10 All Natural Pain Management Methods
Chronic pain can make daily activities difficult. For some, it can make it difficult to work or provide for yourself. Those who live with chronic pain may want to avoid surgeries or constant prescription medications. Luckily, there are several things you can do to reduce pain naturally. By choosing a natural method, you don’t have risks or side effects that other methods of pain management have. Consider a natural method before seeking other lower back pain treatments.
Foam Roller
For those with lower back pain, using a foam roller is an affordable alternative to a chiropractor. They cost around $20 and you simply lay your back on it and roll up and down. In doing so, you crack your back and help stretch out your spine. You can do this several times a day for pain relief.
Myofascial Releases
Fascia is the sheet of connective tissue that connects the muscles in your body. Stress, injuries, and an inactive lifestyle can cause knots to build up. While cupping and massage can help loosen the knots, a myofascial releaser tool is the best way to treat this. These tools are affordable and physical therapists and chiropractors offer them too.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are the best medical practitioners to see for all natural pain management. PTs have extensive training in the muscles, bones and nerves of the body. They offer trigger point therapy, massages, and they give you stretches for you to do at home. You can see a PT without a doctor’s referral.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic adjustments have shown mixed results for treating chronic pain. However, almost all insurance plans include chiropractic so it’s worth trying it out. Chiropractic adjustments take just a few minutes after your initial consultation and most offices offer flexible scheduling. Most offices also offer other natural pain methods like laser therapy and massages.
TENS Unit
A TENS unit began being used for chronic pain in the past few decades. They are commonly found in chiropractic or physical therapy offices. The practitioners place small pads on certain areas of the body and the machine sends small electric pulses to reduce nerve pain. They are commonly used for back pain and pelvic pain as well as sciatica.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a supplement which is increasing in popularity for those seeking natural ways to treat pain. Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which have been clinically shown to reduce certain inflammation markers. People take it for arthritis, nerve pain, and even chronic stomach or digestive pain. Finding a good turmeric supplement is easy.
Capzasin HP
For those with arthritis or muscle pain, Capzasin HP offers an all natural way to manage the pain without taking medication. This topical cream can be purchased at most drug and grocery stores. It contains capsaicin, a chili pepper extract, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and nerve pain
Cupping
This ancient Chinese practice is still used today and for many helpful in pain management. It works best for those who have either upper or lower back pain. It involves using suction cups to draw blood forward to promote healing and many people who try it find pain relief. You can have a professional do it for you or buy a home kit
Acupuncture
While science can’t explain why acupuncture works, many claim it helps them manage everything from chronic pain to depression and anxiety. Seeing an acupuncturist can be expensive, but this all natural method of treating pain is a better alternative to surgeries and prescription medications. You must see a professional for this and it can’t be done at home.
Omega 3 Supplements
For those who want to take a natural supplement to treat chronic pain, consider an Omega 3 supplement. While Omega 3 is essential for our bodies, it also contains DHA and EPA. Both have shown to reduce inflammatory markers in the blood. These supplements are affordable and considered safe for daily use.