Many people are suffering from chronic pain, and some don’t really understand that even when the source of pain is cured, your brain can still receive pain messages because the body continues to send pain signals. If the pain is associated with an injury, a sprain, or a condition like arthritis, it is impossible to function normally or perform daily tasks with ease.
Some patients find traditional medication ineffective in treating their cases, therefore trying other natural alternatives might help in their case, or at least adding other holistic methods to their standard medications can have a better effect on the pain. Doctors and health care providers are aware that what works for someone might not work for another. Consequently, trying natural remedies and other hacks can make a real change in your condition. Read through our article to learn how to use natural remedies for chronic pain.
Try Turmeric or Curcuma Longa
Turmeric, or curcumin, is one of the spices used in different recipes, especially in Indian food. Turmeric is originally a plant affiliated with ginger and is mainly grown in Asian countries. It has a great effect on reducing inflammation and chronic pain associated with health conditions like arthritis and other joint problems. The turmeric plant is transformed into tablets, capsules, and other extracts like tea remedies. Turmeric has a very strong yellow color due to the curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory qualities. The properties of curcumin have been quite promising in the treatment of osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. Most patients take 2 to 3 tablets a day as recommended, and in many cases, the results of pain relief are quite satisfactory.
Heat and Cold Therapies
Cooling an injured area that causes pain is well-known for its effectiveness in decreasing localized pain that results from muscle soreness and sprains, while heating therapy is used to soothe pain associated with nerve injuries, such as back spasms. The most important thing is to know when to use which method in relieving your pain. For instance, if you sprain your ankle and it’s swollen and painful, apply ice and massage the area. Ice massaging has a great effect on reducing the swelling and inflammation caused by the injury, and naturally, the pain will gradually decrease. If you’re suffering from back and neck pains, take a hot bath and apply a deep heat massage afterward. The pain will soon be relieved.
Natural Essential Oils
Natural essential oils are all extracted from vital plant parts. They are considered natural remedies that have potential results in pain relief. Each type of oil has different properties, benefits, scents, and smells. They can either be used as blends or individually for a certain purpose. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary have strong physical, mental, and emotional effects in addition to their ability to work as an anti-inflammatory and a pain soother. Some research has revealed that one of the benefits of lavender oil is the great effect it has on relieving pain resulting from migraine headaches. Migraine headache is known as a chronic disease that has no certain cure, and the pain it causes is hardly bearable. The eucalyptus essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and it also reduces swellings in injured or strained areas, while peppermint helps reduce pain associated with arthritis conditions. It also helps release stress headaches when massaged to the forehead.
Cannabinoid or CBD Oil
Years ago, the research on the benefits of using cannabinoids or CBD oil was limited since it was still restricted by law. Nowadays, the use of CBD oil was legalized in many places, and it’s included in the manufacture of several supplements. Additional research has confirmed the benefits of CBD oils, especially in reducing pain, stress, depression, and anxiety. CBD oil is one of the hundreds of other compounds found in the Cannabis plant that does not have a hallucinogenic effect when consumed. On the contrary, CBD oil regulates essential functions in the human body, such as regulating sleep, reducing pain, and improving immune-system responses.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
People who maintain a healthy lifestyle are likely to experience fewer health problems including chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. There are great benefits to eating healthy foods, drinking water, exercising, and having a good night’s sleep. Regular exercise can reduce the effects of chronic pain as it builds and strengthens muscles, reduces inflammation, counteracts fatigue, and mitigates pain sensitivity. Regular physical activity changes how the brain reacts to pain signals due to the release of serotonin and other natural analgesics that control the pain signals received by the brain.
Inner Endorphins
The human body produces natural pain killers, such as endorphins. The release of this hormone binds the brain receptors thereby controlling the receiving of the pain signals, and thus reducing pain sensitivity. Producing such natural hormones increases the feelings of satisfaction and joy, as well as the ability to reduce pain. One of the elements that boost endorphin production in the human body is regular exercise and daily physical activities.
Chronic pain involves any pain that lasts for a significantly long time, typically three months or longer. The effect of chronic pain can be devastating for many people, as it affects the performance of daily activities. The mental, emotional, and physical distress caused by chronic pain is not easily endured. The medications and treatments prescribed by doctors usually have adverse side effects in the long run. Alternatives, such as natural remedies, may have positive results on chronic pain. CBD oil and other essential oils are recommended for reducing pain, inflammation, stress, and depression. The problem with many CBD products is the integrity of the companies producing them. Some companies use harmful components, such as heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides, therefore instead of relieving pain, it can exacerbate the situation. Exercise and physical activities help in conditions like arthritis and joint stiffness. Exercise increases the ability of your body to produce serotonin and endorphin hormones. The endorphins control the reception of pain signals by the brain, while the serotonin elevates mood and regulates sleep.
