If you are suffering from chronic pain, you have likely tried many prescription medications. Being on these prescription meds long-term is expensive. They can also have a negative effect on your body, such as damaging your liver and kidneys. Sometimes prescription meds are necessary, but they are not always the best answer to chronic pain. It's important to find natural methods for relieving pain.
Natural methods are easily acquired, affordable, and do not have long-term side effects. Below are seven all-natural strategies that will help you find pain relief from any type of chronic issue.
1. CBD
CBD has become very popular as an all-natural pain reliever. Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a chemical found naturally in the hemp plant. Over the last decade, there has been a lot of research about the health benefits associated with CBD.
CBD can be found in different forms: oils, tinctures, powders, and topical creams. The various kinds of CBD are equally effective, and you should select the one that suits you. The most versatile CBD product is CBD oil. It can be used as a topical rubbed onto your skin, or as an edible dropped under the tongue. When purchasing CBD, make sure that you get it from a certified supplier and know whether it is THC-free. A reputable supplier will indicate the ingredients and dosage for the product.
CBD is known to reduce chronic pain, inflammation, and discomfort resulting in pain. CBD for pain is the best alternative for people who rely on medications that are habit-forming and have side effects.
Based on research, the different types of pain relieved by CBD include back pain, arthritis pain, pain from cancer, and neuropathic pain. For cancer patients, CBD relieves pain and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy, such as vomiting, lack of appetite, and nausea. The dosage to take depends on the type of pain you are suffering from. It may be best to start with a lower dosage. Try a 1000 mg tincture of CBD oil and then upgrade to a 3000 or 4000 mg if necessary.
Lastly, it is essential to note that CBD doesn't pose significant risks for users, especially if you buy CBD products that are THC-free. Some companies, such as Eden's Herbals, offer entire lines of THC-free products.
While rare, there are minimal side effects that one can experience. These can include fatigue, drowsiness, and dry mouth. You should first consult with your physician before taking CBD for pain relief.
2. Exercise
Exercising is the most common method for natural pain relief. When suffering from chronic pain, you may find it difficult to exercise, but you will benefit greatly. When you work out, your body produces certain hormones that reduce pain. For people with chronic pain, they should start slowly and then build up to more intense workouts. During the exercises, ensure that you have someone to help you out.
You can start with simple exercises such as stretching. To stretch, you do not need to go to the gym, but you can do it in your home. Stretching increases flexibility, mental clarity, and healthier joints. When stretching, you can try out yoga, which is a useful activity for relieving pain.
Walking is another exercise for beginners with chronic pain. Though it may sound difficult to walk while in pain, you will be surprised at its effects. Chronic pain causes one to lie down for many hours, which can make muscles stiffen up. By walking you can reverse stiffness in your entire body. To make it more enjoyable, you can recruit a friend or family member and take walks outdoors. Other options include pool exercises with a qualified trainer.
3. Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat therapy is a traditional pain reliever that has been used for many years. It is easy and won't take up a lot of time. For heat therapy, there are different methods. The first one is to place a heating pad on the affected part of the body. The heat increases blood flow, reducing swelling and inflammation. Secondly, you can take a warm shower and massage the body part that is in pain. The advantage of using heat therapy is that you can get results instantly.
For pain that is caused by injuries, you should use cold therapy. With this, you use ice to relieve the pain. It works by relaxing and reducing the swelling of the affected area.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Most people who suffer from chronic pain find it difficult to fall asleep. When you fail to rest well, you become fatigued and easily irritated by the pain and aches. For people with chronic pain, sleeping for 6 to 8 hours will help relieve pain.
While sleeping, our bodies get the opportunity to restore, balance hormones, and promote healing. However, with chronic pain, you may not be able to sleep for the recommended hours. Some strategies, such as a warm bath, sleep aids like CBD and melatonin, reduced screen time, and exercising, can help enhance sleep quality. It is also helpful to make your bedroom as dark as possible if you are still having issues getting to sleep. Moreover, you should develop a sleeping schedule to track the number of hours you sleep in a day.
5. Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for our bodies. Chronic pain can be made worse by dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, the joints lose their flexibility and become stiff. This can lead to increased inflammation and discomfort. Dehydration can also cause other symptoms such as fatigue, slowed metabolism, and dizziness.
With chronic pain, ensure that you drink enough water per day. You can start by getting a large bottle of water with markings to keep track of your consumption. When you are out, ensure that you carry a bottle of water with you. When hydrating, you should use warm water to maintain your body temperature. Apart from water, you can ingest a lot of fluids to keep you hydrated, such as natural juices.
6. Meditation
Meditation is a great way to relax your body and mind. There are many benefits associated with meditation, and pain relief is just one of them. You can decide to meditate on your own or try a guided meditation. It works by releasing good hormones, increasing your oxygen intake levels, and decreasing stress. Through meditation, you can control how your body perceives chronic pain.
The best time to meditate is in the morning or before bedtime for about 10 to 20 minutes. During meditation, try breathing exercises with slow deep breaths.
7. Eat Right
For individuals with chronic pain, it is recommended to make a few changes to what you eat to help reduce pain. The type of meals you eat has a significant impact on your well-being. It is crucial to make sure that each meal you take has enough fiber, vegetables, and vitamins for your health. If you are having trouble eating meals, try supplements and oils to reduce pain and inflammation.
Healthy eating maximizes your body's pain-fighting capabilities. However, eating unhealthy products causes pain sensitivity and other adverse side effects. You can avoid this by preparing your meals in advance.
In addition to your diet, consider herbs and spices known for their health benefits. For instance, turmeric not only makes your meals spicy and delicious but also reduces pain and inflammation. Herbs and spices do not require a lot of preparation to enjoy.
Conclusion
Many people today suffer from pain every day, and they do not want to subject their bodies to chemical-based drugs. More and more, people are opting for natural remedies for pain relief. It is still important to see a doctor first so that you can find the best suited natural pain relief method for you.
Many of these natural methods have been tested extensively. They do not have significant side effects compared to prescription medications. Natural methods can provide other health benefits alongside chronic pain-relief. There is no magic solution, but maybe some of these tips can help!
