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Natural home remedy treatments for chronic pain syndrome

When chronic pain drags us down, then we are desperate to find relief. In the United States of America, chronic pain affects 1 in 5 people, which makes it impossible for them to enjoy their family and social time and work their professions [1]. If you suffer from chronic pain, then your body has not turned off the pain messages to your brain even though the original source of pain may be gone. This pain can be linked with conditions such as arthritis, sprain, or other injury or to any number of more elusive causes. There are many medications that you can use for your treatment. But talk with your doctor before you use these treatments in your daily diet.

15 Natural treatments for chronic pain syndrome

Meditation

This natural cure can quell the pain. There are some people who get anxious about thinking about meditation, but they do not know this will help them. This treatment is not scripted. While you get the instructions for mediation, also you can look up approaches and follow instructions. There was one study in which participated 109 people who suffered from chronic pain to either a mindfulness meditation program or a waitlist and found that those who did the meditation got relief from the chronic pain syndrome [2]. Also, they have noticed lower depression and anxiety and a better mental quality of life compared to people who did not use meditation.

Ginger

There are more studies in which is said that this home remedy can help with muscle and joint pain because it has phytochemicals that can help to stop the inflammation [3]. There are few side effects related to ginger when it has been taken in small doses.

Turmeric

Turmeric is also known as Curcuma longa. This is basically a root. It is often found in spicy foods, and it is very used in Indian cooking. There are many studies in which is shown that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which can help in the treatment of chronic pain syndrome. There were some studies in which researchers tested a combination of turmeric with 2 other substances – bromelain and claw on people who suffer from osteoarthritis, and they have noticed relief from the pain in them. Also, these patients took 2 * 650-milligram capsules either 2 or 3 times per day [4].

Willow bark

This natural cure has been used for thousands of years in many different cultures to reduce inflammation and pain [5]. This is a very powerful painkilling herb that is used to treat arthritis, back pain, and inflammatory conditions such as tendinitis and bursitis. This natural cure has an active ingredient – salicin, which was the first element used in the 1800s to develop aspirin. This natural cure does not work as quickly as aspirin, but it has longer–lasting benefits, and they do not cause harmful side effects.

Skullcap

Skullcap is native to North America. It has been used for more than 200 years as a natural treatment for pain, convulsions, nervous tension, and anxiety. Also, the Chinese skullcap, which is similar to a slightly different herb, can be used to treat headaches, inflammation, infections, allergies, and even cancer. These two are very powerful herbs that people who suffer from chronic pain can use to calm their nerves and get relief from the pain in a natural way.

Heat therapy

Cold and heat therapy are very powerful natural treatments for getting relief from chronic pain. When you use a hot Epsom salt bath, then it relaxes your mind, and it changes the nervous input from your body to your brain. When you use ice, then it can decrease the inflammation locally. The key to successful natural treatment with these two is to know when to use which. If you have an acute injury, then you should put ice on it right away. If you twist your ankle and it is swollen and painful, and if you use heat in this situation, it will increase the blood flow, and it increases the swelling. But when you have lingering back spasms, then the heat will be the best natural treatment for this situation. Some doctors are recommending to take a warm shower and massaging your back or neck, or whatever body part hurts, under the warm water.

chronic pain syndrome natural treatments

Valerian

Valerian is also a very effective natural treatment for getting relief from chronic pain. Valerian is often used as sleeping aid due to its ability to promote relaxation, and also it is very useful for easing psychological stress and anxiety, which are often responsible for exacerbating or causing chronic pain. This natural cure can also treat menstrual pain, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and depression. [6]

Fish oil

This natural cure has anti-inflammatory properties, which can give you relief from the inflammation in the chronic pain syndrome. There was one study in which people who suffered from neck or back pain used 1200 milligrams of fish oil supplements with docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid. After 75 days on fish oil, more than half of the 125 patients who reported back said that they had stopped their pain without using their prescription medicines. [7]

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is an element that is found in chili peppers. It can be a very effective natural treatment for getting relief from pain. This element work by depleting substance P, which is a compound that conveys the pain sensations from the peripheral to the central nervous system [8].

