When it comes to dealing with pain – I get it!
I’ve spent at least half my life in chronic pain. My upper back began to ache when I was a freshman in high school – which was only determined to be “bad posture.” Today they call that “scoliosis.”
Over time, new pain symptoms or situations would occur. At the young of 19 I learned that discs between vertebrae in my spine were beginning to bulge and degenerate for no particular reason. At 21, I sustained a skull fracture after surviving a motorcycle accident.
Pain. I know it well.
It’s unfortunate that many of us have to experience some type of pain in our lives, but it’s just a reality of living. Whether our pain is physical or emotional, it can definitely take a toll on our bodies. Therefore it’s important to find methods to manage your pain.
With every painful situation or diagnosis that I endured, there was an alternative therapy available. So if you’re new to pain or seeking something other than medication, allow me to introduce you to a few alternatives.
7 Alternatives for Managing Pain:
Manual Therapy Treatment or Massage: According to Dr. Oz, 84% of us will experience SOME kind of low back in our lives. Back pain can be debilitating – believe me! Acute pain can be managed through simple efforts, such as rest, heating pad, ice, and light massage. Unfortunately chronic pain sufferers experience pain that does not completely go away.
Massage Therapy helped me during the recovery of my motorcycle accident and during other aches and pains. Techniques like stretching and kneading of soft, connective or inflamed tissues can help some patients feel better in as little as 6 weeks.
Acupuncture: Well, I’ve tried just about everything for pain relief except for acupuncture. The purpose of this ancient method is to rebalance energy flow throughout your body. It has been known to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue by inserting very thin needles into pressure points around the body.
In recent years, I’ve had friends try acupuncture for fertility purposes. It is believed to assist unexplained infertility and soothe particular reproductive issues in women. The insertion of these thin needles could benefit blood flow to the endometrium, which helps thicken the lining of the uterus.
Acupuncture is traditionally used to treat pain conditions. Search for acupuncture specialist in your area or discuss this option with your doctor.
Physical Therapy: Ah yes, one the most popular types of “alternative treatments” would be physical therapy. I’ve been in and out of this type of treatment for the last 14 years and, honestly, I’ve had great success with it.
Physical Therapy (PT) can be used for a variety of injuries and conditions. A technique is used to strengthen muscles in your body for better support. Each technique may vary depending on the level of pain and whether or not it’s chronic.
Chiropractic or Spine Manipulation: So here’s the thing some patients swear by chiropractic therapy, while others don’t see a lot of success with it. I was one of those people that spent years waiting for results, but just didn’t find the benefits. This can go for anything though – it depends on the person or condition.
For anyone creeped out by “cracking bones,” please let me put your mind at ease. It’s not your bones that are cracking – it’s the fluid between joints that makes a popping sound. Your body actually appreciates this type of manipulation as it gets back into proper alignment. The popping or cracking is normal – I promise.
Spine manipulation and chiropractic therapy stems from a belief that your body has a natural way to heal itself. Everything in your body is connected – this practice promotes a variety of health benefits.
For some pain sufferers, chiropractic therapy may not be the most beneficial option for long term care.
Exercise: When I was younger, I used to think that exercise was just crazy for someone with chronic pain. I often thought, Why would I want to do even more harm to my body?
The truth is that exercise does not cause harm in all cases. It can actually strengthen your muscles and give you better support long term. Exercise is a great way to defeat pain!
According to our Fitness Expert, Laura Miller, “Many who suffer from chronic pain may find that they experience depression and sadness associated with their pain. Exercise may help lessen that depression and can also promote restful sleep. Furthermore, exercise may help reduce the need for pain medications. Those who suffer from chronic pain will want to try low impact exercises such as walking or even swimming, which is especially low impact on the joints.”
Yoga: I love yoga.
This form of alternative pain management can often be beneficial for chronic pain sufferers. It utilizes the body’s healing methods and strengthens muscles. Yoga is also known to naturally relax the body in ways that other methods cannot.
Yoga is all about breathing. Relaxing your body and mind can actually help relieve muscle pain, anxiety, spasms, and general pain. It also goes hand in hand with meditation.
Meditation: Breathe. Relax. Focus.
Meditation can be practiced in a variety of ways. It has been used to teach the body to relax and focus on things other than present pain. Truthfully, it takes a while to practice and see the benefits.
I’ve practiced meditation before and also have friends that have found pain relief through this method. It does take dedication and patience though.
According to Project-Meditation.org, if you suffer from pain, you can find great benefits from trying meditation for pain relief. While you may not notice immediate reprieve from your pain, as you continue to practice meditation, you may find that you are able to control the pain and feel it diminish in intensity.
I hope these alternative methods help you to find relief. It does take time and patience, but your dedication will certainly pay off. And of course, if you’re experiencing severe pain or anything out of the ordinary, consult your doctor.
Please leave a comment or question below. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about these alternative treatments.
We also offer several supplements found on our online store that may also benefit your pain conditions. Please visit our website – NaturalHealthyConcepts.com
You can read more in my recent post on Fibromyalgia and Unnatural Pain.
Resources:
http://www.oprah.com/health/Natural-Treatments-for-Chronic-Pain-Alternative-Pain-Relief/2
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chiropractic-adjustment/MY01107/DSECTION=why-its-done
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/?CTT=97
http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/yoga-pilates-tai-chi/healing-benefits-yoga
http://www.project-meditation.org/a_bom1/meditation_for_pain_relief.html
