Exploring Pain Relief without Pills

While many people who suffer from pain want to find relief, they are not necessarily comfortable with the idea of taking a pain pill. Pain medication can be highly addictive and as we all know, all medication run the risk of side effects.

Thank goodness pain pills are not the only method for managing pain. Numerous alternatives exist, which can assist the pain sufferer in finding relief and living life to the fullest. It's important to keep in mind that there is no one fix-all therapy - each body is unique and will react differently to various pain therapy methods. Some methods may be inappropriate or require combining with other methods to bring about wellness in an individual. It's also important to factor in your medical condition and history.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has been found to be very effective in some patients regarding management of their pain. Physical therapy is useful in empowering people to take control of their lives and their bodies. Patients learn how to deal with pain on a day-to-day basis, as well as improve their strength and range of motion. With a little bit of knowledge, patients also learn how to make wise decisions about lifestyle activities and diet, which can help in controlling the pain or preventing flare-ups.

For some conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, physical therapy may increase inflammation in the affected areas to a certain extent and so this needs to be addressed through medicine. However, physical therapy in addition to medicine can be a powerful duo in managing the pain. The most positive outcome in treatment through physical therapy is to find a licensed therapist who understands and has experience regarding your condition.

Acupuncture
If managing pain with needles sounds like the last thing you would want to try, think again. Acupuncture is an ancient pain relief method practiced for thousands of years. Originating in China, the traditional practice uses needles which are pierced through the body's skin in specific areas to improve, they believe, the flow of energy through the body. Some Western scientists believe the therapy may stimulate the release of chemicals, which either soothe pain or can prompt the body's natural healing.

While tests conducted by the National Institutes of Health have not been totally conclusive in their findings, many physicians still see its value, which often lies in the patient's faith in the procedure. "I think it can work for anybody, but it's going to work for people who believe in it," said Hayes Wilson, MD, chief rheumatologist, Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.

Those taking blood thinners or who suffer from a bleeding disorder should avoid treatments such as acupuncture. Patients should also use caution regarding the dangers inherent in using needles, such as the spread of infectious disease, piercing of organs, or broken or forgotten needles.

Exercise
The idea that exercise may increase pain is a common assumption by those who suffer from chronic pain. Movement can be uncomfortable and even hurt. However, not exercising may actually worsen the condition.
Those who avoid exercise to avoid hurting themselves, may be doing just the opposite. An inactive body is a body that is going to degenerate. Muscle degeneration can then lead to additional problems, such as diminishing bone density, depression, and a weakened heart.

On the other hand, a regular exercise routine helps to keep joints flexible, and enables people to deal with their pain, especially arthritic pain. An extra plus is that exercise releases mood-enhancing chemicals in the body that help diminish the perception of pain.

For those who suffer with arthritic pain, three types of exercise are recommended. Flexibility workouts involve stretching that can improve range of motion. Aerobic workouts, such as walking or water exercises, can be very effective in handling a chronic condition and improving flexibility while decreasing inflammation. Strength conditioning is also an effective exercise regime.

Prior to starting exercise, it's important to speak with your doctor and consider what types of exercise would be most appropriate for your condition. A trained fitness professional can also assist you in learning the correct form and appropriate level of effort for your exercise.