Feverfew

This natural cure has been used for centuries to treat toothaches, stomachaches, and headaches. Also, this home remedy is used for rheumatoid arthritis and migraines. There should be done a lot more studies in the future about the effectiveness of this natural cure, but in past studies, this herb has not been associated with serious side effects. It has mild side effects such as irritation and canker sores on your lips and tongue. Pregnant women should not use feverfew as their natural treatment for chronic pain syndrome.

Devil’s claw

There are some studies that are done in South Africa, and it has been shown that it is effective in managing lower back pain and arthritis, but there should be a lot more studies in the future [9]. Side effects of this home remedy are very rare if it is taken as a therapeutic dose in the short term. It is not recommended for people who suffer from intestinal or stomach ulcers or gallstones to use it. Also, pregnant women should not use it.

Exercise

Many doctors are saying that people who exercise and maintain a good aerobic condition will improve the most pain conditions. When we work out, then our bodies produce their own versions of painkillers, such as endorphins which are hormones that increase your pain threshold.  These hormones interact with the brain receptors, and they can change our perception of pain. When patients are saying that they have too much pain to exercise, then doctors recommend them to start slowly and to do even a little burst of walking or other activity. Also, there was another study in which was said that exercise was moderately effective for the treatment of chronic pain.

Magnesium

In many natural treatments, magnesium takes the first place. This is a powerful treatment for both nerve and muscle pain. It has been shown to balance levels of a brain chemical which is known as NMDA that is responsible for transmitting pain throughout your nervous system. Magnesium deficiency is also one of the most common causes of pain. When you take magnesium supplements, then it can improve the pain symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the proper dosage of magnesium.

Kava kava

It is a known fact that Pacific Islanders have long utilized this natural cure to unwind and relax after a long day. Kava kava is also known as intoxicating pepper. This natural cure is also very effective at relaxing muscles, easing nerves, reducing anxiety, and subduing pain. It has a synergetic ability to promote restfulness both physically and mentally. This means it can be extremely helpful in overcoming chronic pain, especially when this type of pain has a psychological component.

Vitamin D

There are many studies in which is said that Vitamin D deficiency is linked to a host of chronic illnesses in which is included chronic pain. There was one study in 2009 in which is said that patients who have Vitamin D deficiency require almost twice as many pain medications as patients with adequate levels, and it illustrated an inverse relationship between pain and Vitamin D levels [10]. One of the best natural treatments you need to overcome chronic pain is the regular exposure of your skin to natural sunlight and supplementing it with Vitamin D.

References:

[1] Dueñas M, Ojeda B, Salazar A, et al. A review of chronic pain impact on patients, their social environment and the health care system. Journal of Pain Research. 2016;9:457-67.

[2] la Cour P, Petersen M. Effects of mindfulness meditation on chronic pain: a randomized controlled trial. Pain Medicine. 2015;16(4):641-52.

[3] Lakhan SE, Ford CT, Tepper D. Zingiberaceae extracts for pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Journal. 2015;14:50.

[4] Conrozier T, Mathieu P, Bonjean M, et al. A complex of three natural anti-inflammatory agents provides relief of osteoarthritis pain. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2014;20(Suppl1):32-7.

[5] Shara M, Stohs SJ. Efficacy and safety of white willow bark (salix alba) extracts. Phytotherapy Research. 2015;29(8):1112-6.

[6] Zare A, Khaksar Z, Sobhani Z, Amini M. Analgesic effect of valerian root and turnip extracts. World Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2018;7(3):345-350.

[7] Maroon JC, Bost JW. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain. Surgical Neurology. 2006;65(4):326-31.

[8] Anand P, Bley K. Topical capsaicin for pain management: therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of the new high-concentration capsaicin 8% patch. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2011;107(4):490-502.

[9] Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2006;12(10):981-93.

[10] Mayo Clinic. Inadequate Vitamin D levels linked to high use Of narcotic medication by patients in chronic pain. 2009. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090320112114.htm.

Hanan Marshal
Hanan Marshal
Hanan, a medical student (MBBS) having passion for writing and is very much interested in holistic living along with nature. He is very much interested in doing community service and watches anime and play PS4 during his free time. You can reach him through [email protected]

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