TIPS FOR DEALING WITH PAIN WITHOUT MEDICATION
Pain is something that everyone experiences. It’s a fact of life.
Still, that doesn’t mean that we just have to accept it without a fight. There are things that we can do to prevent or alleviate it. You know about medicine, surgery, and several other conventional treatments, but you might not typically think of some of the following ways to relieve your suffering.
These methods are not guaranteed to work for you and might not be exactly what the doctor would order. But some sources have reported success, so they might at least be worth a try.
MIRROR, MIRROR—ON THE LEG OR ARM!
The use of a mirror to reflect your sound leg or arm to make it appear that you still have your missing limb can perhaps trick the brain and help alleviate phantom pain. Some people say that it has worked for them, and some studies support that belief. For more information on mirror therapy and its possible effectiveness, visit the following websites:
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL_6OMPywnQ
- www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15938103
- www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-mirror-cure
GO JUMP IN A LAKE!—OR POOL OR OCEAN
That’s right. Exercising in water can help you avoid causing pain to your body and can also help alleviate existing pain. Water activities are low-impact and put less stress on your body than weight bearing activities.
So the next time that someone tells you to “go jump in a lake,” just say, “Thanks for the great advice.”
This and numerous other benefits of water-based activities are explained in the following article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
GET IN THE GAME!
Distraction can be a useful method of pain relief for some. If you get involved in playing chess, cards, or video games, or doing something else, it can temporarily take your mind off the pain. Perhaps you’ll even have a good time with your friends and family and avoid the pain that was plaguing you just a few minutes earlier.
And, for kids (and some adults), it’s also a good excuse for playing more video games.
THE JOY OF THE WRITING LIFE
Sometimes just writing down your feelings in a journal or diary can help alleviate your pain. Perhaps it will distract you from the pain and help you manage pain-related stress. If you don’t believe us, try it yourself.
Also, if you write down your pain situation (when your pain occurs, what you were doing at the time, what helped alleviate it, etc.), it might give you some insight into what causes your pain to increase or decrease. This can be useful information for both you and your doctor.
For more information, visit www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/keeping-a-diary-can-help-you-manage-pain.aspx.
MAKING FRIENDS DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A PAIN
Joining a support group for people who are experiencing pain, either in person or online, can possibly help you with your pain. You might be surprised how much it helps just to know that you are not alone and that other people are also dealing with pain. Joining such a group could also give you the opportunity to take advantage of the things the more experienced members have learned about pain management over the years rather than trying to figure everything out alone. Plus, these new friends can also offer great emotional support.
To find a support group near you, visit livingwithamplitude.com/amputee-community-resource-directory.
TURN ON YOUR INTERNAL PAIN KILLER
Some people consider physical fitness “medicine.” Since exercise causes your body to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers in the body, a good dose of exercise might be just what you need to soothe your ills.
TEA TIME!
Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can also possibly help you with those aches and pains that are bringing you down. In fact, many people extol the virtues of various types of tea for soothing pain.
If it works for you—great! If not, you’ll at least enjoy a delicious cup of tea—alone or with friend.
All of the pain management strategies mentioned here are no cost or low cost. And some can actually even be enjoyable. So, what have you got to lose?
This article is for informational and educational purposes and is not meant to substitute for medical advice from a qualified medical professional. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program.
