Any pain or discomfort that lasts longer than 12 weeks is considered chronic. Constraints in essential areas of life, such as employment, relationships, leisure, and self-care, have been linked to living with chronic pain. It is also one of the leading reasons for our trips to the doctor, time off from work, emotional distress, or drug addiction.
In recent years, there has been significant progress in our ability to trace pain back to its biological roots. In addition, there is an emergence of promising new approaches to pain management that don’t rely on pharmaceuticals or invasive surgery. One of these is naturopathic medicine.
Treating Chronic Pain Naturally
The starting point for any pain management strategy should be discussing the nature and origin of your discomfort with your doctor. After that, you can search and consult professionals for natural therapies compatible with your treatment strategy.
Below are some of the effective natural remedies for chronic pains in the joints, muscles, and other body parts:
1. Acupuncture
When receiving acupuncture, very fine needles are inserted into specific sites on the body at various depths and angles. It is believed that each acupuncture point can affect the sensation of pain in a distinct region of the body.
Acupuncture benefits include the treatment of various chronic pain conditions, such as the back, neck, and joint pain. Acupuncture is readily available, but it should only be performed by an expert who is both licensed and certified to do so.
2. Massage Therapy
This is a form of therapy in which the practitioner works on the patient’s muscles and other soft tissues. Pain can be alleviated by massaging the affected area in a slow, steady, circular motion with the bare hand and massage and wellness products, such as powder, heated oil, or hand lotion.
Not only does it improve muscle spasms, but it can also help you enter a condition known as the “relaxation response.” This is when your heart and breathing rates decrease, your blood pressure drops, and reduce your levels of stress.
3. Meditation
Meditative activities include focusing on one’s breathing or a mantra to relax the mind. It’s frequently used with mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in each moment.
By easing muscle tension, relaxation can lessen pain and prevent it from worsening. It can aid in sleep, boost energy, lessen fatigue and tiredness, ease anxiety, and boost the effectiveness of other pain treatments.
4. Chiropractic Care
Expert chiropractic care can help alleviate chronic pain in many cases, especially when the discomfort results from an underlying illness like osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Chiropractors practice with the belief that the body’s natural healing potential is greatly enhanced when the skeletal structure is aligned. This treatment aims to increase the range of motion and joint function with manual therapy techniques like stretching and spine manipulation.
5. Physical Therapy
There is evidence that rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy and exercise programs, can aid in managing chronic pain. These services have been shown to increase blood flow and circulation, decrease stiffness and fluid retention, and boost the affected body part’s flexibility, strength, and function.
Movement and exercise have also been found to reduce stress, enhance the quality of life and sleep, and prevent or reverse the secondary brain alterations linked to chronic pain.
Aside from physical activity, a person’s diet can also affect a person’s well-being. So, if you are having problems with your diet and are looking for a nutritionist, you can check the websites of different wellness clinics or hospitals or get recommendations from friends, neighbors, or family.
Conclusion
Naturopathic medicine treats the causes of pain rather than the symptoms to promote wellness and avoid illness. Because chronic pain is so complex, naturopaths can work with other health professionals to help you manage it and reduce its effect on your life. However, seeing a doctor before beginning any therapy plan is still recommended.
