How to Manage Chronic Pain Using Natural Remedies

Pain is a unique aspect of life and is also an ongoing topic of concern in health care circles. Some pain is acute, meaning it is caused by a recent injury such as a sprain or strain. This is experienced by most people at some time in their lives, and can typically be treated for a short period until the injury is healed. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is longstanding and occurs over an extended period of time with varying degrees. It is estimated that about 1 in 5 people in the United States are afflicted with chronic pain conditions.

The typical definition is pain lasting longer than three months and not responding to treatment. This is an elusive condition where the body is still receiving pain messages via the brain, but there is no longer an external stimulus causing the pain. Chronic pain comes from a variety of etiologies and circumstances. Some people experience chronic pain after an accident, while others suffer from arthritis, inflammation or autoimmune disorders.

Many people seek alternative treatments and natural remedies for pain relief, especially with chronic pain, after trying a myriad of other unsatisfactory solutions. Pharmaceutical painkillers are often prescribed by doctors to treat chronic pain, but one of the most concerning side effects is that they may be addictive. The current opioid crisis has exploded due to the use of opioids for pain management and the addictive nature of the drugs.

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Treatments and Techniques for Managing Chronic Pain

Alternative and natural remedies have been used throughout history to treat chronic pain conditions with great success and little to no side effects or risk of addiction. These natural remedies and practices can have a positive influence on pain relief and inflammation reduction. Because no one treatment works for everyone, several natural remedies and practices have become known for their ability to reduce chronic pain symptoms. This blog explores some of these practices below:

Indulge in Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques like meditation, Qi Gong, and other mindfulness modalities can help ease the pain. Some people prefer to do these practices alone, while others enjoy listening to a guided meditation or exploring in groups. Whatever the way, studies have shown that chronic pain patients who practiced mindfulness meditation experienced pain relief, lower anxiety and depression, and increased quality of life. Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese practice that includes mindful breathing and mild to moderate active exercise. Focusing on the breath at any time is a mindfulness relaxation technique that can allow the mind to come to a calmer state, which may in turn reduce pain and reduce stress.

Try Pain Relief Practices

Many people have found benefits from getting massage regularly. Therapeutic and medical massages can help relieve pain and encourage relaxation. Acupuncture is another practice that can reduce pain and can allow a space for relaxation and deep rest. This ancient practice treats all conditions from an ideology of wholeness and balance and acts as a long-term care modality.

Engage in Exercise and Activity

Engaging in exercise is important because it encourages the body to produce natural painkillers called endorphins. These endorphins can increase the pain threshold, which allows people to experience some relief. Endorphins are amazing assets because they can change the way we perceive pain through an interaction with the brain's receptors. Research has found that people with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia have lower levels of endorphins. Indeed, exercise is not available to all people all the time, depending on the severity of pain levels. However, doctors recommend starting small if possible and building up strength and stamina. A study done on non-pharmacological therapies for acute and chronic low back pain found people who exercised experienced a moderate reduction in pain levels. Exercise has also been shown to reduce stress.

Experiment with Herbal and Natural Remedies

Some herbal and natural remedies for dealing with chronic pain include:

• Fish Oils — valued for their natural anti-inflammatory properties and long-term support for joint health.
• Turmeric — a popular root with heavy use in Ayurvedic medicine, used to reduce pain by calming inflammation throughout the body.
• Dit Da Jow — a traditional Chinese herbal liniment applied topically to bring lasting pain relief to muscles, joints, tendons and more.

Herbal remedies have provided longstanding support for those managing chronic pain. Fish oil is one supplement that is used for chronic pain based on its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also an anti-inflammatory given to reduce pain by reducing inflammation.

Topical treatments used on the exterior of the body can also be beneficial. Dit Da Jow is an herbal analgesic liniment used on the exterior of the body to bring pain relief — an ancient Chinese medicine made from secret recipes passed down for generations. It provides lasting pain relief from muscular injuries, nerve damage, arthritis, pain from an old injury and degeneration.

Chronic Pain in Conclusion

Dealing with chronic pain is an ongoing battle for many people, but many natural remedies can help people heal and feel better overall. Committing to a long-term treatment plan can help to ease anxiety in times of extreme pain. Try implementing the above practices and remedies to see what works best for your personal needs. Consult natural health care providers, acupuncturists and doctors who can help you manage your pain. Engage in practices that increase endorphins and improve your outlook. Managing chronic pain is not easy, but managing pain is possible for many people.