Living with any daily chronic pain can be debilitating, and for many patients, the only solution conventional medicine has to offer is narcotic painkillers. As our country’s opioid addiction epidemic becomes clearer, patients are reaching for safer natural options to help them deal with their pain without the side effects.
Away from narcotics, we have to look at the side effects and complications caused by long-term use of NSAIDs like Ibuprofen. We know that over 100,000 people are hospitalized yearly for NSAID triggered GI complications.
Over the counter pain relief has not shown to have the best outcomes either. Tylenol is currently the leading cause of liver failure in the United States. Aspirin has shown to cause a variety of complications from ulcers to brain bleeds. Motrin has also been linked to hypertension, DNA damage, anemia and miscarriage.
Naturopathic doctors are here to provide patients with many different options for alternative pain management and restorative health after taking traditional pain relief methods. Below are just a few options for natural pain relief naturopathic doctors are able to provide their patients before turning to pharmaceuticals and NSAIDS. Each patient is treated individually here at Natural Healing Solutions, so you can be sure that Dr. Yap Belcher will help you find a solution to beat your pain.
Nutrients That Provide Pain Relief
Omega-3s
Omega-3s found in fish oil have been proven to provide arthritis pain relief and reduce inflammation.
Curcumin
Curcumin also shows excellent benefits as an anti-inflammatory and has proved to help many arthritic conditions. It has also shown to help with neurodegenerative, pulmonary, cardiovascular, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. Curcumin is often found in Indian foods, as it is an active compound in an orange spice called turmeric. It is not always well absorbed by the body so be sure to consult with Dr. Yap on the most beneficial source for your needs.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin can decrease the transmission of pain signals to give patients relief. It is traditionally found in chili peppers and has shown evidence to relieve a migraine and headache symptoms as well as other pain sources.
Dr. Yap Belcher can help patients find the right combination for their specific pain management needs.
Spices, Botanicals, and Herbs
Natural herbs, spices, and plants have been used for thousands of years to relieve pain and provide patients with treatment options.
Ginger
Help Fight Inflammation
Tanacetum Parthenium
Help with Headaches
St. John’s Wort
Arthritis and Sciatica Relief
Valerian Root
Muscle Spasms and Cramps
Ginseng
Help Ease Fibromyalgia
Boswellia Serrata
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Heat and Ice
As the most common treatment for muscle and joint injury pain relief, heat and ice are able to aid in pain relief and give faster healing times. When icing an injury the cold decreases blood flow to the area lessening inflammation and swelling to provide pain relief. Heat then relaxes the muscles and allows the blood vessels to deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to the injured site.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the extensive list of natural treatments available from Naturopathic Doctors. Dr. Yap Belcher is determined to helping each of our patients build a pain management treatment plan for them.