Image Source

Recent years have seen the long-overdue recognition by medical professionals that chronic pain is a unique illness deserving of its own attention. A staggering 50 million Americans experience chronic pain, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, pelvic floor dysfunction, migraines, backaches, and osteoporosis. While pharmaceuticals like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and opioids help treat acute pain, they frequently fail to offer significant relief for chronic pain. Additionally, opioids may exacerbate existing problems rather than alleviate them. Fortunately, numerous nonpharmacological treatments and approaches are now available to relieve chronic pain and enable people to rediscover the joy in life.

To Manage Pain, We Must Understand It.

The body naturally produces pain as a signal in reaction to numerous stimuli. Changes in pressure, chemical balance, or temperature result in these stimuli. Such modifications activate the immune system, which releases inflammatory chemicals that alarm the brain and the individual. When the brain notices these altered sensations, it immediately shifts attention to the damaged region. The brain produces feelings frequently sensed by the body as “pain” to promote behavioral changes.

People who experience chronic pain must opt for alternative therapies to address the root causes of their suffering. Among these, functional medicine is gaining popularity for its all-encompassing strategy for enhancing general health and well-being. Organizations like the institute of functional medicine (IFM) are at the forefront of promoting and educating healthcare professionals about this integrative approach.

Now that we understand how pain develops in the body and the alterations it brings, let’s talk about how you can effectively manage it. This article highlights five alternative treatments that are safe, non-addictive, and backed by science.

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture, obtained from the traditional Chinese medication (TCM), has a rich history traversing millennia. A skilled acupuncturist inserts thin needles into specific body points as part of this ancient practice. The goal is to rebalance or stimulate the flow of chi, the vital energy thought to keep the body healthy and working as it should. Western medical theory claims acupuncture needles primarily affect the central nervous system, causing chemical reactions that facilitate recovery.

Several studies have examined the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating chronic pain, and they have repeatedly shown its efficacy and long-lasting benefits beyond simply placebo effects. In addition, the procedure is widely regarded as safe. It has effectively treated illnesses like endometriosis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic back pain, and joint pain.

2. Mindfulness

More than just a catchphrase, mindfulness is a technique with deep roots in Eastern cultural traditions of ancient meditation. In recent years, mainstream medicine has gradually incorporated mindfulness to improve the care of particular illnesses. Moreover, mindfulness offers many scientifically proven advantages by teaching how to develop an attentive awareness of the body, connecting with the environment, and encouraging a calm state of mind. These include a decrease in tension, relief from chronic pain, and even an improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The goal of mindfulness training in the context of chronic pain management is to examine and alter one’s perceptions of and responses to pain. Numerous studies have shown that an eight-week mindfulness program can reduce pain’s frequency, sensitivity, and even general unpleasantness. However, it’s crucial to understand that this does not indicate that pain is only a psychological phenomenon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have shown that mindfulness training can significantly alter how the brain processes pain. In addition, inflammatory bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disorders, lower back pain, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms have been significantly improved by practicing mindfulness.

3. Chiropractor Therapy

Those who vigorously support chiropractic treatment firmly believe in its efficacy. To improve the range of motion, physical function, and alignment, the spine and occasionally other body parts are moved during this hands-on therapy. Chiropractic professionals firmly believe that adjusting the spine relieves pressure on the central nervous system, which improves the body’s natural healing processes and lessens chronic pain. Numerous visits may be necessary for chiropractic sessions. Thankfully, most insurance policies pay for this procedure. A chiropractor will adjust the patient seated or lying on a table during a session. Following a session, feeling a little uncomfortable or exhausted for a few days is typical, comparable to the feelings experienced after an intense workout.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A well-established form of talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can assist in the management of chronic pain in addition to addressing psychological issues. CBT allows people to recognize and replace harmful thoughts with more positive ones. As a result, patients learn to effectively manage their discomfort by shifting their focus and perspective. It reduces pain’s perceived intensity and prevents a negative feedback loop formation.

Numerous studies have shown that CBT helps reduce the signs and symptoms of headaches, joint pain, and chronic back pain. For example, those who got CBT with yoga and breathing exercises for three months experienced persistent pain reduction even one year later in a significant trial, including over 1,000 people receiving long-term opioid treatment for chronic pain. They also noticed an improvement in the quality of their sleep and their capacity to carry out daily activities.

5. Biofeedback

Biofeedback is becoming increasingly popular as a method for treating chronic pain. It entails using specialized tools to track physiological reactions in real time, enabling people to become conscious of and exert control over typical unconscious biological functions. Through biofeedback, patients can learn to control their physical and mental responses, such as pulse, muscle pressure, and skin temperature. As a result, by actively participating in one’s recovery, chronic pain can be lessened in intensity and impact.

Body-worn sensors gather information for biofeedback, which is subsequently shown on a monitor or communicated through audio signals. This feedback can be helpful for patients to watch and understand how their bodies and pain levels are related. With the aid of a qualified practitioner, people can also learn methods like deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and visualization to manage their physiological reactions. As a result, patients may progressively regain control over their bodies, which can lessen chronic pain symptoms.

Conclusion

People are increasingly looking for alternatives to standard medication-based therapies as the drawbacks and risks of those methods become more apparent due to the complexity of chronic pain. Instead, these methods offer several routes to pain alleviation and enhanced well-being, from acupuncture and mindfulness to chiropractic treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy. Although each modality follows its rules, they aim to address the underlying causes of pain, encourage self-awareness, and enable people to participate in their healing actively.