Pills and Pain Don't Have to Go Hand-in-Hand
By Brandi Goodman
Oftentimes, people take pain medication when they start to feel sore or uncomfortable. Certain pills can actually bring on other symptoms, such as nausea or headaches, that make them less-than-ideal for battling pain. Pills and pain don't have to go hand-in-hand, though. Numerous other options exist that you should try first before resorting to masking medications. That's all many options do, by the way: they mask your pain rather than treat it, and you need to get to the source of the problem.
Try Essential Oils
Some essential oils are great for helping you relax and easing tension. They're especially recommended for people with frequent headaches and bouts of nausea. You can use eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender oil in a diffuser to calm your nerves and relieve pain.
Drink Ginger Tea
Ginger is said to be an anti-inflammatory. Drink it in a tea version and you're likely to experience reduced pain. You can also try it in a smoothie or take it in supplement form.
Stretch and Exercise
Some pain requires movement to get rid of. Say you've been sitting for a while and feel incredibly stiff and sore when you try to stand. Stretching out your joints can really help to ease that tension. You can also exercise as a way to improve your core and lower back, which are needed for maintaining balance and preventing pain in this area. Swimming is especially helpful for those in pain because it doesn't exacerbate joint problems.
Try Music Therapy
If you're looking for a way to distract yourself from the pain you're in, then music therapy may be right for you. Focusing on the gentle sounds of some classical music can be especially helpful. It can ease some of your tension and help you relax your body, which may be necessary for eliminating some of the pain you're in. You don't have to stick with classical, either. Try any genre that suits you, as long as the music is calming and doesn't make you feel sad or angry, which can worsen your body's tension.
Get Chiropractic
A trip to the chiropractor may help ease your discomfort more than some pain pills will. The doctor of chiropractic will offer an adjustment that helps to correct joint restrictions, improve your mobility, better your chances for sleep, and help relieve tension. With subluxations corrected and pain eased, you'll have actually gotten to the root of the problem.
Don't turn to pain pills when you're feeling any aches. You should give some natural methods a try first so you can tackle the problem and not just mask the feeling. Natural pain relief is a healthier option that won't harm your kidneys and other vital organs like some medications can.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.