For most people, the first response to pain is to reach for an over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Paracetamol works by blocking some of the brain’s chemical messengers that alert us to pain. It also affects other messengers to regulate body temperature. Ibuprofen reduces the body’s ability to make prostaglandins, which are the chemicals that promote inflammation, fever, and pain.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen work in different ways and they can be taken separately from each other or, if directed by a doctor, taken together for greater relief from pain and inflammation. Whatever pain medication you take, you should always follow the guidelines in terms of the recommended dosage or the advice of your physician.
But what if you don’t want to take medication? What if you are suffering with chronic pain and you are concerned about taking medication on a regular basis? Is there a way that you can manage the pain without medication?
Medicine-Free Ways to Ease Pain
According to the pain management doctors at KindlyMD, there are ways to ease pain that do not feature medication. In fact, many of the treatments provided by the doctors in this Utah-based pain clinic will focus on alternatives to medicine.
Whether you have acute or chronic pain, there are things that you can do to ease your suffering. For example, if you are in pain due to an injury, try implementing the RICE method to reduce pain and swelling. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Alternating hot and cold on the site of the pain can also help.
Physical therapy is another powerful weapon in the fight against pain. A good physical therapist will be able to show you a variety of moves and exercises that will help to improve strength and ease pain.
Some people find that stretching exercises that include breathwork and meditation such as tai chi, yoga, or Pilates are great when it comes to pain relief. These practices encourage relaxation, which helps to relieve tension, a major cause of pain.
Stress management is also considered to be important for those who want to manage their pain, medicine-free. Because stress can affect how a person perceives pain, it is essential that it can be managed effectively. If certain areas of your life are causing you stress, it is worthwhile finding ways to limit or avoid such situations if possible.
It may not be completely possible to avoid stressful situations though, particularly if you have a demanding job. What you can do in this instance is try to leave work behind at the end of a day and get involved in some enjoyable activities in the evening and at weekends. When you are dealing with stress at work, take measures to limit this by learning some relaxation techniques, such as breathwork or meditation.
The Benefits of Medicine Free Pain Relief
If you can manage your pain without medication, you will enjoy many benefits. Most people don’t realize that regularly taking medicine can cause a variety of side effects. Depending on the strength of the medication, you might find that you are more tired or that you often have an upset stomach. Without this medication, you may have more energy and your digestive system will start to recover. You will also not have to worry about remembering your pills at various times of the day.
Conclusion
If you are dealing with pain, medication is not always necessary and there are a variety of methods you can try to ease your suffering. However, you should be aware that in some instances medication may be the best option, particularly if non-medication treatments are not working.