Do you suffer from chronic pain? There are many alternatives to traditional medicine and surgery to try to manage your condition. Alternative pain treatments that physicians once would never consider are now standard at many chronic pain treatment facilities.
If you’ve been looking for different ways to reduce your pain, below are the most promising alternative treatments to consider.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture used to be considered bizarre in the West, but it has become an effective treatment option for chronic pain. Clinical studies show that it works well for pain caused by osteoarthritis, back injuries, sports injuries, and fibromyalgia.
How does acupuncture work? No one knows. It might release pain-reducing chemicals in the body. Or, it could block the pain signals that come from your nerves.
Many doctors say there is substantial scientific evidence that acupuncture works, so they prescribe it. Plus, even if acupuncture doesn’t work for you, we know it won’t do any harm.
Cannabis
Marijuana (cannabis) and CBD oil have been proven to have medicinal properties that can reduce chronic pain. There is strong scientific evidence that cannabis can affect some forms of nerve pain, especially pain due to multiple sclerosis and HIV, according to Steven P. Cohen, MD, associate professor in the division of pain medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore.
Cannabis also can relieve nausea, which is a significant side effect of chemotherapy.
One of the most popular ways to consume CBD for pain relief is through CBD gummies. They have a soft texture, tasty flavor, and are made with the best CBD hemp extracts for chronic pain relief.
Exercise
Getting exercise isn’t medical treatment. However, regular physical activity has been shown to benefit people with chronic pain conditions, including osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Exercise also can relieve some symptoms of anxiety and depression. Also, regular physical activity can improve your energy and mood.
If you suffer from chronic pain, remember to talk to your doctor before you begin any exercise routine, especially if you have a health condition.
Chiropractic Manipulation
Traditional medicine has often viewed spinal manipulation with skepticism, but it’s becoming more accepted. Many doctors say they consider chiropractic treatment as effective for lower back pain. Clinical studies suggest it can be comparable for pain relief as other approaches.
Stress Reduction Methods
One of the most vital aspects of dealing with chronic pain is reducing stress. There are several effective methods, including:
- Yoga: There is extensive evidence that yoga can reduce chronic pain for fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pain, and arthritis.
- Relaxation therapy: This is a broad range of techniques that can help you calm your body and lower tension, lowering your pain. Some methods focus on breathing, and it can reduce pain with osteoarthritis, headache, and fibromyalgia.
- Hypnosis: Clinical studies find that hypnosis can help several types of pain, including pain from cancer and back injuries.
- Biofeedback: This method teaches you to control bodily functions that are usually unconscious, such as heart rate or blood pressure. Clinical studies show that it can reduce pain from headaches and fibromyalgia.
- Massage: It’s relaxing, and it also can reduce pain from neck and back injuries, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Music therapy: This technique gets you to listen to or perform music. Clinical research shows that it may help with pain from cancer and osteoarthritis.
Vitamins and Supplements
Evidence suggests that some vitamins and dietary supplements can reduce some types of pain. Fish oil can be useful for inflammation and swelling, while topical capsaicin (from chili peppers) can reduce pain from arthritis and diabetic nerve pain.
Experts advise staying up to date with clinical research on alternative treatments for pain. Options are always growing, and some ‘strange’ treatments today may become standard treatments tomorrow.