Whenever someone says that they’re in pain or that they have a headache, our typical response is to take a pain reliever or some sort of medicine. However there are good and bad effects of medication, as well as complications of medications that interact with other medicines. For example, you shouldn’t take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen when you are on a blood thinner like Coumadin, due to their ability to increase your risk for bleeding. Similarly NSAIDs should not be be used if you are taking a blood pressure medication as well due to their risk of raising your blood pressure even higher.
Nothing against pain relievers, sometimes you just need them after a headache has knocked you down or the night before still has you literally on the floor. But did you know that there are alternatives to pain relievers? Here are some of our favorites.
TENS
Okay, so what on earth is a TENS unit?
A TENS, or more formally known as a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, allows electrical stimulation to pulse along the skin/nerve endings and stimulate endorphins. Essentially a low voltage of electrical current runs through the pads connected to the TENS device which you will feel when placed on you.
So what does this mean for you?
If the TENS unit is stimulating endorphins (which are like your body’s own pain relievers) then your body is stimulated to relieve the pain itself—without medicine. Sound too fancy, like only Tony Stark could aquire one? Wrong. One word. AMAZON. It’s no secret we love amazon, they provide many different kinds of products and for a reasonable price. Our favorite is this one: TENS 7000 2nd Edition DIgital
How do I use it?
Each device will come with directions but the general concept is to place the electrodes on the skin in the area of pain and turn the machine on to a setting that is tolerable. The one thing that should be said about TENS is that it is typically for chronic pain that continues on through most of the day, as the TENS unit only activates your body to produce more endorphins when the device is on. While this makes it sound like you could just have it on all day, our bodies adapt to the sensation and it will no longer be effective. Most efficient use of a TENS is for chronic pain set to an alternating setting (such as on for 10 seconds off for 2 minutes) worn during times of activities that cause discomfort or typically trigger the onset of the pain.
Heat
What do I need?
There are many different options when it comes to heat so there is definitely something for everyone. One option is an electric heating pad for a larger area of pain, such as your back or neck. Another option is a microwavable hot pack. These come in a variety of sizes and usually have a moldable inside such as beans or rice in order to curve to the area that you want to heat. Whatever your preference, heat is a great pain reliever.
These are two of our favorite!
How do I use it?
To treat aches and muscle pains, place a heating pad on the affected area with something in between your skin and the actual heat. Even if you love the burn, make sure to listen to your body if you are seeing redness or irritation of your skin—your heating pad may be too hot.
So how does heat help?
Heat encourages blood flow to injured or swollen tissue such as muscles and tendons which promotes healing. Heat can help sore and tight muscles to relax as well as reduce joint stiffness such as pain associated from arthritis.
CBD Oils
So what is it?
CBD, otherwise known as Cannabidiol, is one of many compounds in the cannabis or hemp plant. I know what you’re thinking, but it isn’t the one that causes a “high”. The “high” comes from THC (tetrahydrocannabidiol) which although is the most active compound in the marijuana plant, it is not the only compound. The CBD compound has it’s own set of medicinal purposes but without the psychotropic effects of THC.
How does it work?
Our bodies already produce certain cannabiniods known as endocannabinoids which are neurotransmitters that are affected by CBD. The purpose of the use of CBD oil is to encourage the body to produce more on it’s own. Endocannabinoids in our bodies affect appetite, pain, mood and other functions and can be affected by the introduction of CBD oil.
What does this mean for you?
Research is still in the early stages for the many benefits of CBD oil, but the most notorious of it’s many benefits is it’s ability to reduce chronic pain. Just like any other pain alleviation everyone responds differently and therefore is not a guarantee, however it is a viable option due to it’s limited side effects. Over the counter drugs come with a long list of side effects, but CBD oil’s current known side effect is to increase tiredness. This is likely due to the endocannacinoids affect on sleep as well as appetite and pain.
Okay, where and how do I try this?
Don’t just take our word. If there was a way to relieve your pain and you’ve tried everything else – why not try CBD oil? You can get it online and the recommendations will be listed with the bottle. The typical method of use is to drop the recommended dosage underneath your tongue for upto 90 seconds to have more immediate effects. Although some forms are meant to be applied to the skin, or topically. Read the instructions that come with your CBD oil for best results. Not into the oil, try the tablets!
Stretching
How does stretching reduce pain?
Although stretching alone may not alleviate pain, stretching on a regular basis has been shown to elongate muscles and reduce injuries. During stretching it is important to take your time and to never cause yourself pain from stretching…the idea is to prevent pain, not cause it! Consistent stretching improves range of motion in your body as well as increases circulation to your joints and muscles.
How do I do it?
Depending on where your pain is will determine your specific stretching regimen, however having a general stretching routine is never a bad idea as we age.
TRY THIS!
Start in a seated position with your feet on the floor and arms by your side.
Slowly remove your back from the chair so that you are no longer resting against the chair.
Reach your arms over your head and extend them as far as they will go holding for no more than a few seconds.
Lower your arms down to the floor to touch your toes.
Slowly roll your body back up to a seated position.
Repeat a few times.
This is a very simple stretching routine which only takes a few minutes but imagine what a specific routine for your low back pain could do?! Having chronic neck pain? We are very quick to take a pain reliever but what about seeing a physical therapist? Physical therapists evaluate total body and determine appropriate routines, stretches, and exercises beneficial for you to implement into your daily routines based on your complaints of pain. If you are having chronic pain, you are not alone. Talk to your doctor about seeing a physical therapist to reduce pain and prevent further injuries.
The information you need . . . Straight Up!