If you’re one of the millions of Americans struggling with chronic pain, know that you’re not alone. According to the CDC, approximately 20% of adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain. The good news is that there are many options for finding relief, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to find what works for you and stick with it.
While the suggestions below can help manage chronic pain, it is important to remember that it can be a symptom of a more severe underlying condition. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your chronic pain. They can also recommend the most appropriate treatment options and refer you to pain specialists like the Twin Cities Pain Clinic. Additionally, a healthcare professional can guide you on using natural remedies, such as hemp flower or acupuncture. Remember to always consult with a professional before starting any new treatment plan. Doing so can ensure you receive the best possible care and relief from your chronic pain.
Below are five suggestions for managing chronic pain.
Consider hemp flower
Hemp flower comes from the hemp plant and contains a compound called cannabidiol or CBD. Cannabidiol has been shown to potentially relieve various types of chronic pain, including nerve pain, muscle pain, and joint pain. It’s important to note that hemp flower is different from marijuana. It does not contain THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana use. Click here to learn about the use of CBD for chronic pain.
Stay hydrated
This one is important for overall health but is especially crucial if you suffer from chronic pain. Dehydration can cause muscle cramping, headaches, and dizziness, which can worsen your condition. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help your body function at its best and may help to reduce your pain levels.
Use imagery
Imagery is a type of mental visualisation that can be used to provide relief from chronic pain. When using imagery, you focus on a specific image or scene that brings you peace and relaxation. Studies have shown that imagery can be an effective way to manage both acute and chronic pain.
Practice yoga
Yoga involves physical and mental exercises that can help ease chronic pain. The physical component of yoga increases flexibility and range of motion while also strengthening muscles and improving posture, all of which can help to reduce or prevent chronic pain. The mental component of yoga helps relax the mind and ease stress, tension, and anxiety.
Try acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of a traditional system of integrative medicine involving the insertion of fine needles into the skin at specific points on the body. These points are located along energy pathways called meridians. The goal of acupuncture is to restore balance to the flow of energy along these meridians. Another approach is to insert needles into points opposite the area where the pain is experienced. This is based on the principle of counterstimulation, which holds that stimulating one area of the body can help relieve pain in another area. Research shows that acupuncture effectively treats various chronic pain conditions, including migraines, tension headaches, low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and knee pain.
Final thoughts
Managing chronic pain can be a challenge, but there are many things you can do to cope with it safely. Depending on the individual, some methods may work better than others, so it’s important to find what works best for you and stick with it. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you’re taking medication or have underlying health conditions. With perseverance, you’ll find the natural pain relief you need.
