Managing Pain the Natural Way
By Stephen R. Farris
Trying to manage pain can be a difficult assignment for anyone. When the pain persists, it can cause havoc in your life, and oftentimes brings on anxiety and depression mainly because you're unable to do things you've been accustomed to doing most of your life.
Usually pain is listed under two categories, acute (normally a sudden onset of pain, which may last a few days and goes away), and chronic pain (ongoing and doesn't go away quickly, and may persist for longer periods of time, if not constantly).
Most of the time, people suffering from acute pain rely on over-the-counter medications (or OTC) to deal with their pain. Chronic pain sufferers usually seek medication from their primary physician, which is often stronger in dosage versus OTC.
Unfortunately, both OTC and prescribed medications for pain relief can lead to addiction and overuse.
If you suddenly start feeling pain in your body, then it might be time to seek professional help, especially if you begin feeling certain symptoms that persist constantly, such as:
- Lasting longer than two to three weeks
- It makes you stressed, or brings on anxiety and depression
- Keeps you from relaxing or affects your sleep
- Prevents you from exercising or your daily activities
- Conditions do not improve from treatment
While you could take OTCs or prescription meds, there are natural ways to help you deal with pain and/or chronic pain conditions.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Cold therapy will actually narrow the blood vessels to reduce inflammation and swelling. It also numbs the pain. Heat therapy helps increase the blood flow to the area of pain, and works to relax tense muscles. Usually it's recommend to use one or the other for approximately 15 minutes several times each day.
Exercise
In the past, continued exercise after experiencing pain usually meant taking it easy for a few days until you feel better. But research has changed their stance on that and actually recommends to keep exercising. Exercise can even ease the severity of pain, especially those who have chronic conditions.
As noted earlier, if you begin feeling pain and it doesn't go away then get checked out by your primary physician or local chiropractor.
Always remember, when you do feel pain in your back, neck, and joints, see your local chiropractor as they can help give you relief and get you back to an active and healthier lifestyle.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Layton, Utah.