Chronic pain is a real problem that can prevent people from enjoying their lives. While medications can help ease symptoms, they do not address the underlying issue. A Chirocare Centre Edmonton area, however, can greatly improve the condition of your chronic pain.
There are many natural ways to relieve chronic pain. These include exercise, massage, and chiropractic care. They are safer than taking ibuprofen, which can cause gastric bleeding and liver problems.
1. Exercise
When it comes to pain, exercise is a great weapon in your arsenal. Studies show that a minimal investment in your body’s health can reap real dividends, decreasing symptoms of arthritis, low back pain and fibromyalgia.
It stimulates the body to release chemicals called endorphins, which are natural painkillers that help block out pain signals from reaching the brain. Regular exercise also builds muscle strength and increases flexibility, which can reduce pain in the long run.
The key to success is to start slow and gradually increase the amount of time you spend moving around each week, while taking it easy on days when your pain is more intense. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least three or five times a week, along with stretching exercises to help with muscle stiffness and pain.
If you have trouble motivating yourself, try exercising with a friend or joining a gym with group classes, such as yoga, dance, or pilates. Another good idea is to sign up for a class that incorporates strength training into the mix, which can also help ease pain by increasing your muscle strength and joint stability.
Other forms of low-impact cardiovascular exercise, such as swimming or water aerobics, can also help decrease pain and stiffness, especially when combined with stretching exercises. And, of course, walking is a safe and effective way to get some aerobic exercise. It’s a great option for people with mobility issues, as it can be done just about anywhere, with no equipment required.
Some experts believe that chiropractic treatment may also lessen the need for pain medications. A large 2020 study found that adults who saw a chiropractor along with their primary care doctor were less likely to have prescriptions filled for opioid pain relievers than those who only saw their doctor.
If you’re experiencing neck pain from sitting for long periods or poor posture, a chiropractor can ease the strain on your muscles by re-aligning your spine and releasing tight muscles. They can also treat other musculoskeletal conditions such as headaches and migraines, shoulder and neck pain, hamstring injuries, herniated discs and soft tissue damage.
2. Massage
When you suffer from chronic pain, your body never turns off the pain signals to the brain. This constant transmission of pain can cause your muscles to tighten and create a vicious cycle of increased pain and reduced mobility. Massage therapy helps to break this cycle and improves your ability to function.
Studies have shown that massage can help to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. It also boosts the immune system and helps your body to better manage inflammation and fatigue. Massage also increases blood flow which can remove toxins from the body, thereby helping to eliminate some of the causes of chronic pain.
The type of massage you receive and the amount of pressure applied can be a crucial factor for your pain relief. If you have certain conditions like fibromyalgia, you may only be able to handle light pressure. For this reason, we recommend that you speak with your therapist about what kind of pressure you prefer or are comfortable with.
Depending on the severity of your pain, you might want to consider receiving a deep tissue or trigger point massage. Both of these treatments have been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain by releasing tight muscles and decreasing the number of painful trigger points.
In one study, people who received a 60-minute therapeutic massage two to three times per week for four weeks reported less pain than those who did not receive any massage therapy. Additionally, a study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that people with hand pain experienced less pain and had improved grip strength after receiving four weekly hand massages.
Another type of treatment that is beneficial for chronic pain relief is chiropractic care. This is a hands-on technique in which a trained specialist (chiropractor) manipulates the musculoskeletal structure, especially the spine, to increase physical movement and decrease pain symptoms.
A meta-analysis of 30 studies found that chiropractic manipulation significantly reduced musculoskeletal pain and enhanced the health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of people with musculoskeletal pain. It also decreased the need for medications to treat the pain and depression.
3. Diet
Whether you are suffering from chronic back pain, neck or headaches, an integrated pain management physician will provide many treatments and options for your pain relief. These may include acupuncture, physical therapy or prescription medication. However, there is one essential lifestyle habit that every patient should follow to prevent pain flare-ups: eating a nutritious diet.
Research shows that eating a balanced diet that is low in processed foods can drastically reduce chronic pain symptoms. In addition, consuming enough water is also vital for pain management. Water helps to eliminate toxins from the body and improves muscle function, including movement. It also increases the effectiveness of the body’s natural painkillers, which are called endorphins.
A diet high in protein will also help reduce chronic pain. This is because proteins are the building blocks of many important compounds that are involved in pain relief, such as Dopamine and Seratonin. Protein-rich foods can be found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy and nuts.
Eating plenty of vegetables will also help reduce chronic pain. Several studies show that a plant-based diet is effective at reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. Inflammation is a major contributor to musculoskeletal pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. By decreasing the amount of inflammation in the body, a person can reduce or even eliminate pain.
Another method of reducing pain is to use an electrical nerve stimulation machine, which uses thin needles to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This technique can be used on a specific area of the body or all over the entire body to relieve pain and promote relaxation.
Patients should always speak to their chiropractor before attempting any of these methods for pain relief, as they might not be safe for everyone. In particular, psychological and physical approaches to pain may not be safe for patients with certain health conditions or medications that are being taken. It is also important to note that these modalities only mask the pain and do not address the cause of the pain, so it is likely to return as soon as the drugs wear off.
4. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is a non-invasive healthcare practice that alleviates pain by aligning the spine and nervous system. Its core philosophy is that a healthy spine promotes wellness. The practice also teaches patients healthy diet and lifestyle habits. Unlike medication, which covers up symptoms and can cause adverse side effects, chiropractic aims to eliminate the root of the problem.
Studies have shown that spinal manipulation can improve back pain and function in people with chronic low back pain, a condition known as degenerative disc disease. It can also relieve myofascial pain in the neck and upper back, as well as help treat conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
A chiropractor can use a variety of treatment methods to address pain. They may recommend natural relaxation techniques, such as massage, to reduce stress and ease muscle tension that contributes to pain. They can also provide electrical stimulation to the nerves, which interrupts pain signals being sent to the brain. Another treatment is acupuncture, in which needles are placed on specific points around the body to relieve pain and promote healing.
In addition to manual spinal manipulation, chiropractic can also offer other treatments for joint and connective tissue pain, such as rehabilitative exercise, stretching exercises, and nutritional and lifestyle advice. They can even teach you how to improve your posture and avoid positions that can lead to spinal misalignment, such as forward head translation or slouching.
Many people experience mild discomfort and muscle soreness after a chiropractic adjustment. However, these feelings typically subside within 24 hours. Some patients experience permanent relief from chronic pain after several sessions.
If you have a painful condition, a Doylestown chiropractor can help. The experienced professionals at Dennis Family Chiropractic and Wellness can provide a comprehensive, safe, and effective pain management plan that includes chiropractic adjustments and other complementary therapies.
It’s time to stop living with chronic pain. Contact a Doylestown chiropractor today to learn more about how they can help you find relief without medications or surgery. Their goal is to help you heal naturally so your pain becomes a memory, not a daily reality.
