11 Natural & Simple Pain Relief Options That Work

I am not sure about you, but I am always educating myself on natural remedies for the many ailments I can find myself dealing with. It’s no secret that chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and that it can significantly reduce a persons quality of life which can lead to other health problems such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. As I grow older I am finding myself suffering from more pain issues than I ever have whether that be a headache, back pain, knee pain or pain from just simply sleeping or moving wrong. I know that I can take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen due to the fact that they can be effective pain relievers, but it is no secret that if you take them often, after long term use, they can be bad for your health and ultimately cause side effects. Even worse… if you go to the doctor for help and are prescribed a pain relief medication, those medications can be addictive and have even more adverse side effects. This is why finding the best in all natural pain relief methods has been a priority for me. After doing some research, I have found several natural methods and alternative therapies available for natural pain relief that are effective and that have been used for hundreds of years. Think essential oils, herbs, all-natural pain relieving creams, alternative therapies and more. Let’s take a look at 11 natural pain relief options that I am finding helpful below….and that you might too!

1) Natural Pain Relief Creams

Finding a good, all-natural pain relief cream is a must for anyone looking for natural pain relief options. There are Arnica Boost Recovery Creams and Pain Relief Creams that work perfectly at reducing inflammation all while promoting healing. A quality Arnica cream is designed to provide relief for impact injuries, joint pain, gout, neuropathy, muscle soreness and even rapid bruise relief. You simply apply to the area you are seeking relief for and let the cream do the work.

2) Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is another all-natural way to enjoy pain relief and it’s a non-psychoactive compound that is found in the cannabis plant. It has been shown to provide pain-relieving properties and is now legal in many countries. CBD works so well as it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is the part of the body that regulates mood, pain, and other bodily functions. Promising studies have shown that CBD is an effective way to treat chronic pain associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and neuropathic pain.

3) Physical Excercise

It may seem odd, but excercise is also a great way to relieve pain naturally, especially for anyone that suffers from chronic pain. Exercising helps to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and even release endorphins…..all of which are natural pain killers produced by the human body. Think about low-impact excercises like swimming, yoga, indoor cycling, and walking that can be extremely beneficial for people that suffer from chronic pain.

4) Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is another all-natural pain relief option for anyone looking to stay away from pain medications like myself. It is quite effective actually and works by reducing muscle tension, increasing blood flow, and releasing endorphins. Studies have shown that by simply getting a therapeutic massage once or twice a week, can be effective in treating chronic pain associated with conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia.

5) Essential Oils

Many people love using essential oils via aromatherapy to help reduce pain too. You can use Lavendar, Rosemary, Peppermint, and even Eucalyptus Essential Oils to help relieve pain naturally. These various essential oils have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help to relieve chronic pain. You simply want to inhale these essential oils or you can buy a diffuser and have the oils diffused into the air so that you can enjoy the wonderful scent and breathe it in to find that pain relief you are looking for.

6) Yoga

Practicing Yoga has been used to relieve symptoms associated with chronic pain conditions like migraines, arthritis and lower back pain. Yoga is a phsyical meditation practice that people are finding to be helpful at managing their pain. When it comes to pain management, treatments often include stretching and physical therapy, and that is exactly what Yoga provides. It incorporates breathing exercises, self-care, and relaxation methods that may help to relieve pain related to stress and/or anxiety.

I read an article about a clinical study that involved 228 adults with long-term chronic back pain issues and some of them took yoga classes and the remainder carried out excercise and lifestyle changes for about three months. Those that took the yoga classes, reported that their lower back pain had improved as compared to others.

7) Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is an ancient Chinese therapy that has been used for centuries to treat chronic pain and has gained in popularity in Western Culture in recent years. In fact….studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis and even for anyone that suffers from tension headaches or migraines regularly. It’s effective as it stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms and also reduces inflammation and may help in treating over 100 different conditions!

8) Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers and it’s known for being spicy and causing a burning sensation on the skin when applied topically. It’s believed to work so well by reducing the production of a chemical compound substance known as P, which is involved in transmitting pain signals to the brain. That is why capsaicin is used in many pain relieving creams.

9) Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation is a mind-body practice that is shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain and it simply involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This practice helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can be effective at reducing pain levels. In fact…. studies have shown that anyone that practices regular meditation can enjoy relief from chronic pain associated with condiitons such as fibromyalgia and back pain.

10) Tumeric

Tumeric is a spice that contains a compound called curcumin, which provides its users with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It’s been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain. Tumeric is easy to take too…. simply add it as a spice to your recipes…. think curries, smoothies or juices OR you can take it via a supplement form.

A small-scale 2014 study found that curcuma extract is as effective as ibuprofen for pain management in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis when a person takes it for 4 weeks. Turmeric is also a common herbal remedy for reducing inflammation.

11) Omega-3 Fish Oil

It is no secret that we all should include oily fish into our regular diet. Oily fish like Salmon, Sardines and Mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids and they are known to provide an all-natural anti-inflammatory effect. The oil in fish has been used to treat skeletal and muscular diseases for hundreds of years and now recent research is even finding that it can be used in the treatment of non-surgical neck or back pain. If you are not a huge fan of oily fish you can simply take a good fish oil supplement.

When To See A Doctor

If you have tried all of the natural pain relieving methods and are still not finding the relief that you need…. you may want to consult your doctor. Your doctor can advise you best on how to deal with it plus will diagnose and treat the condition that is causing your pain.

This is a collaboration between Deliciously Savvy & Responsival and all opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for stopping by and enter a giveaway or two before you go!