Whether you’ve been in an accident, suffered severe injury, or are recovering after major surgery, chronic pain can be debilitating, and it can have a major impact on every aspect of your life.
Sleep, socializing, work, and just enjoying your life can be difficult when dealing with long-term pain. Even seemingly simple everyday tasks can become huge challenges, and it can take a toll on your mental health.
Maybe you’ve tried modern medicine and haven’t found the relief that you’re searching for, or you want to try a more holistic approach to your pain management.
Whatever your reasons are, the good news is that there are other options available, and there is hope.
The limitations of modern pain medication
Humans have been using different forms of medication since prehistoric times, but modern medication, as we know it today, has been around since after the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. While modern medication has worked wonderfully for countless people for centuries, it can have drawbacks.
One of the most common downsides of most modern prescribed medication is the side effects that come with them. It’s not uncommon for someone to take a particular medication to treat an illness, only to have to take other medicines to counteract the side effects of the main one.
One worrying side effect we’ve seen with prescribed medication – particularly opioids – is addiction. The American Medical Association states that around 3% to 19% of people who take opioids will develop an addiction to them. In 2020, opioids were responsible for almost 75% of all drug overdose deaths.
Opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl.
In 2022 alone, 130 million opioid prescriptions were distributed to patients in the US. When prescribed correctly and responsibly, opioids can be effective pain relievers. But unfortunately, there can be dangerous consequences if these medications are mishandled.
It’s common for some medications to lose their effectiveness over time. When this happens, you may need to take higher doses or find alternatives and wait for your body to adjust. It can be a long and frustrating process.
Luckily, there are safe and effective alternatives to taking medications to help you get the relief you need without the risk of side effects.
Related: The Physical Affect of Emotional Trauma
4 natural ways to relieve pain without medication
Natural remedies have existed for thousands of years, long before the creation of conventional medicine. Our ancestors were resourceful – their survival depended on it. They learned to harness the power of nature to heal the sick and wounded.
Today, complementary and alternative medicine have gained popularity as people search for different ways to manage chronic pain.
Essential oils
Some essential oils, like lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus, have shown promising results in pain management.
In a 2023 study, participants inhaled or topically applied lavender essential oil. They reported a significant decrease in their pain levels when having a needle inserted.
Rosemary oil has long been used as a natural pain reliever. Research shows it can help with inflammation and neuropathic pain (nerve pain).
Peppermint oil is often used to ease headaches, joint pain, abdominal pain, and muscle aches. It’s been shown to help those with non-cardiac chest pain and those who suffer from migraines.
A study carried out in 2022 found that inhaling eucalyptus oil relieved pain in those living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Acupuncture
This Chinese practice dates back thousands of years and is most commonly used to reduce pain. The insertion of fine needles into various body parts is thought to rebalance energy flow and treat – or even prevent – pain.
Research has shown that acupuncture is a legitimate method for managing chronic pain. Acupuncture can trigger the release of endorphins, our bodies’ natural painkillers, stress reducers, and mood boosters. Consequently, acupuncture is particularly helpful in those dealing with the mental health difficulties associated with chronic pain.
Meditation and breathwork
Meditation has exceptional benefits for mental health. But did you know that it could also help you manage chronic pain?
Mindfulness meditation has been shown to produce substantial pain relief. Practicing meditation regularly can help you regain a sense of control over your body, something that chronic pain sufferers often feel they lack.
Breathing exercises, especially diaphragmatic breathing, is a hugely effective alternative treatment for pain. Deep breathing can help you relax your body and release any tension that you may be holding.
By combining meditation with diaphragmatic breathing, you can reap the benefits of a non-invasive and all-natural method to manage your chronic pain. (learn more about meditation from Angela here!)
Massage therapy
Getting a massage isn’t just for special occasions. Massage therapy offers many benefits for both the mind and the body. And for those dealing with chronic pain, regular massage therapy can provide immense relief.
Not only can massage release tension and provide pain relief for your muscles and joints, but it can ease the feelings of anxiety or depression that so often accompany long-term pain, too.
During a massage, your body releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine hormones, each with pain relief benefits. Endorphins help reduce feelings of pain, serotonin boosts your mood, and dopamine is the ‘reward chemical’ released during pleasurable activities like shopping, dancing, or eating your favorite food.
Any type of massage can help soothe pain in the body, but trigger point therapy is particularly beneficial for chronic pain. This kind of massage works out the painful knots in the muscles and fascia by applying pressure combined with kneading techniques.
Sick of side effects and ready to try holistic pain relief?
Whether you’re suffering from injury, illness, or trauma, you’re not alone, and there’s help available whenever you need it.
Sometimes traditional medicine alone can’t offer the pain management you need. That’s why holistic healing and pain relief are my passions.
I work with you to find alternative ways to ease your physical pain and discomfort, customizing your care and tailoring your treatment to exactly what you need.
If you’ve tried modern medicine for your chronic pain and are looking for something different, consider booking a massage therapy session. Massage can deliver powerful results to help heal your mind, body, and spirit.
Book your massage now, ease your pain, and step into a happier, healthier you!
