If you suffer from chronic pain, you might feel hopeless when it comes to finding relief. Many sufferers try different medications only to find they cause a number of side effects, or they don't actually work. Fortunately, there are natural pain relief alternatives that can help. Whether you have chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, or another painful condition, you might want to give these pain relief alternatives a try.
- Herbal remedies — You will want to check with your doctor first, but many pain sufferers find relief with herbal remedies. Omega-3 fish oil supplements and spices like turmeric and ginger may reduce inflammation in the body and relieve pain. These are easy to add into your daily routine without much effort or cost.
- Breathing exercises — To manage your symptoms, you can start with a few simple breathing exercises. Breathing exercises can actually lessen your perception of pain. There are a few different counting techniques used, but most focus on deep inhales through your nose, holding your breath, and long exhales through your mouth.
- Yoga — Aside from helping with stress and anxiety, yoga increases flexibility and builds strength, which can help with pain management. Start with a gentle yoga class or do a few stretches and poses at home to see what works for you. As you become more comfortable, you can add on to your routine.
- Massage — Known to boost levels of endorphins and serotonin, massage may reduce stress hormone levels and aid in pain relief. Aside from feeling good, massage may work at a deeper level to reduce inflammation. Be sure to find a reputable masseuse that can safely work on your painful areas.
- Milkweed Balm — As a natural alternative to medication, Milkweed Balm can be massaged to help soothe muscles. The anti-inflammatory ingredients and antioxidants found in milkweed seed may help promote bone, joint, and muscle health. Since it's natural, you can apply as needed throughout the day.
Depending on your diagnosis, you may not completely eliminate the pain you're in, but you can dramatically reduce it by taking care of your body and mind. After checking in with your doctor, try some of these natural alternatives for pain relief. You may even find that combining a few will make a big difference.