When chronic pain sets in, not many people can prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Without even thinking, most of us reach for the medicine cabinet and pop a few pills to get the tiniest bit of relief. The problem is that too many of us rely on medications for pain relief, when in fact, there are other ways to relieve pain than resorting to drugs. Some of the following methods just might do the trick or work in tandem with the recommended prescriptions from your doctor.
It is very important to discuss all of your pain management options with your doctor before choosing an alternative to medications.
Massage
Whether you are dealing with chronic pain or a minor injury, massage is one of the most relaxing things you can do for your body. Beyond feeling relaxed, massages offer your body a release of endorphins and serotonin, which are your body’s natural pain killer. They also help to regulate your mood and reduce stress hormone levels, which obviously will help you manage the pain you are experiencing. When you are relaxed, it is likely that your body will be able to rest easier and heal faster. Studies have shown that massage can drastically improve your pain and anxiety, especially post-operatively.
Acupuncture
One of the oldest methods of alternative pain relief comes from the ancient practice of acupuncture. This type of traditional Chinese medicine involves placing thin needles into specific parts of your body. The point of acupuncture is to correct improper balances in your energy, otherwise known as chi or qi. While there is no scientific evidence to back up the effectiveness of acupuncture, many people have been pleased with results of their treatment.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a non-invasive, safe and drug-free option for pain reduction. Physical therapy incorporates exercise, stretching and other forms of physical exertion to help the body naturally reduce pain and accelerate healing. While physical therapy is a good pain treatment technique, it’s not always effective for every patient. It is important to discuss your specific pain and treatment plan with you doctor to determine if physical therapy is a viable option.
Meditation
Gaining attention and traction over the last several years, mindful meditation for pain relief has proven to be helpful for many. Some doctors and hospitals have even started prescribing it for pain relief. It can help people suffering from a wide variety of painful conditions including, but not limited to cancer, fibromyalgia, heart disease, back problems, arthritis and migraines. Meditation is a great way to understand your body and recognize how to cope with pain using your mind.
Neurostimulation Therapy
If you are suffering from spinal cord pain specifically, then Neurostimulation therapy might be helpful. This therapy option involves stimulation of the spinal cord through the introduction of a low-voltage electricity to peripheral nerves. This implantable medical device helps block pain signals that your nerves naturally and automatically send to your brain. By blocking these pain signals, this pain treatment provides relief without drugs. This is an outpatient pain treatment and provides reliable neck pain relief.
Music
Specifically for migraines, there are music clips on YouTube that people swear by for helping reduce migraine pain. The music combines isochronic tones, binaural beats and sounds from nature (a babbling brook) to assist in the process of chronic pain relief – including migraines, headaches and even fibromyalgia. Not everyone will find relief with this type of music, but it is definitely worth a try. Click here for a sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28J1PMlY8fI
The DRX9000 Spinal Decompression System
A drug-free, pain relieving service you can find at Summa Pain care in Phoenix is the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression System. When it comes to spinal pain, the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression System provides a primary treatment method for the management of pain and disability if you are suffering with severe low back pain and sciatica. It is designed to apply spinal decompressive forces to compressive and degenerative injuries of the spinal disks and joints. Non-surgical spinal decompression treatment involves a series of stretching/relaxation cycles aimed to relieve the pain and symptoms associated with herniated disks, bulging disks, sciatica, and spinal arthritis pains through unloading due to distraction and positioning.
The DRX9000 (Spinal Decompression) uses precise computer-controlled distraction cycles to provide a tailored treatment program to your specific needs. Studies have shown that 83% of patients noted improvements after a short DRX9000 treatment protocol.
When it comes to pain, everyone reacts a little differently. It is worth the effort to try an option that is drug-free. You might find that one of the above methods helps to control the type of pain you might be suffering from and in turn, might help you heal a little faster. The important thing to remember is to always heed the advice of your doctor and do not proceed with a method they warrant against.
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