Article Series Pain Management
Where to find relief – alt. care and options available
Alternative forms of pain relief
Whether chronic or acute, dealing with pain can be a tremendous burden. And while there are many different solutions available – all of which you should discuss with your healthcare provider – finding the right one for you can be a work in progress. The right solution may depend on the cause of the pain, it’s severity, and the restrictions it places on your everyday life.
To help you with your pain management, we’ve put together this helpful guide that is designed to inform you about some of the alternative options available. Here are some alternative forms of pain management that you may consider including in a comprehensive treatment plan.
Why pursue alternative treatments?
Alternatives for pain relief are generally known to be treatment options outside of pain medication or surgery. While pain medication and surgery can yield positive results for many suffering from both acute and chronic pain, there are a variety of reasons that someone would turn to alternative treatments.
Short-term Effects
Pain medications can have a wide variety of unpleasant side effects, such as sedation, cognitive impairment, dizziness, falls, and more.
Long-term Effects
Even over the counter pain medications can have harmful effects, including ulcers, stomach bleeding, kidney problems, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Addictiveness
While pain medications like opioids are highly effective, they are also extremely addictive. This has lead many patients to view these treatments as a last resort.
Trauma & Risk
Going through a major surgery can be traumatic for the body, and recovery time can be long and painful. There are also serious risks involved with any surgery, prompting many to avoid them if possible.
Common alternatives
Finding the right pain management program for you will take some time. To help you get started, here are some of the most commonly recommended pain treatment alternatives.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is known to assist with inflammation, stiffness, and soreness through the use of multiple physical treatments, including massage, exercise, and body manipulation.
Mechanical Devices
Braces and supports can stabilize joints and relieve pressure on nerves, while canes and walkers help redistribute your weight from inflamed and painful joints.
Acupuncture
The technique of acupuncture involves the insertion of hyper-thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. Results are mixed, and effectiveness may depend on your severity of pain.
Therapeutic Massage
There is evidence that massage therapy can ease pain from rheumatoid arthritis, neck and back injuries, and fibromyalgia. It is also a highly effective way to relax tense muscles and reduce stress.
Stress Reduction
Reducing stress can relieve tension in the body and improve your mood for overall wellbeing. Common techniques include yoga, music therapy, relaxation therapy, and more. We also carry a variety of products designed to help promote relaxation.
Medical Cannabis
There are a variety of topical pain treatments available. Explore Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™ to learn more.
Where you can learn more
If you would like to learn more about alternative pain treatments, one of our in-store specialists would be happy to discuss your pain management program, recommend pain management products, and connect you with pain medical professionals in the area. Contact your local Wellwise By Shoppers™ store today.