People suffering from chronic pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, back pain, or any other type of chronic pain are always looking for new and improved methods of relief. Chronic pain control can vastly improve the quality of a person’s life. The best methods of pain control are simple, affordable, reliable, accessible, and have limited side effects.
Many times, medication will be prescribed for chronic pain control. Some of it works very well, especially drugs designed for specific types of pain, such as muscle pain or arthritis. Other drugs may not be as efficient, may have dangerous side effects, or may interact adversely with other medications. These are all important issues to consider when developing a pain management program.
Imagine spending every day in pain. Even “taking the edge off” the pain is a welcome relief for many sufferers. Being in pain simply wears a person out, body, mind, and spirit. While some may feel desperate for any form of relief, other sufferers are not as willing to give in to a regimen of pain killers or other medications, especially if medicine needs to be taken indefinitely. There are natural remedies and other drug-free treatments for chronic pain control as well.
Heat therapy, cold therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation or prayer, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and acupressure are some of the drug-free choices for chronic pain control. The ability to reduce stress, and therefore pain caused by tension, using these or other techniques can bring some relief. Cold and hot therapy, or a combination of the two, can ease aches and pains and help distract from painful sensations giving temporary relief.
TENS treatment and other types of muscle stimulation can help treat pain, as can massage. Reflexology is another drug free option for chronic pain control; it addresses points in the hands and feet that are said to be linked to other areas of the body through the nervous system. While some are rather skeptical, others claim to get great relief after reflexology treatments. Chiropractic medicine is also based on touch and promotes the principle that the body experiences less pain and overall better health when it is in proper alignment.
Chronic pain control methods that work over time include vitamin and other supplement regimens, certain types of exercises, and physical therapy. Posture improvement, including the use of corrective braces can also help in some cases, as can the use of other types of support braces. Using corrective or support pillows can also be helpful for some, as they aid in keeping the body aligned properly during sleep.