7 Alternative Ways to Fight Aches and Pains
Many of us experience chronic or regular aches and pains, especially as we get older. While over-the-counter painkillers and prescription painkillers can be effective methods of treatment, I am a huge proponent for exploring alternative non-pharmaceutical options. Alternative treatments will allow you to give your system a break from medications while also serving as a supplementary form of pain relief.
This article discusses 7 alternative forms of pain relief that are worth trying as well as some of their most suitable applications.
1. CBD Products
Science has offered us plenty of evidence on the benefits of cannabis as an effective pain relief remedy. This has led to an increase in usage for medical purposes with many people choosing to produce their own rosin at home. To do this effectively, a press such as the juice box handheld rosin press is needed which presses any cannabis material causing the cannabinoids and terpenes to seep out in an oily form called rosin. This can then be used for smoking, dabbing or vaping. However, not everyone wants to experience the high that results from the THC in cannabis; and marijuana, even when used for medical purposes, is still illegal in many places. However, if you live in my former home state of Pennsylvania, you can easily schedule an appointment for a PA medical marijuana evaluation to get a medical marijuana card. Then you can find dispensaries listed by county for your convenience.
CBD is an extract from the cannabis plant that offers all the pain relief qualities without the high. Because it doesn’t induce a feeling of being high, CBD products are acceptable in many places where marijuana is not. CBD products come in the form of oils, gummies, and creams for ingestion or topical application and can be used to treat all sorts of pain from joint discomfort to back aches. If you are unsure which CBD products are best for your needs, you can compare them on sites like CBDistillery.
2. Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the chemical compound found in chili peppers that triggers that spicy ‘painful’ sensation in your mouth when you eat them. What you may not know is that capsaicin can also be used as a form of pain relief when applied to the afflicted area as a topical cream. Capsaicin cream is often used to target a specific type of pain called neuralgia. However, many people also find it to be effective against other types of pains like muscle strains or sprains and arthritis.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family that is made into a powder which many of us have in our kitchen spice cabinets. It has a warm, bitter, black pepper flavor and an earthy, mustard-like aroma. Turmeric is used in many different cooking recipes and contains a multitude of health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties. When consuming turmeric in raw form, many people experience pain relief. Turmeric is often recommended to people who suffer from osteoarthritis. You can purchase turmeric products such as powders and pills from a variety of online retailers.
4. Massages
Massages can help to relieve pain by relaxing muscles and reducing stress. Many people use massage therapy as a common method for treating all sorts of muscles aches, pains, and tension. There is a variety of different types of massage therapy as well depending on the nature and cause of your pain and discomfort.
Sports massages are typically used to treat sports injuries and associated pains. Myofascial release massage therapy is used to treat other forms of musculoskeletal pain by helping to restore connective tissue to its optimal state. This guide at Healthline lists a few different types of massage practices that are worth investigating to find the best course of action for treating your specific pain.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that is used to treat all kinds of pains. It involves placing long thin needles into specific pressure points around the body which is meant to control and change the energy flow through the body’s meridians or chakras. Because the practice involves inserting sterilized needles subcutaneously, acupuncture should only ever be performed by a trained professional. While the risk of adverse effects is low, infection can result if proper sterilization is not made a priority. Patients have sought acupuncture for the treatment of neck pain, back pain, headaches and migraines, IBS, and even pregnancy discomfort.
Couples trying to conceive a child through in vitro fertilization have also experienced beneficial results by using acupuncture. Acupuncture for IVF has been shown to increase positive outcomes by over 30% for couples who are trying to conceive through alternative methods. Acupuncture is considered a safe and effective treatment when used in conjunction with a variety of reproductive treatments including IVF as well as other other surgical procedures.
If the idea of inserting needles into your skin makes you uncomfortable, acupressure is a similar but non-invasive treatment that targets the same meridian points for treating pain by applying physical pressure using your fingers, hands, elbows, or specific acupressure devices.
6. Chiropractic Manipulation
Chiropractic treatment targets the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, and involves the manipulation of both the joints and the spine to relieve pain. Chiropractic manipulation is typically used to help relieve trapped nerves such as the sciatic nerve and should only ever be carried out by a licensed chiropractor. Chiropractic is not a suitable treatment for all types of pain but is specific to mechanical disorders of the body.
7. A Hot Bath
When you don’t have access to alternative treatment professionals and you don’t have any natural supplements on hand, simply treating yourself to a hot bath can be an effective form of pain relief. Resting in hot water helps to relax muscles and release endorphins which will reduce pain signals. So the next time you are experiencing any sort of pain, consider relaxing in a hot bath to see what benefits it can offer your body.
What kind of alternative pain treatments have you tried? What has worked best for you? Personally, I have used all of these alternative treatments except for capsaicin. My favorite pain treatments, however, are THC (it is legal where I live) and acupressure which I have been using since I was a very young. I have always much preferred alternative treatment methods to pharmaceutical products as I believe that our bodies already have everything they need to heal. We just need to learn how to tap into that extraordinary healing power.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
26 Comments
Your True Self
Hi, Shelbee – I use all of these methods except capsaicin because it’s bad for my blood type (A). Diet also helps (eating the right things.) Great post! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Angie! Diet, proper hydration, healthy sleep, and exercise definitely help all the things!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
I see.a naturopathic doctor for pain associated with Lyme and Parkinson’s disease, and have been so surprised at the benefits of non-pharmaceutical options.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
That is so amazing, Michele! Ever since I was a young child, I have opted for non-pharmaceutical remedies as the first course of action. It used to drive my mother crazy whenever I had to take antibiotics for something. I would fight and hide the pill under my tongue so I could spit it after she walked away and I was always adamantly declaring that my body will heal itself! And here I am, 48 years young holding onto that same philosophy and in better health than I have ever been!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
I have been drinking a concoction of turmeric, ginger, apple cider vinegar and some other things to try to combat my ever present acid reflux. The only thing it has done is make me dread getting up in the morning! I hate every taste of it, and as I’m writing this, I’m making a stinkface! I would love to try accupuncture. My aesthetician’s husband has done it so maybe I should get the name from her!
