7 Ways To Relieve Chronic Pain Without Pills
Managing chronic pain can be a challenge. It can interfere with your daily routine and even lead to anxiety and depression. However, there are ways to get through the pain and even improve your quality of life. There are some excellent non-pharmacological treatments to help you manage pain.
Breathing exercises and yoga can help with chronic pain:
For example, meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga can help with chronic pain. These mind-body techniques help you to retrain your brain away from the pain and bring you back into control.
Physical therapy:
Physical therapy can also help with chronic pain. These techniques can include deep tissue treatments and stretching exercises. Some people may also benefit from occupational therapy. These services will teach you how to do your everyday tasks differently and improve your mobility and strength.
Take an anti-inflammatory diet:
Another option is to take an anti-inflammatory diet. This is particularly useful if you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis. It is important to talk to your doctor about this option before starting it. This may include eliminating certain foods from your diet that cause inflammation. Some people may also benefit from acupuncture, which uses the small needs of the body to interrupt pain signals.
Use an opioid pain reliever:
Using an opioid pain reliever can help with pain, but it also has the potential to become addictive. However, a doctor can recommend the medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Taking opioids for chronic pain can take a long time, and they are not always the best choice.
Consider getting a massage and acupuncture:
Other non-pharmacological treatments for pain include massage and acupuncture. These treatments work to increase blood flow and speed up the body’s natural healing process. They also help to relieve tension and pain. Some people may also benefit from tai chi, a meditative form of exercise that combines breath control and gentle movements.
Quit smoking:
In addition to these, there are many other ways to reduce and manage pain. For example, quitting smoking is an important lifestyle change. This can reduce your risk of heart disease and even cancer. Also, eating a healthy diet can improve your overall health.
Use a TENS machine:
Another good option for managing chronic pain is to use a TENS machine. These are used in many pain clinics. TENS machines work by sending low electrical signals through small pads attached to the skin. Some people may even receive TENS therapy during physical therapy.