Effective Ways to Relieve Joint Pain
Arthritis, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Knee Pain, Plantar Fasciitis
Chronic pain is a common health issue that negatively impacts mobility and mental health, reducing the overall quality of life.
- 10% of adults develop plantar fasciitis in their lifetime.
- 54 million Americans suffer from diagnosed arthritis.
- Shoulder pain affects roughly 1 in 5 of the USA population.
- 80% of adults will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives.
- The CDC estimates that at least 50 million Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain, while 8% of the population have “high-impact” chronic pain.
Do these pain points sound familiar to you? While chronic pain is common, relief is possible with the right approach. We’ve made a list of effective ways to combat chronic pain that doesn’t involve surgery or pain medication!
Losing Weight
Extra weight puts pressure on joints, causing tissue degeneration and pain. If you’re obese, losing weight will alleviate many symptoms of chronic pain. Studies show that shedding just 5% of body weight can almost halt the degeneration of knee cartilage.
Effective weight loss is possible with lifestyle adjustments. Eating healthily by removing excess sugars and processed foods from your diet is a good start. Frequent exercise and staying hydrated also help maintain a balanced body weight.
Exercise
Exercise isn’t just part of your weight loss regime! Physical activity keeps your body strong and fit, ensuring your mobility as you age. Exercise also improves your range of motion, strengthens muscles, protects joints, and increases heart health.
If you are new to exercise, slowly introduce more activity into your daily life. Walking in the mornings and evenings is a great starting point. As you feel more physically fit, jogging and strength training exercises can be introduced. Swimming, yoga, biking, and hiking are also great ways to stay active.
It is always important to consult your doctor before changing your diet or exercise regime. While our advice is safe for the general public, we don’t know your medical history. If you’re overweight and struggling with a heart problem, for example, try a low-impact exercise plan that works with your condition.
Epsom Salt Soak
A hot bath with Epsom salts is a soothing experience that can reduce chronic pain. Hot water relaxes muscles and Epsom salts help reduce inflammation, which aids in the reduction of chronic pain caused by injury or arthritis.
Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are key to a healthy diet. Studies show that this fatty acid is important in both reducing and fighting chronic pain. They also fight inflammation and reduce the risk of autoimmune disease.
While you can find omega-3 supplements in any health food store, the best way to naturally obtain this fatty acid is through your diet! Fish, like salmon, is loaded with omega-3s. Other foods that contain this wonderful nutrient include flaxseeds, nuts, plant oils, and oysters.
Why Avoid Pain Killers
The body has natural healing abilities, and it’s always best to take advantage of this before turning to pharmaceutical approaches for pain management. Following the steps we’ve listed above can make a difference in your life. If you’ve made the necessary adjustments and you’re still suffering from chronic pain, you may be wondering what other options you have.
Most doctors will recommend prescription painkillers for persistent chronic pain issues. These are highly addictive, however, and can lead to dangerous situations (like an overdose). While we recommend staying away from any opiates or similar medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are sometimes beneficial. These over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers are useful for short-term or occasional use. If you’re recovering from surgery, it’s fine to take them for a while. If you have occasional acute pain, don’t feel too guilty about taking a few ibuprofen.
With that said, it is important to be aware of the potential effects of long-term abuse of OTC painkillers.
- Studies suggest an increased risk of heart disease. Research conducted in Denmark and published in 2017 shared some bad news for NSAIDs. According to their findings, OTC drugs such as ibuprofen can lead to a 31% increased risk for cardiac arrest. With diclofenac, this figure increases to a worrying 50%.
- Side effects are common. NSAIDs have fewer side effects compared to stronger prescription drugs, but they still occur. For example, stomach aches, ulcers, headaches, dizziness, allergies, and drowsiness are common.
- May affect other medicines. NSAIDs react with many drugs, like warfarin, ciclosporin, lithium, and methotrexate. If you already take prescription medication, be sure to consult your doctor before taking NSAIDs.
- They’re used as substitutes and the ‘easy’ option. NSAIDs only provide temporary relief, and they only treat symptoms. If you want to get to the root cause of your pain and find long-term relief, lifestyle changes are necessary.
Other Natural Chronic Pain Relief Options
Chronic pain is typically caused by inflammation and tissue degeneration. Surgery is often recommended for severe cases, but the risks of these procedures are high. Regenerative medicine using stem cells is a modern therapy that has been shown to offer relief from chronic pain.
- Natural alternative to surgery
- Non-invasive, no downtime
- Long-term results
- Safe and effective
If you or a loved one are tired of suffering from chronic pain, regenerative medicine may provide the relief you are searching for.
