Chronic pain. It’s more than the occasional acute pain everyone experiences here and there. It’s more than your body’s immediate response to injury or recent surgery. Chronic pain is recurring; it comes back over and over again. It constantly impacts and hinders the everyday lives of those who suffer from it.
This kind of pain comes in various forms and affects millions of people from all walks of life. In fact, if you suffer from chronic pain, you’re one of 50 million individuals in the United States who struggle with this pain on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, countless individuals all over the world are facing the challenges that come with having chronic pain. But, this gives us all the more reason to find helpful and effective solutions!
The Trouble With Pain Meds
For years, medical professionals have done what they could to help those who are dealing with chronic pain. Many have prescribed pain relief medication in order to assist people in working through recurring pain in their bodies.
But, this approach to pain management has proven to be a major problem. Often, pain medication use leads to dependence problems. This happens because individuals use these meds regularly and, eventually, their bodies begin to depend on those drugs for pain relief and comfort.
Sometimes, this substance dependence becomes an abuse problem. Many people have found themselves using more of their medication than advised by their doctors because of the intensity of their pain.
As a result of prescription misuse, individuals can become addicted to their prescription medication. This, in turn, can lead to many challenges in life, including emotional, mental, and physical health problems.
If you’re one of the 50 million individuals suffering from chronic pain, you might be wondering how to avoid or overcome an addiction to prescription pain relief medication. Well, the answer lies in holistic pain management strategies!
About Holistic Pain Treatment
Holistic treatment for pain is basically a type of treatment that doesn’t involve opioid (or any other type of drug) use. It allows people to receive help in managing recurring pain without the possibility of drug dependence, abuse, or addiction.
This approach to treatment is an important one to consider for those who are suffering from chronic pain. Whether are currently searching for a solution to your pain or you have been taking opioid painkillers for years, now is the time to consider treating your pain in a different and healthier way.
10 Holistic Pain Management Strategies
When it comes to dealing with chronic pain, it’s important to know that substance use is not always the best move. Sometimes, it causes serious problems and can do more harm than good.
So, the best way to avoid becoming dependent on prescription meds is to simply avoid using them. While it’s true that not everyone who uses opioid painkillers develops dependence or addiction problems, it’s important to realize that substance use disorders are no respecter of persons.
These issues affect more and more lives every single year. Addiction often develops before people realize what’s happening. So, if you want to avoid this situation, it is best to find an alternate route for treating your chronic pain. And holistic treatment methods can definitely help you with that!
Here are 10 holistic and opioid-free ways to treat recurring pain in your life:
- Acupuncture
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Chiropractic Care
- Physical Therapy
- Massage Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Herbal supplements
- Vitamins
Each of these approaches has proven to be helpful to those who are dealing with chronic pain. The good news? They don’t involve opioid use. Holistic treatment provides people with the help they need in order to deal with the pain that affects them regularly without causing them to addictive and harmful medication. Sounds like a win-win situation!
A Brief Overview of Holistic Treatment Methods
Now, let’s quickly talk about each of the treatment methods we mentioned. With more information about these types of treatment, you can confidently choose the right method for your needs!
Acupuncture: This method of treatment is an age-old process that has been practiced in Asia for thousands of years. During an acupuncture treatment session, small, thin needles are inserted into various areas of the skin. These needles help to stimulate the body’s muscles and nerves. Acupuncture is meant to help relieve pressure and interrupt pain’s effect on the body.
Exercise: Depending on the type of chronic pain you are dealing with, regular exercise may actually help you to alleviate the pain. It can also help you to mentally free yourself from the effects of recurring pain.
Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness Therapy: All three of these methods help individuals to develop strategies for working through pain and overcoming the mental effects of this issue. When people are involved in yoga, mindfulness therapy, or meditation, they are able to calm their nerves and relieve the stress and pressure they may feel. Through healthy relaxation processes, individuals can gain peace of mind and become less impacted by chronic pain.
Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy: Some types of chronic pain, such as recurring neck or back pain, might need attention from chiropractic professionals or physical therapists. It may be helpful to seek help from a chiropractor in order to address and treat recurring pain. Physical therapy can also help to work with the areas of pain. These kinds of treatment can help people to identify and successfully tend to the causes of the pain in their bodies.
Massage Therapy: Most people have experienced soreness and discomfort in their bodies from time to time. Many of these symptoms have been caused by stress and other such issues. Individuals have often found relief as a result of a good massage. Those who deal with chronic pain may also benefit from massage therapy, finding relief from pain through
Herbal Supplements: There is so much healing in natural herbs and vitamins. So, if you’re suffering from chronic pain, it might be a good idea to look into herbal supplements and vitamins that can help to relieve and treat the pain you’re feeling. You may even look into essential oils and other such items that can help!
Getting Treatment for Substance Abuse
If you have found yourself struggling with substance dependence or addiction as a result of pain medication use, there is hope for you here at 1st Step Behavioral Health. We are here to help you overcome the effects of addiction and find true freedom from this problem. Just contact us today by calling (855) 425-4846!
Resources:
https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/pain-management/non-opioid-treatment/