Pain Relief Without The Need For Opioids
With the opioid epidemic ravaging the country, many people are understandably concerned about being prescribed medications to manage pain and discomforts from back pain to recovering from injuries. As a result, there’s an increased interest in drug-free solutions for pain management. Consider one of the following five methods to keep pain at bay.
1. Get a massage
Massages are for more than just self-care. Working with an experienced massage therapist can help manage muscle pain. A 2015 study researched the benefits of weekly hour-long massages in patients with chronic back pain and found that nearly 40% of respondents noted reduced or eliminated back pain after 10 weeks. In contrast, only 4% of respondents in the control group who received anti-inflammatory medications noted improved or eliminated pain.
2. Consider acupuncture
While research is somewhat conflicted around the benefits of acupuncture, some evidence suggests that the therapy is beneficial for specific types of conditions. Specifically, research supports acupuncture for people suffering from low back and knee pain as well as migraines and even fibromyalgia. However, acupuncture is a therapy that usually requires several sessions before results are evident.
3. Get moving
Most people assume that pain and discomfort should be treated with rest. And while avoiding overexertion is important, engaging in physical therapy can improve range of motion, mobility, and even retrain patients to improve gait.
4. Go for zen
Spending all day focusing on pain and discomfort will only make the condition worse. Meditation can help to recenter the mind and improve mental outlooks. A 2018 study into meditation suggested that the practice can change the structure of the brain and, in the long term, change the cortical thickness in some areas of the brain. As a result, the change can make people less pain-sensitive.
5. Bioelectric therapy treatment
Bioelectric therapy is a fancy phrase that translates to relying on electric currents to block pain signals in the body. The therapy is most often used to treat chronic and acute pain because the procedure encourages the body to produce endorphins, which can help to minimize and eliminate pain. However, although the treatment is effective, experts recommend combining bioelectric therapy with a total pain management system as results from sessions are temporary.
Reducing reliance on opioids
Even for people who don’t have a family history of drug addiction, concerns about becoming reliant on opioids are valid. Depending on the condition and the severity of the pain or discomfort, relief may be possible without the need for prescription medications. People interested in exploring pain management alternatives should speak with a physician or physical therapist for more information.
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“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
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“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
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“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
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“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
