Finding Chronic Pain Relief Through Natural Remedies

Living with chronic pain can put an intense strain on your life. Whether you have back problems or rheumatoid arthritis, constant aches will affect everyday activities, making it more difficult to spend time with family and friends and harder to focus at work. Modern pain medications run the gamut from mild to powerful, but they often come with a price. Stomach and digestive problems, drowsiness, and dependence can all result from various pain meds, so it isn’t a surprise that many chronic pain sufferers are turning to alternative methods for relief. There are many natural remedies that can help lessen the amount of pain you feel on a regular basis. Remedy 1: Fish Oil As if they weren’t already several reasons to be taking a fish oil supplement, you can add another reason to the list: taking two to four grams daily can help with pain management. The secret? Omega-3 fatty acids, plentiful in fish oil, help reduce inflammation that contributes to pain. However, fish oil alone probably won’t free you from the grips of an awful head or back ache, so it’s best to combine it with another method, such as herbs with anti-inflammatory properties. Remedy 2: Plants and Herbs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, work by halting production of enzymes that trigger your body’s tissues and muscles to swell. Modern research has shown that there are actually several plant-based remedies for chronic pain that work the same way. Turmeric, green tea, ginger, and willow bark all have anti-inflammatory properties, but research and experts agree: turmeric seems to work the best for most people. However, because they work the same way that NSAIDs do, the risk of stomach bleeding you’ll find warnings about on a bottle of ibuprofen still applies to turmeric supplements. Talking with your doctor will help you determine if this method is right for you. Remedy 3: Vitamin D Nicknamed the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is responsible for making your bones strong by facilitating calcium absorption. This multi-tasker is also important to muscle function, nerve pathways, and the immune system. While your body is capable of synthesizing vitamin D when skin is in direct contact with sunlight, many people still suffer from vitamin D deficiency. In 2009 study, researchers found that among patients who were using opiate based painkillers, those with a vitamin D deficiency were taking twice as much medication to manage chronic conditions, leading many doctors to recommend that patients with conditions like fibromyalgia up their vitamin D intake to make other pain meds more effective at smaller doses. Remedy 4: Capsaicin For those with chronic problems such as shingles, neuropathy caused by diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis, topical creams and lotions that contain capsaicin can do wonders. Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin can relieve pain when applied topically to areas aching from the conditions mentioned above as well as psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Capsaicin topical ointments can also relieve aches in the back or head. Just be aware that pain may worsen when you first begin using capsaicin for two or three days. Also, because there is a risk of skin irritation, wash hands thoroughly after applying topical treatments containing capsaicin. Remedy 5: Magnesium While not a universally accepted theory, some doctors have found that patients who increase their magnesium intake are able to better manage pain resulting from migraines and muscle spasms. Though magnesium can be found in foods such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, many in the medical community are starting to voice concerns that magnesium deficiencies are a bigger problem than most realize. If you have chronic pain problems, try upping your magnesium intake with supplements and cut back on the alcohol: the more alcohol you drink, the more magnesium your body loses. Conclusion A pain-free life doesn’t have to be an elusive goal, especially for those who find themselves hyper-sensitive to the side-effects of over the counter drugs. Fish oil can help reduce painful swelling and, when combined with the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, may help you manage pain naturally. Vitamin D supplements can help you get more effective pain relief from lower doses of other medications. Topical treatments containing capsaicin can soothe painful skin conditions, and addressing magnesium deficiencies may help you dull the throes of the some chronic pain. Just be sure to talk carefully with your primary care provider if you want to add or change any of the medications and supplements you are currently taking. Consulting with your doctor can help you avoid unnecessary problems as you get on the road to safer, more natural pain management.