3 Alternative Therapies for Relieving Chronic Pain
According to figures from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), between a third and one-half of the UK population are affected by chronic pain. For most people suffering from chronic pain, medications are prescribed to help manage symptoms. However, these can often lead to side effects, a build-up of toxicity within the body, and for some, allergic reactions.
As a result, many go in search of alternative therapies that can complement their current pain management strategies and carry fewer risks. In this article, we will explore three of these alternative therapies in more detail.
This is a collaborative post.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for centuries to help treat a variety of ailments related to the body and mind. Today, they are commonly used to alleviate pain and many studies have been carried out to confirm their efficacy in this area. The following essential oils are often used to reduce chronic pain:
- Lavender oil: Known for its ability to soothe and relax, lavender may also offer pain relief due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint contains a number of active compounds that are effective in relieving pain, including menthol and limonene. It acts as an analgesic and also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic benefits which can help to ease muscle tension, spasms, and aches.
- Bergamot oil: Findings from a 2015 study showed this oil to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain, often the result of health conditions that affect the central nervous system, such as peripheral neuropathy.
Other oils that are typically used to relieve pain include wintergreen oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, and Roman chamomile oil.
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage can be beneficial for relieving pain in a number of ways. It can help release painful muscle tensions and tightness, stimulate blood flow to affected areas such as the lower back, and help to increase range of motion.
The benefits of therapeutic massage for reducing pain can also be confirmed by studies such as those that demonstrated a reduction in hand pain and an enhancement in handgrip strength in individuals who underwent four weekly hand massage sessions and practised self-massage at home.
Foods
Certain foods have been found to contain pain-relieving properties, providing people with a natural way to manage their symptoms. This includes the following foods:
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it effective for treating conditions such as arthritis and migraines. Studies have found turmeric, or Curcuma domestica, to be as effective as ibuprofen for managing pain when treating knee osteoarthritis over the course of four weeks.
- Ginger: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it helpful for reducing pain in conditions such as arthritis and treating muscle soreness.
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne peppers contain the active compound capsaicin, which is thought to help bring pain relief by depleting a chemical known as Substance P, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting pain signals through the body.
Other foods thought to have pain-relieving properties due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or soothing effects include spinach, cherries, and fatty fish.
You may find benefits by incorporating these suggestions into your current pain management strategy.
