Chiropractic adjustments, massage, exercise and neutraceutical remedies can play a key rolehelp with pain management and prevention. Pain, both chronic and acute, can unpleasantly interfere with one's daily living, and if not treated, can negatively affect the pain sufferer's well-being.
Many people rely on conventional medications to treat pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil, and acetaminophen, or Tylenol, are common, over-the-counter pain relievers. These medications can be successful in treating pain in the short-term, but often have undesirable side effects, and pain sufferers may want to seek alternative forms of pain relief.
Chiropractic treatment, massage, exercise and neutraceutical remedies can all play a key role in helping with pain management and prevention. Chiropractic adjustments can be a good non-surgical treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic pain. As with massage therapists, it is important to seek out the services of a licensed, professionally certified chiropractor.
Exercise and Pain Relief and Prevention
Exercise can help ease or decrease chronic pain. Keeping one's muscles
toned through regular, gentle movements will prevent them from
deteriorating and becoming weak. A weak muscle is a potentially painful
muscle, so it's important to keep muscles strong and flexible. Back
pain is one of the most common types of muscular discomfort. Back
pain exercises involve exercise of not only the back muscles, but also
of those muscles that support the back, such as the abdomen and thighs.
A good chiropractor can recommend a variety of
simple and appropriate exercises that can be easily performed at home.
Massage Helps Relieve Muscular Pain
Massage
can have many benefits for those suffering with chronic or temporary
pain. A massage will increase blood flow to sore, stiff joints and
muscles, which are then warmed by the extra circulation. A massage is
very soothing and relaxing, and this in itself can help to ease pain by
releasing endorphins to the brain. Pain sufferers seeking to explore
massage therapy should ensure that the massage therapist chosen is
professionally certified before undergoing treatment.
Chiropractic Treatment Can Reduce Pain by Realigning the Spinal Column
Many
pain sufferers seek out the services of a chiropractor because of
chronic back and neck pain. Chiropractors focus on spinal manipulation
(adjustment of the spine) as a means of correcting spinal joint
restrictions and relieving pain, treating disc injuries, relieving
stress on the associated discs and nerves, improving alignment and
posture, which in turn helps to alleviate pain.
Various Neutraceuticals (Herbs and Supplements) Can Provide Pain Relief
There
are many herbal remedies on the market for pain sufferers who want an
alternative to pharmaceutical painkillers. A few of the more common
herbal remedies include:
- Turmeric - Turmeric has long been used as an herbal remedy in both the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. Curcumin is the compound in turmeric that is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may aid in pain relief.
- Feverfew - Feverfew, traditionally used for treating fevers, is also used as an herbal pain reliever, providing relief for arthritis, migraine and menstrual pain.
- Bromelain - Commonly used as a digestive enzyme, bromelain also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, which can help provide pain relief for arthritis, inflammation and joint pain.
- White Willow Bark - The natural basis for aspirin, white willow bark is still commonly used to treat many pain conditions, such as back pain, joint pain, fever, flu, and osteoarthritis. Many people use white willow bark as an alternative to aspirin because it is less irritating to the stomach.
Natural versus Conventional Medicine
The
natural pain relieving treatments mentioned above are not meant to
completely replace conventional medicine, as both have their uses when
it comes to pain management. A combination of both alternative and
conventional medicine is a good way to get the best of both worlds. A
family physician should always be consulted before undergoing any kind
of medical treatment.