Chronic pain can be caused by injury or illness and can range from ongoing discomfort to debilitating pain. Living with chronic pain can be extremely difficult, both physically and mentally. If you are experiencing chronic pain, the first step you need to take is to identify the pain source. Depending on the underlying cause, the pain may be relieved through a specific surgery or treatment.
Regardless of the cause of the pain or the treatment path you choose, you will need to be under the care of a physician every step of the way. Even if you choose non-western methods like CBD, acupuncture, or chiropractic care, you want to work in conjunction with your physician’s treatment course.
Don’t Wait
Many people will wait until the pain is debilitating before they get help because they think they can handle it or they believe the pain needs to be worse in order to be treated — two very risky assumptions. Learning to manage the pain before it becomes debilitating can prevent it from progressing depending on the pain’s underlying cause. As counselors from West Hollywood recovery center can attest to, many of their patients fighting addiction started with pain or injury that caused chronic pain. In recent years, the opioid epidemic highlighted the problems in the healthcare system that led to mass reliance on opioid pain killers. While narcotics have a role in healthcare and pain relief, utilizing those drugs for chronic pain leads to addiction.
There are pain relief drugs that can be used for people living with chronic pain that are safer options for those in recovery or those aware of the risks. These medications are collectively referred to as Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) and include medications like Suboxone. While there are still risks, the use of suboxone coincides with ongoing counseling. It is critical to do your research with so many pharmaceutical options to understand your options and what is being suggested fully.
Try alternative options.
If you are uncomfortable taking prescription pain killers regularly, many alternative options may relieve the pain. CBD oil has demonstrated effective for reducing pain for many people. Pain relief CBD is an all-natural option that can diminish or eliminate your pain when taken regularly. It’s not like a pain killer that will act immediately. It is like a supplement that needs to be taken regularly to create a consistent presence in your body. Looseness in CBD regulations vary, so it’s vital to choose a reputable company like Sera Labs that utilizes independent labs to guarantee their products’ quality.
Acupuncture has been used throughout Eastern culture for thousands of years as a means of pain relief. Acupuncture is performed by inserting small needles to access nerve points in the body. When the needle is placed correctly, it will cause the body to release endorphins, a natural pain-relieving chemical found in the body. Acupuncture can also impact the brain’s parts that control serotonin levels, which directly impact your mood.
Chiropractic care can also alleviate pain by giving the body proper alignment. While a misalignment may not be the source of the pain, misalignments put pressure on different body areas that may exacerbate pain. Chiropractic treatment can make adjustments in the body that help it function properly and heal itself. While chiropractic care’s effectiveness depends on the root cause of the pain, it can be highly effective.
Get Support
Chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety, and drug addiction. Getting support, regardless of the path you choose to manage your pain, is vital. There are support groups for people living with chronic pain and other ailments causing or related to chronic pain. Build a strong support group comprised of family and friends to be there for you when you are struggling.
