Any pain or discomfort that lasts more than 12 weeks is considered chronic. The limiting factors in critical areas of our lives, including the workplace, relationships, leisure, and self-care, have been associated with constant pain. It is also a common reason behind visits to the doctor, taking time away from work, emotional stress, or drug addiction.
In the last few years, we’ve seen substantial progress in tracing back pain to its biological origins. Furthermore, promising methods for pain management are emerging that do not depend on pharmaceuticals or surgery that is invasive. One of these is the naturopathic approach to medicine.
Treating Chronic Pain Naturally
The starting point for any pain management plan should be discussing the causes of your discomfort with your doctor. Then, consult professionals through the Carespace Health home page or by scheduling a visit with them and ask about alternative therapies that will work with your chosen treatment plan.
Below are a few effective natural remedies for persistent joint pains and muscles, as well as other body areas:
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a procedure where thin needles are inserted in specific sites on the body at varying levels and angles. It is believed that every Acupuncture point may alter the pain sensation in specific body regions.
It’s an excellent treatment for various chronic pain issues, including back, neck, and joint pain like osteoarthritis. Acupuncture is widely available but should only be administered by a professional who is both qualified and certified to do it.
2. Massage Therapy
This is a therapy where the practitioner works on the patient’s muscles and other soft tissues. The pain can be relieved by massaging the affected area in a slow, steady circular motion with bare hands and massage products such as powder, heated oil, and hand cream.
It not only helps to reduce muscle spasms, but it may also help you enter a condition known as the “relaxation response.” This occurs when your breathing and heart rates decrease, your blood pressure drops, and your stress levels reduce.
3. Meditation
Meditation involves focusing on one’s breathing or a mantra to relax the mind. It’s often combined as a way to practice mindfulness, which is being present in every moment.
In easing muscle tension, relaxation can lessen discomfort and keep it from aggravating. It may help your sleep and energy levels, reduce fatigue and tiredness, relieve anxiety, and improve the efficacy of other treatments for pain.
Aside from meditation, psychotherapy is also one solution to relax the mind. Psychotherapy also helps reduce feelings of anxiety. You can search for therapists in the Waterloo area if you need such a service.
4. Chiropractic Care
Professional chiropractic treatment can relieve chronic pain in many instances, mainly when discomfort results from an underlying issue such as osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Chiropractors practice with the belief that the body’s natural healing potential is greatly enhanced when the bones are aligned. This method aims to increase the flexibility of joints and joint flexibility by employing manual therapies like stretching and spine manipulation.
5. Physical Therapy
Evidence suggests that rehabilitation treatments, including exercises and physical therapy, help manage chronic pain. The services have been demonstrated to boost circulation and blood flow, decrease stiffness and retention of fluid, and increase the flexibility of the affected body part as well as strength and function.
Moving and exercising have been shown to lower stress, improve the quality of life and sleep, and prevent or reverse the secondary brain changes linked to chronic pain. If you happen to be around Ontario, a Waterloo physio expert can be called if you need such a service.
Conclusion
Naturopathic medicine treats the causes of pain and not just the symptoms to improve health and prevent illness. Since chronic pain is complex, naturopaths can work with other health experts to help you manage it and reduce its effect on your daily life. However, visiting a doctor before beginning any therapy plan is highly recommended.
