6 Natural Pain Remedies for Chronic Pain
It will be a huge relief when medical researchers develop better methods of treating the untold thousands of people that live with chronic, debilitating pain. Although there are effective drugs for controlling many kinds and causes of intense pain, they are generally very highly regulated, and often have negative side effects when taken regularly.
Afraid of issues like creating and fostering addictive behavior, being put under the microscope by governing medical boards that can take away their medical licenses, and of being sued for malpractice, doctors are often viewed by their chronic pain patients as not handing out enough pain meds to get them to their next refill. One possible avenue for remedies that may at least help reduce pain for some patients is to explore available natural pain treatments:
1. Capsaicin. Do you like hot peppers? Capsaicin is the active ingredient. At least one study has found that a topical cream with capsaicin can reduce pain for arthritis sufferers. Another study found that people with chronic migraines who put capsaicin in their nostrils had a reduction in symptoms.
2. Fish Oil. Omega 3s are very popular these days, and for good reason. MSNBC reports that a Scottish study has found that a significant percentage of rheumatoid arthritis patients were able to reduce their pain meds by a third when they took a daily dose of cod-liver oil.
3. Tart cherries. They sound delicious, and have been found by researchers at Michigan State University to contain an ingredient called anthocyanins, which may help reduce pain better than aspirin.
4. White Willow Bark. Yes, it’s what aspirin is derived from. However the University of Maryland suggests that although it takes longer to relieve pain, white willow bark may have a longer pain relieving effect than aspirin and at a lower dose.
5. Boswellia. This herb has been found by researchers to be less toxic and capable of being consumed in smaller doses than some NSAIDS (such as Ibuprofen). It was found, in a large study of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, to be particularly effective in reducing pain and swelling.
6. Carcumin. This element that is found in the seasoning turmeric used in curry dishes, can be used instead of NSAIDS to reduce post-operative inflammation and pain. It is reported as not having any negative side effects on the heart, liver, kidneys, or stomach.
As with all drugs herbal and otherwise, remember to consult with your health care provider before consuming to avoid any drug interaction or other complications. Have any herbal remedies worked for you that you would like to share?
Chronic Lower Back Pain Tip: The National Institutes of Health suggests trying hot and cold compresses. Wrap a bag of frozen peas or blueberries in a thin towel and apply to the painful area for 20 minutes 2 or 3 times a day. After 3 days of ice, switch to applying heat, such as a heating pad or heat lamp for brief periods to help your blood flow improve and your muscles begin to relax.
Afraid of issues like creating and fostering addictive behavior, being put under the microscope by governing medical boards that can take away their medical licenses, and of being sued for malpractice, doctors are often viewed by their chronic pain patients as not handing out enough pain meds to get them to their next refill. One possible avenue for remedies that may at least help reduce pain for some patients is to explore available natural pain treatments:
1. Capsaicin. Do you like hot peppers? Capsaicin is the active ingredient. At least one study has found that a topical cream with capsaicin can reduce pain for arthritis sufferers. Another study found that people with chronic migraines who put capsaicin in their nostrils had a reduction in symptoms.
2. Fish Oil. Omega 3s are very popular these days, and for good reason. MSNBC reports that a Scottish study has found that a significant percentage of rheumatoid arthritis patients were able to reduce their pain meds by a third when they took a daily dose of cod-liver oil.
3. Tart cherries. They sound delicious, and have been found by researchers at Michigan State University to contain an ingredient called anthocyanins, which may help reduce pain better than aspirin.
4. White Willow Bark. Yes, it’s what aspirin is derived from. However the University of Maryland suggests that although it takes longer to relieve pain, white willow bark may have a longer pain relieving effect than aspirin and at a lower dose.
5. Boswellia. This herb has been found by researchers to be less toxic and capable of being consumed in smaller doses than some NSAIDS (such as Ibuprofen). It was found, in a large study of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, to be particularly effective in reducing pain and swelling.
6. Carcumin. This element that is found in the seasoning turmeric used in curry dishes, can be used instead of NSAIDS to reduce post-operative inflammation and pain. It is reported as not having any negative side effects on the heart, liver, kidneys, or stomach.
As with all drugs herbal and otherwise, remember to consult with your health care provider before consuming to avoid any drug interaction or other complications. Have any herbal remedies worked for you that you would like to share?
Chronic Lower Back Pain Tip: The National Institutes of Health suggests trying hot and cold compresses. Wrap a bag of frozen peas or blueberries in a thin towel and apply to the painful area for 20 minutes 2 or 3 times a day. After 3 days of ice, switch to applying heat, such as a heating pad or heat lamp for brief periods to help your blood flow improve and your muscles begin to relax.
