Chronic pain affects nearly everyone at some point in life which can be difficult to manage. If you’re interested in reducing your intake of narcotics or NSAIDs, here are some alternative pain relief methods you should know about. While these non-opioid options won’t be the right fit for every person’s condition, you may find it helpful to speak with your doctor about these pain management solutions.
Alternative Pain Relief Methods You Can Try
There are many holistic or functional medicine treatments that can assist in pain management. While these methods may not completely remove the need for prescription medications, they could support your health and possibly reduce the amount of opioids you take. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy, and never stop taking a prescription medication without approval from your doctor.
- Chiropractic Care– can improve joint movement and pressure on the nervous system through spinal alignment and manipulation.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)– can trigger the release of endorphins and block pain signals to the brain.
- Acupuncture– another form of holistic medicine that can encourage the production of feel-good hormones and reduce pain signals.
- Relaxation Techniques– yoga, deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation are just a few examples.
- Massage Therapy– professional massage therapists can deliver deep tissue massages and other therapies for holistic pain management.
- Herbal Remedies– essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove may help with pain and inflammation when applied topically with some aromatherapy benefits as well.
Natural Compounded Medications
One of the specialties here at our compounding pharmacy in Kansas is our compounded pain creams. Most of them are made without narcotics and can support a number of chronic conditions, including arthritis, shingles, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, gout, neuropathy, and many more. Our topical pain relief creams can improve knee, back, and joint pain, as well as muscle spasms and psoriasis. We also offer wound-healing solutions! Compounding personalized formulas allows us to combine multiple ingredients, tailor the dose, and remove unwanted fillers and any potential allergens.
Anti-inflammatory Diet & Supplements
Many autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia and psoriasis are caused by chronic inflammation. This build-up of toxins in the body results in pain and other debilitating symptoms. Prioritizing healthy eating and lifestyle habits can help reduce those symptoms. A diet rich in Omega-3s, antioxidants, and other anti-inflammatory nutrients should include salmon, citrus fruits, leafy greens, mushrooms, tomatoes, olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, ginger, and turmeric. For a potent turmeric supplement, take a look at Curcumin Phytosome. Curcumin is the main active ingredient found in turmeric root extract, providing an immune boost and powerful antioxidant activity and can also improve joint aches and stiffness.
Now that you know more about alternative pain relief methods, learn more about our narcotic-free pain creams and let us know how we can support your pain management efforts. Our compounding pharmacists are ready to help you find a solution that provides targeted relief!
