20+ Fun Facts about Natural Chronic Pain Relief: Does it Really Work?
With the growing interest in alternative medicine, integrative medicine, or functional medicine, you might be asking questions like “Does natural chronic pain relief really work?”, “What are some natural methods to manage pain?”, or “Which is the best natural painkiller?”
In today’s blog post, I figured it would be exciting to share with you some fun facts about alternative pain management and how it has been helping people who are suffering with chronic pain.
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Are alternative medicine practices safe?
Going natural is every health and wellness enthusiast’s dream. But I also understand that before getting into something new, you want to make sure it’s safe for you and your family.
Here are seven (7) facts I gathered to answer your question:
Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2,500 years now to restore balance in the body. Because it is believed that the flow of energy in the body, also known as “chi”, if disrupted, is what causes pain.
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Practitioners believe that the body has a natural ability to heal itself. Misalignments in the spine can cause pain and affect the function of the nervous system so chiropractors use a controlled force to restore proper alignment.
Naturopathy focuses on herbal supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. It promotes prevention and natural chronic pain relief through the healing power of nature, finding the root cause of the disease, and treating the whole person.
"Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis" by Vickers et al., published in 2018, found that acupuncture is associated with a significant reduction in chronic pain like lower back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis.
"Evidence-Based Diagnosis and Treatment of the Painful Sacroiliac Joint" by Schofferman and Bogduk, published in 2019, found that chiropractic care may be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with lower back pain. It also states that chiropractic care was associated with fewer adverse events compared to treatments like medication or injection therapy.
"Integrative Therapies for Pain Management in the Context of the Opioid Use Disorder Epidemic: Proceedings of a Workshop" published in 2019, found that naturopathic treatments, such as herbal supplements and acupuncture, have amazing results in managing conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic headaches.
Acupuncture and chiropractic care are generally considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. Do note that some people may experience minor side effects when using this as a natural chronic pain relief. Expect some soreness or bruising at the area treated.
Which is the best natural painkiller?
From the fun facts about natural chronic pain shared above, you might now be asking which one is the best painkiller so far? My answer is that it really depends on your specific needs and condition.
Here are additional facts to further answer your question and help you find the perfect match for you:
Naturopathy emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet, exercise, and stress reduction in managing health concerns like chronic pain.
Mind-body practices, including mindfulness meditation and tai chi, have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, thereby improving the symptoms of chronic pain conditions.
Acupuncture and chiropractic care are covered by several insurance plans.
Chiropractic care is a natural chronic pain relief that specializes in treating nerve compression, such as sciatica and herniated discs.
Naturopathic treatments may be beneficial in managing inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins - these are natural painkillers produced by the body.
How do alternative medicine practices compare to conventional medical treatments for chronic pain?
Now that you have the answer to which is the best natural chronic pain relief, the next question might be which is better or more effective. Below are five (5) facts to help you compare alternative management with conventional medical treatments:
Acupuncture showed significant results on conditions that are difficult to manage with conventional medical treatments like fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain.
Alternative medicine practices were seen to have fewer side effects than prescription medications. Some people have difficulty tolerating certain drugs.
Many researchers observed that alternative medicine practices are more personalized and holistic as they often take on the process by considering factors such as diet, lifestyle, and emotional well-being.
Alternative medicine practices may actually help reduce dependency on opioid pain medications - these are noticed to be addictive and have serious side effects.
Some alternative medicine practices for chronic pain are more affordable and accessible than conventional medical treatments.
What are the potential risks and benefits of combining alternative medicine practices with conventional medical treatments?
Can you combine natural chronic pain relief with conventional medicine treatments? This is the role of integrative medicine guided by a qualified healthcare professional. There are instances where patients get to experience both acupuncture and physical therapy to manage pain.
Here are three (3) fun facts to help you further understand:
Some studies recommend combining conventional medical treatments and alternative medicine practices for increased efficacy rate in managing chronic pain versus getting either approach alone.
Naturopathic treatments, such as herbal supplements and dietary changes, may interact with prescription medications, so it’s recommended to speak to your physician before adding them to your routine.
Combined natural chronic pain relief and medical treatments allows the patient to experience a patient-centered care approach as they are focused on the unique needs, health history, lifestyle, and preferences.
Some hospitals and medical centers are now practicing integrated medicine programs to treat patients and help them achieve overall health and wellness. For example, the Cleveland Clinic has a specific center where they offer acupuncture, massage, and other alternative therapies.
Conclusion: Holistic Pain Management
At any point, an overactive nervous system can reach its tip and begin the cycle of chronic symptoms. These symptoms appear out of the blue and some examples include fibromyalgia, lupus, neuralgia, foot, knee and joint pain.
Our nervous system is exceptionally plastic, which means it can pick up habits like pain so easily. Some of these chronic pain symptoms may last for 3 months or more. The more the nervous system "practices" activating a certain symptom, the easier it becomes to activate it again and again.
The facts stated in this blog post about natural chronic pain relief may serve as your guide in deciding which approach you’d want to move forward to. Overall, your health and wellbeing really lies in your hands. Whether you take the natural or conventional method or you’d avail both, what happens next depends on you.
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Optimize Your Overall Health and Wellness TODAY!
No need for NEW fitness gears. No worries about setting aside additional TIME or ENERGY. Just incorporate these with your EXISTING routines or swap them with your OLD HABITS.
