Whether it’s acute, chronic, nociceptive, radicular, or neuropathic, every human being has experienced some type of pain in their life. This is why people are able to gauge their tolerance level for pain; some would say that they have a high tolerance, while others easily flinch when they experience pain.
Pain is also one of the reasons why people visit healthcare professionals. This is because no one wants to constantly experience it. Due to this, there are already many ways to manage pain, regardless if it’s through the use of medical innovations or natural remedies.
If you’re experiencing pain right now and want to save a trip to the doctor, you can try these ways to manage pain:
CBD
One of the rising ways of managing pain is through Cannabidiol (CBD). Even though it’s sourced from the marijuana plant, users shouldn’t worry about getting the side-effects associated with cannabis, that is, the ‘high’ feeling. This is because the cannabinoid (the chemical compound in the cannabis plant) that causes such feeling is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
The reason why CBD has become more popular in managing pain is due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties. The positive results of CBD in pain treatment have been hailed anecdotally and studies have also shown positive results as justification. Hence, there are already many CBD-based products that aim to target pain in the body, such as CBD balm for pain relief.
Here are some types of pain that CBD may manage:
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis and other joint-related pain
- Migraine
- The side-effects of cancer treatment
Eat Healthier Meals
Eating a healthy diet or being meticulous with your meal plans will not only help you manage your weight but may also help you relieve your pains. Consuming foods like whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats may keep your body strong by boosting your defenses against pain.
Additionally, incorporating a diet that’s rich in omega-3, like salmon, may mitigate inflammatory pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The compounds found in broccoli and spinach may also help ease the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
To help you determine the types of food you need to incorporate in your meal plans, it’s always best to seek professional advice.
Exercise
In addition to eating the right types of food to stay healthy and fit, performing light to moderate exercises is also one of the ways to manage pain. This may seem counterintuitive since pain may prevent you from performing exercises. However, if you succumb to this feeling, your muscles will get weaker, which, in turn, will worsen the pain you’re feeling.
As a solution, try to do 30 minutes of aerobic exercises, such as cycling or walking. Doing so will release endorphins, which is a hormone found in the body that’ll decrease your perception of pain. If both cycling and walking seem difficult for you, try asking your doctor about other alternatives. If your body permits, you can also try doing some strength exercises and a couple of stretches, like yoga—both of which will also strengthen your muscles.
Hot/Cold Therapies
Both hot and cold therapies are perhaps the first resort when it comes to managing pain. Not only are both therapies accessible and convenient, but there’s also a scientific explanation behind them.
By applying heat, you’ll be able to soothe stiff joints and relax your muscles, which is likewise perfect for cramps and arthritis. On the other hand, a cold compress will reduce inflammation and sharp pain, which is ideal for injury-related pain.
Distract Yourself
Pain, regardless of its severity, will always impede your daily routines. However, paying attention to it will only make it worse. That’s why many people decide to distract themselves from the symptoms so they’ll feel less pain.
The power of distraction, in relation to managing pain, lies in its capability to inhibit incoming pain signals traveling up to the spinal cord then received by the brain. This being said, try to distract yourself in the following ways:
- Read a book
- Learn to play sports that don’t involve rigorous movement
- Cooking
- Doing crossword puzzles
Remember, even though you can’t fully control the pain you’re feeling, you may still lessen its intensity by distracting yourself.
Conclusion: Talk To Your Doctor
Sudden experiences of pain shouldn’t be neglected since it may be a symptom of something worse. Hence, if you feel any type of pain, always consult your doctor. In addition to practicing the tips above, your doctor may also prescribe over-the-counter medicines to help manage your pain. Also, they can find the root cause of the pain you’re feeling, hence tackling it down to its roots, which may result in the complete elimination of pain.
