At one point or another, all of us have had a fall or injury that caused us to suffer some degree of acute pain. However, while pain is usually relieved once the trauma or source of the pain is resolved, chronic pain is a growing problem in our country. A report by the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine found that 100 million Americans – over 40 percent of the adult population — suffers with pain that has lasted longer than three to six months. Not only does this pain cost people their quality of life, it costs this nation nearly $635 billion dollars each year. According to the report, this cost is more than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined.

 

The typical approach for treating long-term pain is to turn to one or more daily medications in order to dull the pain and “make it through the day.” Exercise and activities that were previously enjoyed grind to a halt because it hurts to move. The pain becomes like a prison.

 

In recent years considerable research has supported several natural approaches that help manage, as well as resolve, chronic pain. Here is a list of some of the most effective natural pain treatments.

 

1. Chiropractic Care. As a chiropractor for 30 years I have dealt with many people who have suffered chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, even foot pain. Helping people get out of pain and restore their quality of life is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I will forever remember the day when I treated an elderly woman who had suffered with daily headaches for over 3 years. As I was treating her cervical spine, she excitingly exclaimed that her headache went away! She gave me such a big hug and started crying tears of joy. After that visit, she continued to improve and no longer suffered chronic headaches.

 

Chiropractic care helps by restoring mobility and function to the spine, while also relieving pressure on nerves, which can cause chronic pain and muscle tension. Chiropractic care can also help with other issues, including a weakened immune system. There have been many studies published in a variety of medical journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association, Spine and the British Medical Journal that have shown the effectiveness of chiropractic care for reducing pain and restoring physical function.

 

2. Exercise. It might seem like the last thing someone with chronic pain may want to do, but there is more and more evidence showing that exercise is at the top of the list for improving chronic pain. In a 2008 Consumer Reports reader survey, over 14,000 respondents ranked exercise at the top of the list for pain relief. According to James Rainville, a spine and rehabilitation specialist at New England Baptist Hospital, exercise is like a “magic bullet” for pain. He suggests people with chronic low back pain continue Core strengthening exercises are some of the best exercises to help relieve low back pain, with plank position being considered the No. 1 core stabilization exercise. Other top exercises to help build core muscles include: the Cat and Cow, rowing, Supermans, as well as the bicycle floor exercise to strengthen abdominal muscles. If you have not been exercising, it is best to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

 

3. Reduce Inflammation. Chronic inflammation is at the root of much chronic pain. Fibromyalgia, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis or any other condition that ends in “-itis” is basically inflammation. Many factors are believed to contribute to chronic inflammation, but the Standard American Diet (SAD) that consists of processed foods, packaged foods, sugar, trans fats and fast foods is thought to be the biggest culprit. Another common cause of inflammation are foods containing gluten, dairy, soy and artificial sweeteners. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet – one consisting of “real” food such as vegetables, fruits, lean meats, nuts and seeds – often helps relieve chronic pain.

 

4. Supplements. There are some supplements known to help in reducing inflammation. These supplements can be a great tool in your toolbox for combating chronic pain. Enzymes such as amylase and bromelain, found in raw foods or supplements, have been shown to help improve joint mobility while also reducing pain and inflammation in the muscle. Herbs such as turmeric, ginger and boswellia are also helpful in reducing inflammation. Good sources of Omega 3 fats, such as flax seed, chia seeds, unsalted nuts and good quality fish oils, can also help.

 

If you have questions about chronic pain, or would like more information on an anti-inflammatory diet, please email me at pathwaysth@gmail.com and put “Pain” in the subject line.