5 Natural Options for Pain Relief

Being in pain can affect how you work, your relationships and your entire overall well-being. According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, over 26% of the American population (age 20 years and older) report they have a problem with pain. Whether you suffer back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or discomfort from an old injury, pain can negatively impact your daily life. Don't let the pain take control! Click To Tweet Many doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management, but this is not the only tool available, and should not be the only tool used to relieve pain symptoms.

Natural Pain Relief Options

What works for one pain sufferer does not always work for another. Everyone experiences pain differently and might find that one option works better than another. It is best to try different alternatives to see what works best for you. Here are five terrific options for natural pain relief that can be added to your normal pain management regimen, or maybe one day, even replace them.

1) Natural Supplements

There are many natural supplements available to help reduce inflammation which causes pain. Fish oils, vitamin D, and turmeric have all been found to be successful in relieving pain from arthritis and other pain caused by inflammation. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years and can be found in your grocery store spice aisle. In a study where fish oil was used on 125 pain sufferers, after 75 days of taking 1200 mg per day, more than 55% said they had stopped taking their pain prescriptions.

2) Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the ancient art of correcting imbalances of energy in the body and has a long history of helping people overcome pain. According to the integrative physician, Frank Lipman, MD., he has been using acupuncture to treat pain for the past 25 years with incredible effects. He says “Not only does it help with pain, but often–and more importantly–it improves the functioning of the nervous system and musculoskeletal system, which is often the cause of pain.”

3) Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy combines heat, water, and massaging jets and has been found to soothe and relieve a variety of health issues and relieve pain. In fact, the use of therapy spas or hot tubs in the sports world is commonplace and has been used for decades. This water therapy has significant therapeutic benefits, such as increasing circulation and blood flow to your injured areas to help repair the damage. The Arthritis Foundation has said that hydrotherapy is the safe and ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain.

4) Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques can help quell the pain. Meditation, massage, and guided imagery can all help you reduce pain and better manage it. The Mayo Clinic said that recent studies have shown that meditation training can be helpful in dealing with chronic pain. By just practicing some simple breathing exercises, you can lessen your perception of pain. Massage therapy has been found to boost endorphins and serotonin, naturally killing pain, and boosting your mood.  The Mayo clinic has found massage to so dramatically reduce the pain of their patients following surgery, that it is now routinely available to all their patients undergoing surgery.

5) Yoga

Yoga, another ancient discipline, not only promotes relaxation but also with lowers stress and blood pressure. Lowering stress is crucial because stress can increase the feelings of pain. Recent research has shown that after only two months of doing yoga twice a week, 42% of people said they felt reduced pain, and 46% had reduced depression. The American Pain Foundation has also added yoga to their recommended pain relief treatments for back pain.

Pain Relief the Natural Way

Managing pain is important not only for your physical well-being but emotionally, as well. Taking pain pills or toughing it out aren’t the only options anymore. Next time pain is keeping you down, try out one of the above natural methods to help ease your misery. Your body and mind will thank you.

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