Natural Ways To Relieve Chronic Pain

Updated on November 21, 2019

Every person experiences occasional pains throughout life. According to the latest statistics, around 2 million Americans experience chronic pain. It means that their bodies keep sending pain signals such as headaches, arthritis, lower back, postsurgical pain. 

Chronic pain can not only reduce endurance and strength, but it can also limit a person’s mobility and negatively affect the brain. You may experience chronic pain even without a prior injury. The reason for it may be an underlying health condition such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, interstitial cystitis or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). 

You are at risk for chronic pain in case you had an injury or surgery, or you are overweight. Also, studies have shown that women are more likely to develop chronic pain.

If you struggle with chronic pain, you should definitely make an appointment with your doctor in order to get a pain management plan. Only your doctor is able to determine underlying health conditions and prescribe medication. 

You may also want to try some natural ways to relieve chronic pain. Here you can find a list of things that will help you to deal with pain on your own:

Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine has been used for years. According to experts at Neuropathy Help, it can help to treat nerve pain by stimulating specific parts of the body and releasing endorphins. Acupuncture helps to manage headaches, pain in the neck, back, shoulder, and even osteoarthritis. 

Other than that, acupuncture can also help you to ease anxiety, improve the immune system, overall sleep quality and digestive system. 

Sunbath

Another pleasant natural way of relieving pain is taking a sunbath. You can safely get vitamin D from the sun; it will help you to improve the immune system. According to a study, sun exposure can also help bones to absorb calcium. 

The lack of vitamin D can lead to increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis and reduce calcium. So, whenever you see some sunlight, go outside for a while and let your skin enjoy the warmth.

Meditation

If you believe in alternative medicine, you may also want to try meditation in order to relieve chronic pain. Meditation can help you to calm down your mind and release endorphins – natural painkillers. 

To get started, sit down comfortably in silence and close your eyes. Try to focus on your breath and exhale slowly. In the very beginning, getting rid of million thoughts will not be easy. You should practice as much as possible in order to get the results you want. 

Massage

A professional massage doesn’t only feel good, but it also helps to relieve stress and anxiety and manage chronic pain. 

Turmeric

Turmeric contains the compound curcumin that can help to treat conditions such as psoriasis, ulcers, upset stomach, indigestion, ulcers. According to a study, this spice can reduce inflammation, and it can be as effective as a painkiller. 

So, consider spicing up your food with turmeric in order to manage pain. Indians add turmeric into the carry, so maybe it’s time for the Indian food week? You can also add turmeric to rice, greens, roasted vegetables, scrambles, smoothies, soups and a cup of tea. 

Heat and ice

To manage your chronic pain, you can also apply ice and heat to your skin (sites of pain). It can help you to reduce inflammation, stiffness, and swelling. Also, you can apply it to your head in order to get rid of a headache quickly. If you have moist heat packs, warm them up in the microwave. It’s been proven that moist heat is effective in the case of arthritis. 

Oils

Some research suggests that essential oils can be used for pain relief. Consider using rosemary or lavender essential oil to treat chronic pain, ease anxiety and improve sleep. Before using essential oils, you should definitely speak to your doctor first. 

According to a study conducted in 2012, inhaling oils can help you to get rid of migraine pain. 

Cloves

Sometimes, people use cloves to relieve toothaches and ease nausea. A 2006 study found that clove oils have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. Cloves contain natural painkiller called eugenol. 

If you have a bleeding disorder and take blood-thinning medication at the moment, you should avoid consuming clove products. One study suggests that clove oils increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.

The bottom line 

If you have been feeling pain for a long time, consider making an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. You can also try alternative treatments for chronic pain: massage, sunbath, meditation, turmeric, oils, cloves, acupuncture, etc. 

People who don’t treat chronic pain might be diagnosed with depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions. So, listen to your body and take good care of yourself. 

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.