Life is full of unexpected accidents. People become ill or hurt, and these unfortunate events can result in pain associated with both the mind and body. Here is a list of things that have a potential to relieve some of the pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.
1. Spices
A natural pain relief that can be found in the kitchen pantry are everyday spices with anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is a spice that contains the chemical curcumin. Curcumin supplements can be used to treat arthritis pain. Although the spice can be used in foods, it is traditionally made into a paste form to apply on the skin to strains and any area with bothersome arthritis pain. Cayenne pepper can be used as a natural pain relief to treat back pain and arthritis by decreasing pain sensitivity. The spice contains a chemical known as capsaicin that is capable of dulling pain receptors causing a tingling sensation.
2. Herbs
With a similar chemical composition as aspirin, willow bark is an herb that can help ease the pain of inflammation. Traditionally, it was used to provide pain relief for general pain and fevers by chewing the willow bark itself. It can now be found as a dry herb to brew in tea or in a capsule to swallow. Willow bark has been found to treat a variety of aches and pains such as headaches, lower back pain, and osteoarthritis.
3. Movement
Many injuries can be caused by overuse of a muscle or joint. However, routine exercise is a vital component to preventing and treating arthritis pain. Doing such exercises as cardiovascular, strength training and flexibility can improve an individual’s pain threshold. Not only is one’s pain threshold improved, but exercise can help ease the pain of arthritis by simply participating in moderate exercise of 20-30 minutes, at least three times a week. Exercises that have been shown to provide pain relief include, walking, water aerobics, dancing, or yoga.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It works to ease pain by balancing energy pathways within the body. Long, slender needles are inserted into the skin to trigger serotonin to release, which in turn reduces pain. Although the needles are inserted to help relieve a certain location of pain, the needles may be inserted in an entirely different area on the body. JAMA Internal Medicine recently found that acupuncture can help ease the pain of osteoarthritis, migraines and other areas of chronic pain.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils are derived from roots and stems of plants to provide fragrance. Certain fragrances can help to ease pain associated with muscle tension, inflammation, neuropathy, headaches and so much more. When inhaling the vapours of lavender essential oil it can ease muscle tension and reduce stress and anxiety, which at times can be the source of other pain conditions. Chamomile essential oil is effective for lower back, muscle, and headache pain. The oil is typically mixed with lavender to provide both pain relief and anti-inflammatory responses from the body.
6. Heat Therapy
By using an electric heating pad, taking a hot bath or applying a hot water bottle an individual can reduce pain significantly. Heat promotes increased oxygen and nutrients to the painful area, blocking pain signals to the brain. Wearing such items as a heat wrap can provide the best heat therapy by giving a constant low heat setting for many hours while also giving increased mobility.
7. Massage Therapy
While it helps lower stress and promote relaxation, it can lower an individuals perception of pain. A massage on the painful areas of the body help generate blood flow to help heal soft tissues within the body. Therapeutic massage can also release endorphins to signal more relaxation and less muscle, tendon and ligament pain.
8. Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be obtained simply by soaking up the sun. Research suggests a daily value of 400 to 800 IU’s to reduce pain. Studies have found that individuals who experience chronic lower back pain had significantly lower levels of vitamin D. Just an average of 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure can help produce vitamin D to help lower chronic pain.
9. Water
It is recommend to have at least 8 glasses of water a day. However, many people are not drinking enough water to hydrate themselves. By staying well hydrated an individual can reduce muscle stiffness by carrying oxygen to organs and tissues in the body while simultaneously flushing toxins out of tissue.
10. Sleep More
While it is recommended to get eight hours of sleep a night, many individuals do not find the time to get enough sleep. Studies have shown that sleeping longer can decrease pain sensitivity. When an individual does not get enough hours of sleep their pain may actually worsen due to being moody, cranky or depressed. It is believed that by sleeping more one can decrease inflammation and pain.
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