Managing Chronic Pain Naturally: Alternative Therapies and Lifestyle Changes

Unfortunately, as you age, certain conditions that cause chronic pain, like arthritis, become increasingly more common. While you should of course discuss these conditions with your doctor, it can be hard to manage pain on pain medication alone. Luckily, there are many other ways to help manage pain.

Of course, medical solutions and advice of your doctor should still be heeded, continue reading to learn some other methods to possibly ease your pain. First, we will discuss some of the alternative therapies available, then we will discuss some lifestyle changes you should consider—so strap in and let’s go!

Alternative Therapies to Help With Chronic Pain

First and foremost, there are many alternative therapies that can help you manage chronic pain. Know that some of these therapies can be expensive, so be sure you look at costs or check with your health insurance provider before booking.

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the more expensive alternative remedies, but it is one of the ones that has the most proof of working. Acupuncture is the practice of a doctor placing small needles in certain areas of your body. These areas are chosen based on your specific needs and pains.

These needles stimulate that area of the nervous system, forcing your body to release stress hormones (all at once instead of constantly) while also stimulating your body to release hormones that help with cell repair. Acupuncture isn’t an exact science, but there are cases where it has been proven to help lower chronic pain and inflammation. Results do vary, however, so discuss with your doctor before booking.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy isn’t just for when you have an injury. In fact, regular physical therapy can help relieve pain caused by repetitive stress injuries, arthritis, and more. It might seem silly to some, but regular physical therapy can help strengthen muscles, taking the pressure off your bones and joints.

Physical therapy can be for anyone, at any age, even if you’re in a wheelchair, just be sure you find a provider that suits your needs!

3. Massage Therapy

Similar to acupuncture, regular massage therapy can help release muscular tension, which puts pressure on your joints. It can also help release endorphins, which lower stress and make you feel happier. Massage therapy is less invasive than acupuncture, but it is also less targeted and therefore may not help relieve chronic pain for everyone. It is, however, a good pain management solution for individuals, no matter their level of physical ability.

4. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can help with chronic pain in the same way as massage therapy, and generally can be slightly more targeted for those with specific issues. Like acupuncture, chiropractic care isn’t an exact science, and while it does help a lot of people, it may not help all individuals.

We find chiropractic care helps most when you are still mobile. If you are wheelchair bound it is better to look into physical therapy or massage therapy.

Lifestyle Changes to Help with Chronic Pain

Although alternative therapies can go a long way on their own, many help best when paired with lifestyle changes. While it can be difficult to apply everything listed below to your own life, even just implementing one or two can make a huge difference.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

Fatty and salty foods like fries and burgers are tasty, but these foods can cause inflammation in your body. Inflammation is one of the biggest causes of chronic pain. Now we aren’t saying you need to quit fried food entirely, but even cutting back can go a long way when it comes to chronic pain.

Consider batch meal prepping and planning to ensure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs.

2. Try Yoga or Tai Chi

Both yoga and Tai Chi are exercise routines that can help lower inflammation and increase relaxation in the body. No matter what your physical state, you can likely participate in a form of Yoga.

We recommend looking on YouTube for easy yoga routines you can follow right from the comfort of your own home. Or, if you prefer, check your local gym or community center to see if they offer classes.

3. Stay Active

With chronic pain, it can be easy to spend the whole day in bed or on the couch—especially when doing something sounds exhausting and painful. It’s critical to know that chronic pain often gets better with some movement. Although you may never be cured, you’ll be surprised how much even just a walk around the block after dinner helps. This is because, when you exercise, even if it is only a walk, your body releases happy endorphins, which can help block and lower pain.

We do ask you to be cautious, however, and never push yourself too far, as this can cause injuries which are just as painful as the condition that causes your chronic pain. Swimming is an excellent activity for those who are looking to stay active and who have degenerative joint conditions.

4. Meditation

A small aspect of chronic pain is mind-based. Obviously, you aren’t causing your own pain entirely, but poor mental health can make chronic pain worse.

We recommend learning the art of meditation, which can help reduce stress and, subsequently, your chronic pain. If you struggle to meditate, a visit with a mental healthcare provider can be eye-opening and help you to better find your way when it comes to meditation and mindfulness.

Overall, sometimes chronic pain is just an aspect of getting older—one you need to learn to accept. While you may never be pain-free again, if you use some of the alternative treatments and lifestyle changes on this list, you may be well on your way to feeling better than you are right now. Just remember to discuss anything you plan to do with your doctor or a trusted family member to ensure it is the right choice for you and your body.