Waking up with chronic pain is one of the worst feelings in the world and something that will certainly turn your day into an awful experience. That is why many people do everything they can to relieve pain. However, be careful which ways you choose and, instead of using synthetic and unhealthy products, focus on some of these natural solutions.
A New Diet
Depending on the type of pain, you might find a combination of certain foods helpful. On the one hand, some experts suggest that sugar can have a positive effect on your pain and provide you with a sense of enjoyment and relief. That is why items that are generally frowned upon – chocolate, cookies, ice cream, etc. – can be of assistance as they distract your mind and serve as a natural painkiller.
On the other hand, some people prefer healthier choices and do not feel comfortable letting sugar control their pain. Due to that, they opt for natural pain-relieving foods such as honey, salmon, citrus fruits and ginger. The last, for example, is great for relieving menstrual pains, a 2009 study shows, and is something to consider on a regular basis.
Exercise Properly and Carefully
While physical activity is thought to be the cause of chronic pain, it is actually the other way around. Proper exercising can relieve your pain, leave you less stressed and make your muscles stronger and more durable so that further pain does not appear. However, when choosing the type of workout, you need to be extra careful and pick the things that you know will not cause more pain.
When it comes to back pain, for example, only a set of controlled exercises, introduced and proceeded with gradually, will nurture your back. Whether the pain is located in your spinal disks, muscles, ligaments or soft tissue, a combination of slow exercises, stretches and yoga positions will be useful.
Heal Your Mind and Your Body
Over the past decade or two, medical marijuana has been gaining more and more attention as a pain reliever and people have noticed its numerous positive features and health benefits. It is also featured more prominently in the media, from commercials and PSAs to movies and TV shows – even The Simpsons built one of its episodes around it!
Because of this, a greater deal of people have started to learn about strains and consider cannabis one of the things that helps them the most. According to a 2015 study, it showed good results with patients who suffer from chronic pain and muscle spasm. Of course, it is entirely up to you which weed strains you use and how you process them – when it comes to pain, results matter, not how you get there.
A Needle that Relieves Pain
Acupuncture, a traditional medical approach originating from China, is one of the best things to reach for when in pain. It includes a huge number of tiny and thin needles that are inserted into the painful part of the body, as well as heat and pressure treatments. When speaking of back or muscle pain, acupuncture is the thing to look for, proves a 2012 study.
One of the best things about acupuncture is that is has almost zero side effects and leaves no permanent marks on your organs. Naturally, some things cannot be avoided, but the most common side effects are generally considered positive – acupuncture will, in addition to pain relief, provide you more sleep, less stress, mental clarity and better digestion.
Other Ideas
Besides these, you can try other ideas pain-relieving experts suggest, such as spending time in the open, meditation and massage. Depending on how severe your pain is, even a combination of several might be necessary.