Natural Pain Relief
As COVID-19 continues running its course through California and the rest of the United States, some of us are examining natural ways to remain healthy and strengthen our immune systems. Pain patients are often particularly susceptible to viruses for a number of reasons, one of which is that uncontrolled pain affects our bodies systemically. Some traditional pain medications may adversely affect a person fighting off a respiratory/vascular virus such as COVID-19 because they lower the rate of respiration (in other words, they cause breathing to slow). There are natural pain relief options that may work for certain chronic pain sufferers.
Not every pain patient will be able to make a transition to alternative forms of natural pain relief, however, we want to offer some options for those who may be interested in weaning off prescriptions medications such as opioids and corticosteroids (with the approval and guidance of their physicians, of course).
Common Forms of Alternative Pain Relief
More and more, traditional physicians are suggesting their patients incorporate some of the below into their pain management arsenals:
- Acupuncture
- An anti-inflammatory diet, including spices such as turmeric, garlic, and ginger
- Mind/Body interventions such as biofeedback
- Massage
- Chiropractic Treatment
- Yoga and other strengthening exercises
- CBD gummies or tinctures (non-psychotropic)
None of the above have the effect of artificially slowing breathing, and some, such as yoga and other forms of exercise, may strengthen the lungs, which is helpful as the virus continues its spread throughout our communities.
Supplementals for Pain Relief
Magnesium Supplements
Even traditional medical trials have concluded that magnesium supplementation helps with many types of pain, including neuropathic pain and headaches/migraine. The mineral is playing an evolving role in traditional pain management, but its benefits have been touted in the realm of naturopathy for years.
Soaking in an Epsom (magnesium sulfate) salt bath is also an easy and economical way to soothe sore muscles and is also an effective pathway to absorb magnesium through the skin.
Hylands Calms & Other Formulas
Stress and lack of sleep exacerbate chronic pain conditions. Supplements from Hylands have a ton of great reviews. The company has been around since the early 1900s. Their products use a combination of homeopathically-prepared minerals and botanicals to achieve a gentle, safe, and effective medicine to ease your mind and body. Their sleep aids do not use diphenhydramine like many other over-the-counter pills.
In addition to the suggestions listed above, there are many devices on the market that may help alleviate pain.
Alternative Pain Relief Devices
Deep Tissue Percussion Massager
Although there are deep percussion massagers on the market that cost quite a bit of money, many can now be purchased for under $50.00. These hand-held, powerful devices are a great way to target painful trigger points in your trapezius region or lower back area
CranioCradle
The CranioCradle is an easy and gentle home therapy device that helps to alleviate tension, stress, and pain. The cradle is placed under the neck, head, and upper back, along the spine. The cradle encourages cramped and tense muscles to release, and joints to decompress.
Below is a video highlighting the use of a CranioCradle.
Though more and more traditional physicians are suggesting alternative pain options, many still do not inform patients of holistic, natural treatments due to lack of clinical testing. Many of the above suggestions have plenty of anecdotal support online from pain patients. Our thought is there is no harm in trying new things, either as an adjunct to traditional pain medications or as a way of reducing or eliminating the need for it.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. My law firm views our clients and their recoveries holistically. We recognize that each pain patient has different needs and each individual will respond to different therapies. If you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own and would like compassionate, free and friendly advice, please give me a call at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I can also be contacted online.
Some of my case results as well as prior client reviews are available at these sites:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/butterfly-insect-macro-animal-1127666/
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