Unexpected Pain Relief Methods for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Living with chronic pain - the kind that lasts weeks, months, or even years, can be one of the greatest obstacles you will ever face. Millions of Americans deal with some form of chronic pain and it can be disheartening to feel like there will never be any relief from that pain.

I understand chronic pain; I have battled with fibromyalgia for the last fifteen years. I know the depression and other mental health problems that stem from feeling like your own body is fighting against you.

Sometimes it seems like there will never be relief in sight, especially when you are dealing with a chronic condition without a cure.

If you suffer from chronic pain, you might think that you must choose between either taking medication, or try to deal with it on your own. However, more and more doctors are starting to prescribe more natural methods of pain relief to help their patients deal with chronic pain. In fact, this condition is quickly becoming one of the main reasons why an increasing number of Americans are turning to alternative medicine. If you are currently struggling with chronic pain, here are some of the top natural methods for getting relief.

Since medical marijuana has been made legal in several states, more and more people are exploring the benefits of using it for chronic pain. However, if you don't want to get the 'head high' that comes with taking medical marijuana, then you might be wondering if there is a similar alternative to turn to. The good news is that you are in luck – Cannabidiol, more commonly referred to as CBD, is a derivative of hemp or marijuana plants but does not contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient that causes a high.

Many different studies have concluded that CBD may not only reduce stress and help with overall pain management, but it can also help with insomnia and arthritis pain relief. There are several different methods of using CBD for pain relief. Edibles, such as CBD candy or brownies, are definitely the tastiest route. CBD oil also comes in creams, tinctures, vape oil, and supplements, like CBD Tumeric Oil Capsules.

A relaxing massage can be an enjoyable experience for almost anyone, but for those who are suffering from chronic pain, it can also be a great method of pain relief. Massage promotes full body relaxation and helps to relieve tension, soothing painful joints and muscles while helping you to cope with the stress and anxiety that comes with suffering from chronic pain daily.

Serotonin and endorphins are well-known as natural painkillers and mood regulators, and massage has been found to increase both. In addition, patients with conditions that cause inflammation can benefit from massage therapy, since it can work at the molecular level by turning off the genes associated with inflammation.

In recent times, acupuncture has become an increasingly more popular method of treatment for those suffering from chronic pain. An ancient practice that is popular in Chinese medicine, acupuncture uses tiny needles which are inserted into specific pressure points in the body, to correct imbalances, known as qi and chi. Although there is currently little scientific evidence to back up the effectiveness of acupuncture, this hasn't stopped many patients from giving it a go and reporting excellent results.

Another ancient practice with deep roots in Buddhism, meditation has seen a surge in the West in recent times. Although it is mainly used to help patients cope with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, meditation can also be used to relieve chronic pain with excellent results. Studies have proven that those with less stress often experience less pain. Meditation requires deep, controlled breathing, which in turn helps patients to mentally deal with chronic pain by promoting relaxation, which increases the production of serotonin and endorphins in the body to provide pain and stress relief.

It may sound counter-productive since most days it hurts to even move, but exercise is actually a great way to reduce the amount of pain that you're in. Although exercise may make your pain worse when you first start, it can be very helpful in the long run. If you don't exercise, your joints become stiffer, your muscles start to lose their strength, and you run the risk of becoming overweight - all things that can contribute to making your pain worse.

Easing into a low-impact exercise routine can combat all of those problems, leading to less overall pain. Not only does it help keep your muscles and joints in better shape, but exercise can also increase your serotonin levels, which as I mentioned above, can help fight pain. Be sure to speak with your doctor, however, before starting a new exercise regiment to make sure that it is something that you can do. Have you tried any natural therapies for dealing with chronic pain? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.

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