Struggling with severe pain from an injury or something health-related is something you wish you didn’t have to go through. You may try to find joy in the little things with pain, but sometimes it’s difficult to make it through the day.
First of all, don’t give up. There are many treatments available. Secondly, if you prefer not to take opioids, various options may work better for you.
Here are some of the best forms of pain relief other than opioids. Who knows — many or one treatment, in particular, may lessen your pain!
Table of Contents
1. Find a Support Group
Dealing with chronic pain can take its toll on you. You may or may not live with sympathetic people who understand what you’re going through. But, even if you have people there, you may want to look into finding a support group you can check in with.
There are in-person groups, or, if you’d prefer, you can join a few groups online or on Facebook. Knowing you’re not alone can ease the mental pain that comes along with the physical pain.
When you have a trying day, check-in with your group and let them know. Chances are they’ll have tips on what you can do to feel better and give you hope that you’ll make it through.
2. Turn to Nature
Turning to nature is another way to get through those rough days. If you’re unable to walk and go on a hike, try sitting in nature and soak it up. You can journal how you’re feeling or soak up some sunshine. Either way, it’s a little thing that offers endless benefits.
Sunshine also gives you vitamin D, which reduces pain and depression. There are still studies on-going on how vitamin D can act as a natural pain treatment. But no doubt, being outside can make you feel better and focus on the things you’re thankful for in life.
3. Take Tumeric
Many people use turmeric either in their food or take it in supplement form, or both.
If you’ve had curry, turmeric is the spice that makes it yellow. Plus, it complements the curry with its excellent flavor!
Turmeric has curcumin, which is an antioxidant that fends off harmful molecules. It also is powerful in that it reduces inflammation in your body.
There’s inflammation at the source of where you’re in pain, so naturally, turmeric helps with this. It eases pain in various conditions, from cancer to stomach ulcers.
It may work for you too, so why not give it a try!
4. Do Dry Heat Therapy
Many people find that there’s a reduction in pain while doing dry heat therapy. You can do dry heat therapy by applying a heat pack, heat patch or sit on a heated cushion.
Other options include an electric heating pad. A heating pad can stay at the desired temperature for however long you want it to.
However, don’t keep it on your skin too long, or you’ll dry it out! You also don’t want to get burned! Always read the directions first before applying an electric heating pad so you don’t hurt your skin.
5. Try Marijuana
Marijuana is another way to manage your pain. At first thought, you may not have considered marijuana as an effective way to treat pain. But more and more studies show that it can make one feel better.
Interestingly enough, marijuana and opioids are both analgesics. That means they both block pain that originates from your nervous system and brain. But unlike opioids, marijuana has no withdrawal symptoms and can improve your quality of life.
As I mentioned, many studies show that marijuana has excellent potential for pain management.
Many people have turned to using marjiana to help with pain. As a result, some have cut back or no longer take opioids.
Marijuana and other natural treatments mentioned in this article are excellent alternatives to taking opioids!
Conclusion
If you struggle with chronic pain, know that you’re not alone. Dealing with physical pain is not only challenging, but often it results in mental distress. It’s hard to deal with pain, especially on a day-to-day basis.
Hopefully, the above non-opioid treatments and tips will help your pain. In addition, many people have had promising results from marijuana to dry heat therapy.
Work with your doctor on a treatment plan that works best for you. And have a support group who can be there for you when you’re going through a rough patch.
You’ve got this!
Read Also: 5 Helpful Methods of Modern Pain Management