Treat Chronic Pain with Naturopathy
Five Effective Ways to Treat Chronic Pain with Naturopathy
According to recent studies, chronic pain affects about 1 in 5 people, making it difficult for these individuals to focus on work and function normally, even impacting their ability to enjoy family and social time.
The unfortunate reality is that those suffering from chronic pain have limited treatment options – with the most common consisting of a regime of addictive prescription narcotics including opiates like hydrocodone-acetaminophen, tramadol, oxycodone (Oxyneo), and for those suffering with neuropathic related pain, are prescribed nerve blocking medications such as Lyrica and Gabapentin. Others may be treated with antidepressant medications like Apo-Nortriptyline, or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Effexor XR.
Many patients are looking for alternatives to these highly addictive & powerful medications, as a result natural pain relief alternatives have become very popular. In fact, chronic pain is one of the most common reasons people turn to naturopathy and alternative medicine in the first place.
Whether you’re suffering with fibromyalgia, were injured in a sports or motor vehicle accident, or just suffer with a constant stiff neck, tight shoulders or back pain, a naturopath will first assess the root causes by using a holistic approach. Then he or she will apply integrated natural alternatives to reduce the pain and optimize your healing potential for the long term.
Once pain is reduced, naturopathy will focus on long term prevention and maintenance. This may include exercise/strengthening, counselling, dietary monitoring, supplements, and/or maintenance treatments. A knowledgeable naturopath will ensure that not only do you experience a reduction in pain, but also end up with a healthier lifestyle including improved dietary and nutrition habits.
These are five proven ways naturopathy can provide effective pain management.
- Acupuncture
Naturopaths use and readily recommend acupuncture as a viable solution for treating pain. Acupuncture works through the release of muscle trigger points as well as the discharge of endorphins, which are natural pain-killers that decrease pain signals to the brain and increase blood circulation to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself.
- Natural Supplements
Some pain conditions, such as chronic migraines, can be the result of a vitamin deficiency. Others many need fish oils and curcumin to decrease inflammation. Your naturopath may recommend supplements which are all from natural sources and do not cause side effects, therefore they can be a healthy solution to take long-term. Naturopaths also recommend supplements to help decrease muscle tension or help build up cartilage.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Any inflammatory disease, pain included, can benefit from an elimination diet, where suspect foods are removed from the diet for three to six weeks and then reintroduced to identify food intolerances. In addition to removing problematic foods, following an anti-inflammatory diet high in antioxidants and healthy fats can help decrease inflammation and make your body resilient to pain.
- Increased water intake
For many years, naturopaths have recommended increasing the intake of water as a proven practice to heal. Hydrotherapy as it is popularly known can help increase circulation which in turn speeds healing and detoxification and decreases inflammation to manage pain.
- Healing the Mind
An experienced naturopath understands that pain is first experienced in the mind, and understands that dealing with pain day in and day out, can wear on the mind. To ease the mental and emotional pain, a naturopath will recommend visualization, meditation and similar proven mind-body techniques to help the body naturally decrease the symptoms of pain.
Thus the focus of naturopathic medicine is to always promote wellness and the prevention of illness by treating the underlying causes of pain rather than merely suppressing the symptoms. To quote Hippocrates, “Nature cures, not the physician.”
Holistic well being is not just the absence of pain but the presence of good health, natural energy and vitality. Take the first steps to address your chronic pain issues and begin the journey to good health and well being by contacting a reliable Naturopathic doctor.
Get in touch with us at NDCare Clinic. Book your appointment with Dr. Tara Andresen at one of her Toronto Naturopath clinics today!