4 Best Natural Remedies for Treating Chronic Pain

Posted on March 11, 2017 in Wellness

When it comes to treating chronic pain from certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, the conventional prescription medications may not be as effective as you would hope them to be. This is one of the main reasons why individuals suffering from chronic pain also seek comfort in complementary, alternative and natural medicine.

Complementary and natural remedies and health practices range in a variety of methods like massage therapy, herbal supplements and yoga. At the latest count there are about 21 million adults in the US who practice yoga.

According to The National Health Interview Survey 5.1% of the population was using yoga as a complementary relief in the year 2002. By 2012, there were 9.5% who incorporated yoga as an alternative remedy. That is a stark increase for only 10 years!

The use of massage, yoga and herbal or natural supplements can be used as a complement or as an alternative to your prescribed medications. However, just like any kind of treatment, these alternative remedies may not work the same way for everyone.

According to Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., the director of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there is a need for people to try different kinds of natural remedies in order to know what works well for them – it can be one treatment, and sometimes it can be several treatments combined.

Here are the top most sought after natural remedies you can opt for to help alleviate chronic pain.

Massage

This form of therapy can be used to ease body pain, decrease anxiety, reduce stress and fight depression. There are different kinds of massages but in general, they are used to manipulate your soft tissues and muscles and improve body circulation with the use of hand and arm pressure. Experimenting with different massages will let you know what works best for you.

Herbs, Spices and Other Natural Supplements

As you know, chronic pain is associated with many different health conditions, so it could be quite tricky to definitely point out what herbal remedy can help decrease your chronic pain. Among the popular choices are probiotics, fish oils, glucosamine, chondroitin and curcumin supplements.

You will find that there are certain natural supplements that work best with certain body conditions. For instance, the use of Devil’s claw, white willow bark, or turmeric curcumin supplements help take away the pain from joint inflammation or rheumatoid arthritis. The use of primrose or ginger may target muscle pain due to fibromyalgia. If you want to see reviews or if you are wondering where to buy turmeric supplements, primrose or white willow bark, you can find them at the online stores of reputable brands.

To learn more about the use of herbal supplements and their specific results, you can check some reliable websites to know what works best for each condition. Checking the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website is a good place to start.

Another way to do it is to speak to a doctor who is knowledgeable about herbal remedies. It is also best to talk to your doctor before taking any natural herbal supplements as they may interfere with some medications like blood thinners.

Meditation or Mind and Body Techniques

There are numerous forms of meditation, like for example Mindful meditation, Mantra or Transcendental. This practice has been incorporated outside the religious context due to its ability to help relax the mind and body. Meditation can help manage chronic pain, reduce stress, improve mood and even treat anxiety. It is also a powerful method for helping you cope with other symptoms aside from pain.

Yoga

For the last few decades, yoga has sprung to great popularity. It has become prevalent among young adults in the US. This form of meditation and exercise has been practiced in India for hundreds of years. It is believed to treat various mental and physical ailments that may plague people.

Aside from its ability to reduce stress, it also helps improve fitness. There have been reports that it is a great form of exercise for treating chronic back pain, due to the numerous strechinh exercises involved. This technique also teaches you the right way to breathe in order to achieve deep relaxation.

Considering alternative and natural remedies to complement your regular treatment is a great way for incorporating new activities and new experiences in your life. Attending yoga and meditation classes can also help improve your social life which has a positive effect on your stress and anxiety.

The use of herbs and natural supplements also help improve your nutrition and supports your overall health. Try different methods and techniques to know what works best in relieving your chronic pain.