and chondroitin that are helpful for joint pain
- Vitamin D since a deficiency of this vitamin is linked to higher pain sensitivity
The catch is…
Not all supplements are equal. Quality matters and it is essential that you consult your health practitioner before taking any supplements. Some can interfere with medications and others are not appropriate for specific conditions.
How to Build Your Personal Pain Relief Strategy
Building an effective natural pain management plan is a process that is different for each person.
The first step is to identify your specific pain triggers and patterns. Use a pain journal to keep track of when the pain is worse, what relieves it, and any other patterns you might notice.
Follow this with these steps:
Choose 2-3 natural therapies that appeal to you and commit to trying them for at least 8-12 weeks. Natural therapies can take time to show full effects, so be patient. Work with practitioners who understand and appreciate both conventional and natural approaches to pain. This could include your primary care physician, a physical therapist, an acupuncturist, and a nutritionist, among others. Be consistent with your therapies. Natural pain management is a regular practice… You cannot just try acupuncture once or do a week of yoga and expect to see results.
Creating a Comprehensive Approach to Pain Management
The most effective pain management strategies include multiple different approaches.
This could look like:
Morning gentle stretching or tai chi to help with morning stiffness. Mindfulness meditation throughout the day to manage stress. Eating meals that are full of anti-inflammatory foods. Regular massage or acupuncture appointments.
A multi-modal approach is necessary because pain is complex and has physical, emotional, and psychological factors. You are going to create a better and more efficient pain management system by taking care of each one of these aspects.
Natural does not always mean replacing conventional treatments with natural therapies. Sometimes the ideal approach is a combination of natural therapies and medical interventions.
Final Thoughts: Your Journey to Better Pain Management
Dealing with chronic pain with the use of natural therapies is one of the most empowering choices you can make for your health.
Natural pain management gives you the control of your pain rather than you feeling helpless and dependent on medications. They work with your body’s natural healing processes and often have benefits that are outside of just pain relief.
A quick recap:
- Mind-body techniques: They help with pain as well as stress
- Acupuncture: It can turn on the natural pain-relieving chemicals in your body
- Movement therapies: Strengthening and healing without the use of medications
- Manual therapies and supplements: Supporting the body’s natural healing ability
- The most effective strategy for long-term results is using a comprehensive approach
The key is to find the right combination of therapies that will work for your specific situation. Do not be afraid to experiment and try new approaches as you learn what your body responds to.
Start with one or two therapies that you are most interested in and go from there. Your journey to better pain management starts with your first step.