Pain is a natural and unpleasant sensation that serves as the body's response to a stimulus that can potentially cause harm or has already resulted to tissue damage. Although pain is usually resolved once the stimulus has been removed, it may still be experienced especially when the damage had already occurred. And pain can also arise despite the presence of detectable stimulus, disease or damage. In the United States, pain is the primary reason why people seek medical consultation. Chronic and intensified pain can interfere with how an individual functions and can seriously affect a person’s quality of life.  Sadly, people often resort to pain medications in order to relieve pain – and this does not come without any adverse and side effects.

Experiencing pain can be a symptom of serious health conditions. So it is important to consult your physician before taking any pain medication to clearly determine the cause of pain. As mentioned, pain medications can also have adverse effects to the body. Studies conducted by researchers from Harvard University found that some popular pain medications can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack; this includes the recently banned medication known as Vioxx. Previously, medical experts were only concerned about the effects of oral pain relievers to the stomach and the digestive system. But apparently, pain medications have more side effects than just an upset stomach.

There are numerous ways to naturally relieve different types of pain. These methods primarily target the cause of pain or provide relief by stimulating the brain to reduce the production of chemicals that produces the sensation. Meditation, for  example, has been found by studies to effectively relieve pain. Here are some natural alternatives to pain medications – minus the unwanted side effects, of course.

1. Meditation

   According to the APF or the American Pain Foundation, meditation is a recommended pain management technique especially when pain is accompanied by anxiety or fear. Take time to sit in a comfortable place and focus your mind on a pleasant image like a scenic location or your favorite flower, or simply on your breathing. It will be hard to train your mind to focus on one object especially when you are experiencing chronic pain. If your thoughts wander and you start to think about other things, you can simply draw your mind back to your point of focus. This may be hard to accomplish especially if you are experiencing chronic pain.

2. Heat and Cold Therapy

   Putting a cold compress on the affected areas will help relieve localized pain by numbing the source. This is effective for muscle and joint pains and can also be used to relieve pain caused by burns and minor wounds. Your physician may also advice heat and cold therapy. This is often recommended for people suffering from intense and chronic pain. You can do this by switching the shower from hot to cold. Heat and cold therapy improves the circulation of blood in the body and helps relieve different types of pain.

3. Massage

   Massage therapy helps in relaxing the muscles and in reducing muscular spasm. The American Pain Foundation stated that pain often results to muscle tension. This can be resolved by massage therapy in addition to the other methods of naturally relieving pain. Getting a massage from a licensed therapist also helps promote a feeling of well-being, improve circulation and relieve muscular tension.

4. Acupuncture

   Acupuncture is a traditional healing method that originated in China. The treatment involves the insertion and manipulation of thin needles into the skin. Practitioners of acupuncture claim that the method can effectively treat certain health conditions and relieve pain. Although there hasn't been any significant scientific evidence proving the efficacy of acupuncture, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine said that the method has shown to be an effective means of providing relief for musculoskeletal pain. When resorting to alternative healing methods, it is important to check the credibility of the practitioner before booking a session. You can ask the NCCAA for a list of registered acupuncturists in your area. 

5. Music

   Music affects the mind and soul. According to the APF, listening to music is useful in managing pain. A study involving 200 patients suffering from chronic pain found that music therapy can significantly reduce their levels of pain. You can listen to any of your favorite music during the onset of pain and move your body to the rhythm. Music helps in taking your mind away from the pain and brings your attention to something pleasant.

6. Omega-3

   Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing pain and inflammation associated with health conditions like osteoarthritis, chronic ailments and other chronic diseases. The reason behind omega-3's efficacy in relieving pain lies in its ability to influence the body's production of inflammatory enzymes and the pain associated with inflammation. Increase your body's level of omega-3 fatty acids by eating cold water fishes like tuna, mackerel and salmon. Taking food supplements that contain high levels of omega-3 can also help in reducing and relieving chronic pain.

7. Herbs

   There are natural herbs that helps in relieving pain and which can serve as a healthier alternative to pharmaceutical pain medications. Willow bark, for example, has been used for centuries in relieving the pain caused by childbirth. Today, willow bark is used as a natural remedy for fever, pain and inflammatory health conditions. The herb contains salicilin which is a derivative of the primary ingredient of aspirin. Capsaicin from chili peppers can serve as a natural analgesic by blocking the vanilloid receptor that is responsible for producing localized pain. It is available in cream form which can be applied topically on the affected areas.

   Drinking ginger ale can help reduce pain by blocking the vallinoid receptor through its active ingredient gingerols. Unlike capsaicin that produces a small amount of pain, gingerols result to pain relief without the unpleasant burning sensation. The compound also helps in reducing inflammation by reducing the build-up of platelets. Feverfew has also been found to be effective in relieving pain caused by headaches, migraine and arthritis.

Sources
nlm.nih.gov
webmd.com
ehow.com
ehow.com
livestrong.com
marksdailyapple.com
health.harvard.edu
medicalnewstoday.com