Pain is part of life for nearly every person on the planet. Most people experience pain from injuries, headaches, illnesses, and other sources on a regular basis. Pain can impact mobility, quality of life, mental health, and other aspects of daily living. It can keep people from working, pursuing hobbies, managing daily responsibilities, and more.
In many cases, pain related to an illness or injury is temporary. However, millions of people in the United States struggle with chronic pain. Chronic pain is pain that lasts for months or years. People with chronic pain experience symptoms that linger longer than expected after an injury or illness, or long-lasting pain related to a chronic condition.
Chronic pain makes many aspects of life much more challenging. It can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health, general health, and ability to function.
People may take medications to manage chronic pain. However, many of the medications people take to reduce chronic pain have the potential for unwanted side effects, including physical dependence. People may only take these medications for short periods or may want to avoid them altogether.
There are many natural therapies people can use to manage chronic pain. These safe, natural alternatives to medications can provide real, lasting relief by addressing the root of pain, not just covering it up.
The Hartman Center uses a holistic, integrative approach when treating chronic pain. This article will explore some of the most effective natural solutions for chronic pain management. Contact our treatment specialists to explore these or other therapies or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Chronic Pain?
First, it is important to understand what chronic pain is. Pain is the body’s response to an injury, illness, or inflammation. Pain originates in receptor nerve cells found throughout the body. These cells communicate with the brain via nerves in the spinal cord when injured or in response to an illness or inflammation. The brain registers these signals as pain.
People can experience many different types of pain. Pain can range from mild to severe. It may be irritating, as in the case of a mild headache, or unbearable, as in the case of a severe injury.
There are three types of pain: acute, subacute, and chronic. Acute pain is newly emerging pain. Subacute pain lasts several weeks or a couple of months. Chronic pain is pain that lasts for longer than three months.
Chronic pain is common in the United States. About one in four people in the US live with chronic pain that lasts for three to six months or longer. Chronic pain may have a profound, negative impact on a person’s quality of life and mobility. Potential effects of chronic pain include:
- Limited mobility
- Increased isolation
- Emotional distress
- Impaired ability to work
Research shows that relying on prescription painkillers can worsen outcomes and increase mortality related to chronic pain. Using a holistic approach to chronic pain management is safer and more effective when compared to a medication-only approach.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A Natural Solution for Chronic Pain
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive, drug-free way to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. This holistic pain treatment method uses gentle shockwaves to encourage more effective, faster healing. This treatment can help to heal tissue damage, injuries, and inflammation, which can reduce chronic pain.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy may help to relieve chronic pain in several ways, including:
- Breaking down scar tissue that limits the range of motion
- Reducing sensations of pain
- Supporting more effective tissue repair
People may benefit from ESWT to address injuries, overuse, chronic back pain, and osteoarthritis.
ESWT may be beneficial for people who have tried other pain management therapies without success. People typically do not experience pain or discomfort during treatment sessions or side effects afterwards.
Research shows that extracorporeal shockwave therapy may help people avoid more invasive pain treatment approaches, including steroid injections or surgical repair.
Using Live O2 Therapy to Treat Chronic Pain
Live O2 therapy is a holistic, non-invasive treatment that can increase blood oxygen concentrations. Increased levels of oxygen in the blood can encourage quicker healing, reduce inflammation, and improve functioning.
Live O2 therapy sessions involve alternatively breathing highly-oxygenated, high-altitude air while performing moderate exercise. Participants typically wear a special mask attached to a tank with two chambers while riding a stationary bike.
Research shows that Live O2 therapy can raise blood oxygen levels for longer periods than other blood oxygenation therapies. Higher blood oxygen concentrations may result in faster healing and reduced inflammation, which can decrease chronic pain symptoms related to injuries or illness.
Treatment sessions generally last 15 minutes or less, and people usually do not experience unwanted side effects. People who live with chronic pain may benefit from this convenient, effective therapy.
Addressing Chronic Pain With Functional Neurology
Functional neurological disorder (FND) can impact a person’s movement and functioning. People may experience pain, weakness, numbness, and other symptoms associated with different types of FND.
Functional neurological disorders that cause pain can be treated with a combination of therapies, including medications, exercise, cognitive training, and other lifestyle changes.
The first step in treating FND is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Testing for FND may include:
- Neurological testing
- Imaging scans
- Electromyography
- Medical assessments
- Personal and family health histories
- Psychological evaluations
Exploring the roots of FND can help people get personalized, effective treatment for pain and other symptoms.
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy For Chronic Pain
Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy involves gentle blood flow restriction to specific areas of the body during exercise. BFR therapy may help people recover more effectively from injuries or surgeries.
BFR therapy involves placing a cuff around the arm or leg where an injury has occurred. Then, the person engages in exercise. During the exercise, the body responds to the blood flow restriction by increasing metabolic stress and muscle repair. This holistic approach may reduce chronic pain symptoms after sustaining an injury or after surgery.
Nutrition and Chronic Pain: Understanding the Connection
Proper nutrition can help to reduce chronic pain symptoms. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet may reduce systemic inflammation that contributes to back and joint pain, as well as chronic pain in other areas of the body.
An anti-inflammatory diet includes:
- Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as nuts, seeds, and fatty fish
- Natural sources of antioxidants, like green tea and brightly-colored fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats, including avocados and olive oil
- Natural sources of magnesium, including nuts and leafy greens
- Sources of Vitamin D, including fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and short periods of natural sunlight
Avoid eating foods known to be inflammatory, including:
- Red meat
- Alcohol
- High-sugar foods
- Highly processed foods
- Caffeine
A diet rich in whole foods can help to balance blood sugar and increase the overall health of the body. Working with a nutritionist or holistic health practitioner can help you find the best diet to support your health and reduce chronic pain symptoms.
Using Mindfulness to Address Chronic Pain
Mindfulness is the practice of staying grounded in the present moment. Mindfulness can help people to accept thoughts and physical sensations without judgment, which may help people manage chronic pain more effectively.
Some mental health or holistic practitioners offer specialized programs designed to teach mindfulness to those living with chronic pain. During mindfulness therapy, people learn skills that allow them to experience thoughts and sensations in the present moment without thinking about the past or future. Mindfulness skills may also include using mantras, progressive relaxation, or breathwork.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness, including:
- Guided meditation or imagery exercises
- Individual meditation practice
- Mindful movement practices
Mindfulness may help people cope with pain and reduce related symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Managing Chronic Pain Through Movement
Holistic approaches to pain management often include low-impact exercise. Research shows that exercise has many benefits in reducing chronic pain, including:
- Increased blood flow that may help to repair muscle and tissue more effectively
- Retraining the body’s pain system
- Increasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever
- Decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Reducing inflammation and swelling
Exercise can increase overall physical health and may help people avoid further injury in the future. Gentle, low-impact exercises like yoga, swimming, and walking may be most effective for people living with chronic pain.
Natural pain management strategies can be just as effective–or more effective–than medications alone. These and other therapies work to address the root causes of chronic pain instead of simply addressing symptoms. Contact the specialists at The Hartman Center to learn more about effective, natural solutions for chronic pain.
Find Natural Solutions For Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can affect your functioning, relationships, mental health, and quality of life. You do not have to simply accept your pain as a new “normal.” The Hartman Center offers Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and a range of other holistic therapies to address the roots of chronic pain.
If you or someone you love lives with chronic pain, contact The Hartman Center to explore our therapies. Reach out to ask questions, explore your treatment options, or to schedule an intake assessment today.