Pain Relief: Safe and Natural Alternatives to Medication

When you experience physical pain, every aspect of your life may be affected. Whether it's a simple headache or debilitating chronic pain, pain can affect your ability to go about your day as normal and spend time with your family. In fact, 59% of people who suffer from chronic pain say their pain has an impact on their overall enjoyment of life. Because of the negative impacts, pain can have on a parent's life, it's important to find healthy ways to manage it. But instead of reaching for a bottle of painkillers, consider trying some of these natural pain management options instead.

Acupuncture is one alternative treatment for pain that is getting recommended more and more often. Studies have found it to be effective for managing pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and injuries. One of the best things about this treatment option is that if it doesn't work, there are no harmful side effects or addiction risks, so there's no harm in trying.

Some experts believe that stress reduction is key to managing pain. Because stress can cause additional physical pain, making current pain even worse, it's important for those who suffer from pain to ensure they're managing their stress levels. Yoga, music therapy, relaxation therapy, and a number of other techniques can be helpful in managing stress and, in turn, physical pain.

With the negative side effects and risk of addiction that come with using prescription painkillers, many people are turning to nature for help in relieving their pain. People are often surprised with how helpful plant-based pain management options can be.



Turmeric is a simple spice that is often used to give curry its distinctive flavor. But it can also be used to treat a variety of conditions like indigestion, upset stomach, psoriasis, and ulcers. Because it helps relieve inflammation, people often use turmeric as a natural antioxidant to treat inflammatory conditions.

Magnesium has been shown to help manage pain caused by migraines, muscle spasms, and even fibromyalgia. Many people, with or without pain, are magnesium deficient and don't even know it. But because magnesium is essential for over 300 enzyme processes in the human body, it's a key factor in getting and remaining healthy. So by upping magnesium intake levels, either through supplements or eating more magnesium-rich foods, pain sufferers may be able to get some relief.

Aspirin is considered a go-to pain reliever for all different types of pain. But, like most medications, it can come with risks. So instead, why not try nature's version of Aspirin? White willow bark converts to salicylic acid in the stomach, which is the primary component of Aspirin. When taken properly, white willow bark can help alleviate pain, inflammation, and fever. So it basically does what Aspirin can do, without the risk of long-term side effects.

From regular migraines to severe backaches, pain can significantly impact a person's life. If you suffer from pain on a regular basis, it's important to talk to your doctor about treatment options. While surgery and pain medications are effective, there are plenty of natural ways to manage pain too. So while these pain management options may not work for everyone, they're worth a try.

Kelsey R. is a writer and an avid world traveler. When she’s not writing or listening to 80s music, you can find her exploring different countries, taking selfies with her dog Lady, and in constant search for the perfect brownie recipe.

Disclaimer: Check with your doctor when necessary for medical advice and follow your intuition when it comes to your health.