Anti-pain medication is typically the first course of action for pain management, but it is not the best option for all patients since pain medication comes with some risks like leading to chemical dependencies. People with chronic pain often have to seek alternative ways to manage their discomfort to avoid having to take painkillers for the rest of their lives.
Alternative approaches to pain management can be used as standalone treatments or combined with conventional treatments – a practice called complementary medicine. Some of the more popular alternative pain treatments include guided imagery, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, hypnosis, aromatherapy, and activities like yoga. While many of these alternative treatments were once disregarded, strong evidence has emerged in the past decade that indicates they can be an effective approach to pain minimization.
The best solution to chronic pain is identifying its root cause and treating it. Conventional medicine helps to do that in some cases, while alternative treatments like chiropractic adjustments are more effective in other scenarios. Pain medication never addresses the source of a person's pain; it simply masks the discomfort so they can focus on other things. Some of the more popular treatments used in alternative pain management include:
Acupuncture is one of the most recognized procedures used in alternative medicine, with the World Health Organization recognizing it as an effective treatment for over 30 health conditions and an effective pain management tool.
The technique was developed by Chinese doctors in the 16th century and uses needles to stimulate the body’s 14 main meridians to correct imbalances there. Acupuncture is believed to help manage pain by increasing the release of pain-blocking endorphins. Examples of issues acupuncture can provide relief from include lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, tennis elbow, and menstrual cramps.
Chiropractic care aims to address neuromuscular imbalances, helping to reduce pain and addressing their underlying cause. Some of the treatments that fall under chiropractic care include joint manipulation, massage therapy, and physical therapy.
Chiropractic care helps take a holistic approach to addressing pain by improving the performance of the neuromuscular system. It can help to reduce the stress placed on ligaments and joints, helping to treat issues like chronic back pain.
Addressing nutrient imbalances can sometimes be the solution for a patient’s chronic pain. For example, taking chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate supplements can be an effective way to reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knees. Other supplements like fish oil can also help to address inflammation in the body, reducing any pain caused by it.
Chronic pain can be addressed by making changes to a patient's diet. For example, consuming more plant foods reduces inflammation in the body since many plants contain anti-inflammatory agents. Other examples of how dietary changes can alleviate inflammation include low-fat vegetarian diets reducing the intensity of premenstrual symptoms, while people with fibromyalgia benefit from a raw vegetarian diet.
Alternative pain treatments are gentler on your body, and there is no risk of becoming addicted to substances like opiates. Give us a call or visit our Ooltewah clinic to learn more about alternative ways to manage pain.
Request an appointment here: https://spine-chiropractic.com or call Spine Chiropractic at (423) 910-2302 for an appointment in our Ooltewah office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Pain Management in Ooltewah, TN.
Migraine treatment that works can be elusive. If you are a person who suffers from these often debilitating headaches, you are likely familiar with the frustrating search for relief. Many people turn to medications to manage their symptoms, along with a multitude of other approaches. Usually, it is this combination of approaches that finally produces…
Chiropractic professionals often recommend spinal decompression, in coordination with a more extensive treatment plan overall, to help alleviate leg pain. Many patients have reported notable benefits from non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, which are discussed in this review.Spinal decompression is a non-surgical technique that chiropractors use to treat a range of pain-causing conditions (e.g., sciatica). Treatment…
A person has a herniated disc when one of the discs that make up their spine is pushed out of the outer layer called the annulus into the spinal canal due to a rupture or tear in the annulus. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae and these bones are cushioned by small…
Visiting a massage therapist has many physical and mental health benefits. Massage therapists use special techniques to help relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve circulation. Regular massage therapy sessions can improve your overall well-being and quality of life.A massage therapist uses techniques that target muscle knots, tension, and pain. Many individuals experience chronic discomfort…
For those seeking holistic migraine treatment options, chiropractic care may be worth considering as part…
Spinal decompression therapy is a common chiropractic technique that is used to treat a range…
One of the most common causes of a herniated disc is excessive strain on the…
Regular massage therapy sessions can improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
Dry needling is a great treatment to consider when suffering from pain or discomfort.
The field of alternative medicine is vast and encompasses many forms of treatment.
