Until recently, the usage of conventional pain medications including opioids were considered the first line of defense for chronic pain management. However, due to the highly additive nature and serious health complications of these powerful medications, safer alternatives are becoming more popular and widely used.
Here are some safe pain relief alternatives to help you manage chronic pain.
Get Quills, Not Pills.
Acupuncture has been used for over 3,500 years to treat chronic pain. This pain-free treatment uses small sterile needles to release your own inner endorphins. Endorphins are the natural pain relievers produced by your body. They work by binding to the receptors in your brain to block the perception of pain, similar to pain medications. The increased production of these natural hormones can substantially help reduce your chronic pain.
Red Light, Stop.
Red light therapy uses light energy to ease pain and reduce inflammation while accelerating your body’s own healing process. This therapy emits warm and soothing light energy proven to temporarily relieve arthritic pain, muscle and joint pain and stiffness.
Not Just for Hippies Anymore.
Essential oils have long been valued for their analgesic (pain-relieving) effects in many cultures. There are many ways to benefit from essential oils—some people inhale them (aromatherapy), others include several drops in their massage oil and enjoy as part of a therapeutic massage. Several oils are thought to have a significant analgesic effect, including peppermint oil, rosemary, and lavender.
To Bee or Not To Bee, Get Buzzin’ With TENS.
The usage of a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit is a safe and effective method of pain relief. A portable home unit works by sending out tiny electrical pulses through a special gel electrode pad adhered to your skin. This pulse feels like a pain-free, pleasant vibration. As your body begins to receive the pulses sent out by the unit, it turns off your body’s ability to feel the pain signals as they are being sent to your brain resulting in instant pain relief.