9 Natural Alternatives to Prescription Painkillers
Pain isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Due to the increasing opioid epidemic, it’s important for your doctor to find alternatives to prescription painkillers. Opiate addiction is a dangerous risk for many patients. If your pain can be managed in other ways, you could skip the prescription medication and give some of the following methods a try.
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Natural Pain Killers
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that relieves pain by balancing the body’s energy pathways. This flow of natural energy is often referred to as qi (pronounced CHEE). An acupuncturist will stick tiny needles into your skin that’s not as painful as it sounds.
The insertion locates the source of the pain and its natural energy pathways. The needle may be placed away from the source of the pain. Acupuncture relieves pain by allowing your body to release serotonin, a chemical that instantly makes you feel good as it releases the pain.
Chiropractic Care
A chiropractor is a professional who performs adjustments to relieve pain. The doctor will manipulate your spine or other parts of your body to properly align it. This will almost instantly relieve you of your pain. Most major health insurance companies will only cover so many chiropractic visits per year. For lasting relief, you need regular appointments to prevent the pain from returning.
White Willow Bark
White willow bark is sometimes referred to as nature’s aspirin. It reduces inflammation, the cause for most aches and pains. The bark of the white willow contains the chemical salicin, which is similar to the main ingredient in aspirin products.
Some people prefer to chew willow bark, while others grind the bark into a powder for use in tea. You can also take willow bark as a liquid supplement or in capsule form. However, willow bark contains the same side effects as aspirin, such as upset stomach, slowing down your kidneys, and prolonged bleeding. It should only be digested by adults, as advised by your doctor.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers are perfect for nerve pain such as a pinched nerve located in the neck. These peppers contain an ingredient called capsaicin that’s found in most pain relievers. You don’t have to eat several chili peppers to get the benefits of this wonderful chemical. You can purchase capsaicin in most natural pain relievers and products over the counter, online, and at many health supply stores.
Massage Therapy
A licensed massage therapist can help you locate the source of your pain and temporarily relieve it. Once you describe your pain, they can help you determine a type of massage that can alleviate the pain, especially if the pain is located in the muscle or deep tissue. You will have to make repeat visits to keep the pain at bay. Like acupuncture and chiropractic care, massage therapy also releases the dopamine-stimulating endorphins and improves your body function.
Exercise
It’s not easy to exercise when you’re in pain, but this one of the most natural and effective alternatives to painkillers. Going for a gentle walk or practicing yoga can give your body some relief. Exercise can improve your overall health and well-being due to the endorphins that are being released in your brain when you move.
Studies show that moderate, low-impact exercise is great for those with chronic pain. It can improve your mobility and quality of life. Exercises like yoga can relieve back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions. If you can’t exercise on your own, schedule a physical therapy session for regular pain management.
Heat and Ice
Heat and ice are one of the most simple and natural alternatives to painkillers. Apply heat and ice only to the sites of pain. While this treatment may seem obvious, not everyone understands when to use heat or ice.
Use ice to reduce swelling and inflammation after you strain a tendon, ligament, or muscle. Once the inflammation goes away, use heat to reduce the stiffness associated with most sprains and strains. Moist heat can also help with arthritis and most types of joint pain.
Cold ice packs can be used directly on the head to relieve a headache or a migraine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to use heat or ice to relieve pain.
Over-the-Counter Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter drug that’s most commonly known as Tylenol. This medicine can be effective to treat pain. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, 325mg of acetaminophen taken with 200mg of ibuprofen provided more pain relief than opioid drugs for patients with tooth extractions. Plus, it’s safer to use, unlike these dangerous painkillers.
Turmeric
Turmeric has become one of the most popular spices in the health food industry. It’s the spice that gives curry its bright yellow color and flavor. It also contains the ingredient curcumin, which protects your body from free radical molecules that damage your cells and tissues. People love to use turmeric in their food and drinks to reduce inflammation associated with their chronic pain.
Be careful when it comes to managing your pain. These natural methods are not only effective when it comes to relieving pain but that doesn’t mean that they will work for you. Give a few of these alternative methods or over-the-counter medications a try before you turn to prescription solutions. Ongoing pain can also indicate that you have a serious health condition that needs further medical evaluation.
