Chronic pain affects more people than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. According to the National Institute of Health, pain is one of the leading causes of disability, and it is a major contributor to health care costs. Chronic pain can last months or years and happens in all parts of the body. It interferes with daily life and can lead to depression and anxiety. Despite the profound impact chronic pain has on our communities and its toll on the healthcare system, there are still millions suffering from chronic pain every day.
Approximately 25% of adults in the United States experience chronic pain.
While there are dozens of pharmaceutical medications aimed at treating chronic pain, their harmful side effects make natural treatments like cryotherapy and CBD oil for pain much more appealing. If you are one of the thousands looking for natural, effective, and easy-to-use treatments for pain, here are five proven alternatives:
Cold Therapy
Cold and heat therapies may not seem as effective as pharmaceutical medications, but that is because most people do not know the difference between these two types of treatments and when to use which one. Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, consists of exposing the body to very low temperatures to reduce blood flow which can significantly minimize and prevent inflammation and swelling. Cold therapy can be applied in multiple ways including ice packs, frozen gel packs, ice baths, and coolant sprays.
Heat Treatment
A lot of people confuse heat and cold therapies or use the two interchangeably which is a big mistake. While cold treatments are perfect for reducing inflammation and swelling, heat therapies work best for muscle pain and stiffness. If you suffer from chronic back pain or a stiff neck try heating pads, steamed towels, or even saunas for a full body treatment.
Cannabidiol
Commonly known as CBD, this compound found in hemp is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which make it the perfect pain medication. Unlike other compounds found in hemp, CBD is non-psychoactive meaning its properties are purely medicinal. CBD comes in many dosages and forms including oils, smokables, and topicals. You can buy high-quality natural CBD oil for pain and smokable CBD products online.
Turmeric
Turmeric is widely used as a pain reliever thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a key chemical found in the plant. A common ingredient in Asian cuisine, Turmeric has been used as a medicinal supplement for centuries in the Indian subcontinent and the Far East.
Exercise
While the benefits of exercise are practically endless, incorporating an exercise regimen into your weekly routine can decrease the risk of diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. But did you know regular exercise can reduce pain? When we engage in physical activity, the body produces higher volumes of endorphins which are hormones that interact with brain receptors and increase our pain threshold. Participating in low-intensity exercises, such as walking or light swimming, for 30 minutes every day may help reduce your pain. Exercise can also be a stress reliever for some people, which is important to manage when you have chronic pain.
Other Natural Pain Relief Remedies
As pharmaceutical medications for pain become less affordable and the opioid epidemic worsens, more people are choosing to go the all natural way when it comes to treating their chronic pain. In addition to the alternatives listed above, natural pain relief remedies like fish oil, ginger, and valerian root have also become popular options among those suffering from chronic pain.
Currently, there is no cure for chronic pain, other than to identify and treat its cause. For example, treating arthritis can sometimes stop joint pain. Many people with chronic pain don’t know its cause and can’t find a cure. They use a combination of medications, therapies and lifestyle changes to lessen pain.
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