Severe pain management can be quite difficult when not on medication. Alternate therapy involves procedures which are in contrast to the procedures normally used to treat a condition. Chronic pain is often administered through the use of opioids. The problem with opioids is that they are addictive and contribute to an average of over 100 deaths on a daily basis in the country alone. Its overuse is a strict no-no and people are looking for alternate therapy measures to rid themselves or manage their pain. Alternate therapy allows for the application of a variety of disciplines. These include the likes of biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage, and guided imagery, among many others. Here are a few of the best alternative therapies you should try for severe pain management.
Mind-body therapies
Mind-body therapies are significant when it comes to shaping the ability of the mind to affect the symptoms and functions of the body. These therapy methods use several different approaches which include the likes of guided imagery, meditation, relaxing techniques, hypnosis, and biofeedback. These techniques could go a long way in alleviating discomfort and providing for severe pain management.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most effective approaches to severe pain management. This treatment procedure is said to be able to cure up to 30 diseases or conditions! Chronic pain relief is one of them. Sixteenth-century doctors in China believed that illnesses are caused due to an imbalance of energy present within the body. Disposable stainless steel needles are used to stimulate the 14 major meridians in the body during an acupuncture therapy session. The imbalances in the body are corrected using this procedure to overcome or resist illness. This procedure reduces pain by increasing the release of endorphins, known to block pain.
Massage
The number of people turning toward massage to relieve themselves of neck problems or a chronic backache is increasing by each passing day. Massage is performed on the body to relieve stress and reduce tension by enhancing blood flow. It also reduces the presence of factors that may sustain or generate pain as a whole. Chiropractic procedures help greatly when it comes to managing back pain.
Reiki healing and therapeutic touch
Reiki healing and therapeutic touch are procedures which activate the process of self-healing within individuals and help in severe pain management. These techniques are energy based and require a strong connection between patient and practitioner as well as a close physical presence. These procedures help to reduce anxiety and ease the pain, thereby leading to a general improvement in health and a clear conscience.
Following a balanced diet
While there needs to be further research conducted on this, there are many people who believe that maintaining a diet which keeps a watch on the fat intake or consuming plant-based foods can help to treat pain. They help to ease the pain by limiting inflammation. Dietary changes coupled with exercise and weight loss is said to be beneficial in people suffering osteoarthritis. Another study concluded that maintaining a low-fat vegetarian diet was instrumental in decreasing the pain and duration of premenstrual symptoms in women.
Herbal remedies
Many people in the country are trying new herbal remedies to alleviate their pain. Herbs have been used over the years to manage pain. While it is difficult to assume the extent to which herbs may be able to cure you of your pain, they do help to a significant extent in certain cases. However, it is always better to consult a doctor before taking it. Some herbal treatments may not suit you while others may interact with other medications you are taking and create further complications.
Managing severe pain can prove to be quite the task at times. Nevertheless, abstain from the use of opioids or other addiction-stimulating substances. You can also opt for a mix of medication and alternative therapy if the pain is too severe to handle. At times, the best that you can do for yourself is to take your mind off feeling the pain. It is easier said than done but it is vital in keeping your mind healthy and off something you cannot control directly. It is important to exercise, move around, read a book, and take part in any other activity to distract your mind and keep yourself in good stead. Mind-body therapies have taken shape to great effect over the last decade. Severe pain management is never easy; however, implementing some of the techniques mentioned above will prove to be beneficial.
