Just Say No to Drugs for Chronic Pain Management
By Debra Rodzinak
Addiction to prescription pain medicine is an epidemic in the United States. Short-term pain is often treated successfully with prescription pain medication; however, this doesn’t help the millions of Americans dealing with chronic pain.
The Alternative to Drugs for Chronic Pain
If pain lasts for an extended period of time, it is considered to be chronic pain. Millions of adults deal with chronic pain daily. The use of prescription drugs for the long-term is not appealing to many adults due to the side effects associated with them and the tendency of addiction.
But, if chronic pain is not addressed and treated, the patient can develop problems in daily life due to sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, and general pain.
Drug-Free Alternatives for Pain Management
Every day, millions of adults deal with chronic pain, or pain that lasts for a long time.
Prescription medications are often effective for alleviating short-term pain, such as severe headaches or pain associated with muscle trauma. However, they may not work as well for chronic pain.
The good news is that there are many drug-free alternatives to chronic pain. Some of these include:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Diet and nutrition
- Exercise
- Herbal and nutritional supplements like glucosamine
- Hydrotherapy (Water Therapy)
- Hypnosis
- Massage
- Meditation
- Relaxation and stress management techniques
- Spinal Manipulation
- Strength Training
- Therapeutic Touch
- Yoga
Safer Treatments with Drug-Free Approach
Alternative methods for chronic pain management tend to be safer than prescription medications or over-the-counter pain relievers due to the unwanted side effects or dependence on drugs.
The age and current health of an individual should determine the type of treatment chosen for that individual. A combination of prescription medications and alternative approaches to chronic pain can also be successful.
Each treatment should be discussed thoroughly with a knowledgeable expert before undergoing any type of treatment. Even with drug-free alternatives, injuries, dizziness, physical discomfort, and other unintended side effects can occur.
Treatable Conditions
There are many conditions that drug-free alternatives can treat.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Back Pain
- Muscle Cramps
- Neck Pain
- Arthritis
If you are interested in a drug-free alternative to your chronic pain, drop by The Joint today for a consultation and evaluation by one of our chiropractors. With no insurance hassles or pesky appointment times, walk-in to The Joint today and talk with a chiropractor of the many different drug-free ways to alleviate your chronic pain.