Thanks for the tips, Shelbee!
http://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh Marsha, you need to add some lemon, honey, and sugar to that concoction to make it taste better! I drink a similar apple cider vinegar concoction for sore throats but I always add the lemon, honey, and sugar to sweeten up that awful vinegar taste. Also dilute it with water and make it really hot because that helps the taste. Before you head off to the acupuncturist though, maybe try some acupressure at home. Just do an online search for “acupressure points for acid reflux” and you will get articles and videos to guide you through it. I resort to acupressure more than any other alternative treatments. It is usually the first thing I do! I hope you find some relief soon!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
I had killer migraines that lasted two to three days almost every week. Getting acupuncture once a week has helped me keep it at bay.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lovely, thank you for sharing your experience. I used to get acupuncture for migraines as well and I found it a great help. Fortunately, my migraines have gone away now that I have eliminated a lot of the stress that was causing them.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I pretty much do all of this! I see my osteopath once a month. I love getting massages too but I don’t get those every month. Turmeric and arnica are also great.
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ooh, thanks for sharing this, Jennifer! I am fortunate that my husband massages my feet and legs almost every night! While I love a good professional full body massage, I make really inappropriate sounds during massage sessions so I tend to avoid them and stick with at-home husband massages!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
I haven’t had acupuncture in ages!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It has been decades since I have done it, Tamar. I prefer at home acupressure over paying someone to stick needles in my skin. While I did benefit from acupuncture, I found the process a bit unpleasant!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sally in St Paul
I use the Aculief acupressure clamp thing on my hand for headaches/migraines and while it doesn’t usually entirely dispel the pain, it does alleviate it a surprising amount. I was skeptical but desperate so I tried it and am glad I did. For those who say ACK at the idea of acupuncture needles, acupressure is indeed worth looking into.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Sally, thanks for sharing about the Aculief acupressure clamp. That is such a great idea if you don’t have someone else to apply the pressure for you. I have always struggled with getting the right amount of pressure on myself and so my husband usually hits my pressure points for me. I love the idea of a contraption that does it for you! I did get some benefit from acupuncture for my migraines but I found the actual procedure rather unpleasant. And I also find acupressure works a little better for me anyway. And it’s free and you can do it anywhere!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol
I don’t like the idea of taking lots of medications. So, I appreciate you sharing these ideas for pain-relief alternatives. I always think if you can go natural instead of chemical, it’s a better method.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Carol! I have always preferred more natural remedies over medications ever since I was a young girl. I sued to drive my mother crazy with my refusal to take antibiotics as I would emphatically declare that my body was capable of healing itself! Turns out that I am way healthier at 48 than my mother ever was with all of her medications that she relied on for a healthier lifestyle.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I can absolutely vouch for myofascial release massage. It has so reduced the stiffness acquired through age, and fibromyalgia. I don’t think the fibromyalgia directly causes stiffness, but when you hurt, your movement becomes cramped. And then just like your momma said about silly faces, the body stays all cramped. 🤣
The thing I’ve noticed in reading groups for people who deal with chronic pain is that different things help different people. But that;s the way with everything, isn’t it?
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Michelle, thanks for sharing your experience. It is so true that different things work for different people that’s why I find it so important to share all the things! When I share things that helped with my bipolar disorder and anxiety, I know that my coping mechanisms won’t work for everyone but I also know that it never hurts to try something new especially when your old coping mechanisms aren’t working. I feel so bad that your body gets suck like a silly face! But that comment did just crack me up, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Renee Sparks
I am currently looking at some CBD products, but have a little sticker shock. At least for the ones recommended to me. If you have any recommendations for low back pain, send them my way. I have never heard of Capsaicin. I will be looking at that too. Thanks!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am not all that familiar with CBD products because they don’t do much for me since I smoke so much THC. But I did do a quick search for some products to see the pricing. Are you looking at topical creams/oils or CBD edibles? It looks like you can find the topical creams ranging from under $20 up to over $200. Edibles/gummies seem to hover around the $50 price point for most 30 day supplies. But Lauren, I do want to share this with you…I had terrible hip pain after I had my first son. It was unbearable at times and I went to the doctor and did physical therapy and nothing helped. Then I started doing gentle yin yoga at the beginning of the pandemic. Within 6 weeks, I was pain free and have stayed pain free in the hip area since then except for a few occasions when I sleep funny. But then one or two yoga sessions put me right back to pain free. I don’t know if you have tried yoga or if the nature of your back pain even allows for it, but I thought it worth mentioning because it really worked wonders for me.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Very nice and beats taking all the pain meds that are being pushed on us.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! I turn to medications as a last resort!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Hi Shelbee
I am all for finding alternative ways to either supplement Western Medicine or take the place of, depending on the person and condition I do dry needling, cupping , neuromuscular massage and certainly beleive in hot baths! Great list! I also get neuromuscular massage!
Happy 4th of July weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much for sharing all the different alternative treatments that work for you, Jess! I think it is so helpful to learn about the different alternatives and find what works for you. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend as well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
chickenruby
Capsican cream and warm baths work for me, however not at the same time or I’d be on fire.
Thanks for linking with #pocolo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Suzanne, thanks for sharing this! I think it is so important to share the things that work for us in order to help others along the way. And yes, definitely don’t combine those two things and set yourself on fire!
xoxo
Shelbee