Pain Relief

We all are very grateful for medication when it is needed for pain. However let’s look at pain. It is a good thing, it serves as a warning of deeper, underlying problems, which otherwise may have gone unnoticed. So it is extremely important not to simply ignore or mask your pain, but rather to seek out and address the problem that is causing you to be in pain. Once that problem is addressed, it’s likely the pain will subside. In the event that it doesn’t, here are some methods you can try to reduce and eliminate pain, without relying on prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

1. Deep and proper sleep. Sleep is the time when your body is able to do repair work. So whether you’re in pain from an injury or due to an underlying condition, your body will be able to fight and work toward healing that pain while you sleep. Pain and sleep can be a “catch 22” though, in that often people with pain have trouble falling asleep. You can try taking a natural relaxant like Valerian Root and Magnesium and getting some exercise during the day.
2. Prayer. Prayer has been found to be as effective in reducing pain as prescription drugs.....so get that communication going!
3. Stretching. Stretching helps to reduce tension in your muscles, improve flexibility and range of motion, and may slow the degeneration of your joints. The act of stretching alone will also improve your blood circulation and help you to relax -- a key to pain relief.
4. Reduce/Prevent Inflammation. When your body is in a chronic state of inflammation, the inflammation can lodge in your muscles, joints and tissues. Over time, this can lead to physical pain, as well as a number of diseases including heart disease. Emotions (too much stress), diet and lifestyle all contribute to inflammation. You can lower inflammation by eating ANTI-inflammatory foods (fruits and vegetables) and limiting or avoiding all together the PRO-inflammatory foods (highly processed foods, high-sugar foods, trans fats, etc). (you knew that was coming!)
5. Regular exercise. Although you may be tempted to not move around much when you’re facing pain, a regular exercise program can help to relieve pain. Exercise works by prompting your body to release chemicals called endorphins that actually block pain signals from reaching your brain. (be practical and don’t hurt yourself, start slow)
6. Hot or Cold Packs. Applying a hot pad or cold pack to your area of pain can provide temporary relief. Hot pads are helpful for sore muscles, while cold packs work by numbing the affected area and reduce swelling. Rule of thumb: cold for immediate injury and swelling; hot for chronic pain and sore muscles. Be careful not to use a pad that is too hot or too cold, and when using a cold pack, wrap it in a towel so you don’t expose your skin to the cold (speaking from personal experience on this one - ouch!) A hot bath in epsom salts may also be very beneficial.

If you are still in pain there is nothing wrong with taking a pain med, however if you can find a natural way to relieve your pain first your body will thank you for it. Every med has a side effect, but in the short term it shouldn’t cause damage. Listen to your body and find the best pain relief possible for YOU.