If you’re looking for alternative methods for pain relief, you’ve come to the right place. These methods have been proven to be effective in many medical conditions and are also safe and non-addictive.
These methods are becoming increasingly popular among healthcare professionals as they reduce dependency on prescription drugs.
They’re also more affordable, and many people can afford them. Whether you’re experiencing back pain or neck pain, you can find a treatment that’s right for you.
Opioids are the most commonly abused prescription medication.
Addiction to these drugs is very dangerous, and they will only make the problem worse.
This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend utilizing alternative methods of pain relief.
These methods are not as fast and powerful as opioids, and they won’t increase your risk of addiction or overdose. They can also reduce your risk of becoming addicted to the substance.
Alternative methods for pain relief are becoming more prevalent, and they can be an excellent choice for many patients.
Some studies even show that they are more effective than opiates for chronic pain, so consider all of your options before deciding on the first one.
If you’re considering an alternative pain treatment, make sure you’re fully informed about what these options are.
You may be surprised to learn that a combination of traditional and alternative therapies will work just as well.
Lets look more at the alternative methods for pain relief available.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
This is a technique used for treating chronic pain.
It is one the most common alternative treatments available for pain relief.
This method is quick and easy to do, and often has fewer side effects than opioids.
Although not as effective as opioids, it may be the best solution for chronic or severe pain. Aside from being more efficient, holistic techniques are also safer.
The use of TENS can also provide you with a lower cost than the use of prescription opioids. T
he method is delivered by a machine that’s about the size of an iPad mini. It delivers low-voltage electrical charges to the affected area, stimulating nerve fibers and reducing pain signals to the brain.
In some cases, the electric current may also trigger the body to release natural hormones to treat the condition.
This form of therapy is primarily used in patients undergoing surgery.
It has been studied for pain suppression in pressure injury healing, peripheral vascularization, and secondary pain.
One study, published in the Journal of Anesthesiology, compared the effectiveness of SWC and TENS in preventing and treating PIs.
The researchers found that the electrical stimulation did not improve patient outcomes, but it did improve pain control in one study.
Research on the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is still lacking.
The best evidence is from a trial performed by the Frick U. The authors of this paper investigated the effects of TENS on patients with postoperative nausea.
However, in one case, TENS was found to be no more effective than placebo.
In a separate study, Vaiman M and Eviatar E reported the effectiveness of TENS in preventing nasal valve collapse.
Chiropractic Adjustments
There are a variety of reasons why a person may want to seek alternative methods for pain relief.
Chiropractors are well-versed in a variety of health conditions, including spine-related problems. They are highly trained to find the root cause of the problem and work with you to achieve long-term relief.
They will perform a series of tests, including an X-ray.
You should always consult your GP first if you experience chronic pain or need treatment for an injury.
In fact, back pain is the most common reason for seeking chiropractic care. A recent study found that 74 percent of Americans have sought chiropractic care for their back pain.
Research on the benefits of spinal manipulation is ongoing, but the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says it is a safe and effective treatment for back pain, whiplash, and migraine headaches.
Many chiropractors offer complementary treatments in addition to spinal manipulation.
Chiropractors are trained to treat problems in all ages, including pregnant women and children.
The intensity and force of spinal manipulations is dependent on the severity of the problem. All patients are carefully screened prior to beginning chiropractic care.
They may also recommend medical tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, which use large amounts of electromagnetic radiation to produce images.
Lastly, a chiropractor will help you choose the best treatment option for your particular needs.
Supplements & Herbal Remedies
There are several supplements and herbal remedies available which are helpful for pain relief. These alternatives are effective and do not involve any drug.
Besides glucosamine and chondroitin, some herbal products can be used for pain relief. Other herbal treatments can help to relieve acute or chronic conditions.
While there are many benefits of both, it’s important to be aware of the risks of consuming a cocktail of pills and supplements in large quantities.
Massage – Just One of the Alternative Methods for Pain Relief
A massage for chronic pain can provide immediate relief from a variety of ailments. It can also improve circulation and release tight muscles.
Its effects on the body are beneficial for people with fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal conditions.
During a massage, you can expect to feel a wide range of emotions. Here are some of the most common benefits of massage for chronic pain.
One of the benefits of massage is a reduction in stress.
Having an injury can cause a significant amount of physical stress. In addition, the pain itself can cause increased stress and anxiety.
The aim of massage is to increase relaxation by reducing cortisol levels in the body.
Additionally, it increases tissue elasticity and helps reduce symptoms of physical stress. Ultimately, it can provide temporary pain relief in those with chronic pain.
Another benefit of massage is the increase in range of movement.
When a muscle is injured, it contracts in order to protect itself from further damage.
In doing so, it causes increased tension and restriction of movement. Moreover, this restriction can last a long time, which can be exacerbated by the underlying condition.
Therefore, massage, as one of the alternative methods for pain relief can help to increase range of motion and reduce pain, which is important for chronic conditions.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese art that helps people with many different types of pain.
It is used to treat everything from low back pain and nerve pain to fibromyalgia and menstrual cramps.
It works by inserting thin needles at specific “acupoints” on the body, which can release endorphins and other feel-good hormones.
The idea behind acupuncture is that the insertion of hair-thin needles at specific points in the body can help open blocked energy channels and release a healing force known as qi.
However, scientists in the West suspect that acupuncture can reduce inflammation by activating neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that facilitate nerve responses.
MRI studies suggest that acupuncture may even block certain chemicals that perpetuate chronic pain.
Another study found that acupuncture reduced levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body, which in turn helped reduce pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture may not be right for everyone, especially those with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners.
While acupuncture is not a replacement for standard care, it is considered among the alternative methods for pain relief, and it may be beneficial for people with pain.
It might even be appropriate for people with other health issues.
Complementary & Alternative Medicines
Complementary and alternative medicines are the fastest-growing segment of the medical industry.
These methods are becoming more common due to their effectiveness.
Although many complementary treatments are not effective, they do provide some benefits. For example, they can reduce the amount of prescribed pain medications.
In some cases, patients may even be able to reduce the dose of pain medications by using complementary therapies.
This is because these therapies can be used to augment conventional medicine.
Some complementary therapies, or alternative methods for pain relief include guided imagery. During these sessions, patients use their imaginations to imagine themselves without any pain.
They try to alter the way they see their pain. Some people also keep a pain diary and look at it regularly. The goal is to view pain as a part of life, not as an affliction.
These techniques are becoming increasingly popular as mainstream treatments for chronic pain.
Brain imaging and guided imagery are common complementary therapy options.
This therapy helps patients visualize themselves without feeling the pain. Guided imagery involves using images of calm and relaxation, and can help relax the spinal cord and brain.
This technique can also be used to control the intensity and frequency of pain. For more information, visit www.nccam.gov.
You can learn more about alternative methods for pain relief and complementary therapies for your health by visiting the NCCAM website. There, you’ll find many ways to treat your pain naturally and avoid costly surgeries and surgery.
