No one technique can provide complete pain relief when treating chronic pain. Combining different treatments may help you find relief. The right pain medicine can help you manage chronic pain and other pain types, whether over-the-counter or prescription.
Considering their power, it’s essential to use them with caution. To start, it’s best to choose the safest medicines at the least effective dose for the shortest time possible, then work up from there.
What Is Pain-Relief Medicine?
Medications for pain relief are used as part of a pain management strategy. They work by lowering the feeling of pain or attacking the source of the pain. In some circumstances, pain relievers can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC), which means you do not need a prescription from your doctor.
You should discuss your pain with your doctor if it persists, cannot be adequately controlled, or you’re unsure how to cope. Depending on the kind of chronic pain, they may recommend different treatment strategies, including prescription medicines and non-pharmacological treatments.
This article discusses five different pain relievers and the science behind them. Read on to learn how to use them to manage pain.
Aspirin
Aspirin is first on the list. Many individuals still use it for mild-to-moderate ailments like headaches, pulled muscles, and arthritis. However, other pain relievers are more effective nowadays, and doctors tend to recommend them. Yet, aspirin still is one of the best alternatives to paracetamol, and is much less toxic.
These types of NSAIDs, however, have special benefits for people with heart disease. In patients with certain risk factors, aspirin acts as a blood thinner, which makes it cardioprotective.
Aspirin generally reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. How come? According to the U.S National Library of Medicine, aspirin thins the blood, preventing blood clots from causing these health emergencies.
When a sudden migraine strikes, you can also take aspirin. The American Journal of Medicine published a report in 2019 that found that taking aspirin at the first sign of symptoms was an effective and safe treatment method.
In addition, it’s a low-cost solution for people who don’t have healthcare insurance or cannot afford expensive migraine medications. Take aspirin with food instead of on an empty stomach since too much aspirin can cause ulcers and digestive upset.
THC Tinctures
The scientific community has a lot of controversy regarding the benefits and effects of THC tinctures. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemicals in the body. THC is similar to these compounds.
THC activates the cannabinoid receptors in the brain when it is ingested or inhaled. By doing so, the brain’s reward system is activated, and pain levels are reduced.
As a psychoactive compound, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, producing an elevated state of mind (a high). THC’s high can also influence how people experience pain. Like other pain medications, euphoria can help you ignore the fact that you’re experiencing as much pain as before.
Rosemary Essential Oil
It is also possible to relieve pain with rosemary essential oil. According to some experts, the rosemary plant, Rosmarinus officinalis L., may be useful in treating seizures, muscular and bone pain, and headaches. It may also reduce inflammation, improve memory, and relax smooth muscles.
According to the researchers, the herb is known to act on pain receptors in the brain called opioid receptors. Rosemary oil was found to reduce discomfort during opiate withdrawal in a 2013 clinical study.
Acupuncture
Advocates of acupuncture believe it can be effective in relieving pain. Recent studies backup these beliefs. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), acupuncture can help treat certain types of pain, such as:
- Pain in the lower back
- neck pain
- Knee pain or osteoarthritis
In addition to treating tension headaches, it could also prevent migraine headaches. There is evidence that acupuncture is effective in managing chronic pain, according to a meta-analysis published in 2018. It was concluded that acupuncture could help treat the pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries, headaches, and osteoarthritis.
Although additional research is required into the effects of acupuncture on other pain conditions, increasing evidence suggests that acupuncture can help with many different types of pain. Acupuncture may be used to treat over 100 different conditions.
Turmeric
The turmeric spice lends curry its characteristic yellow color and distinctive flavor. Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical molecules. Studies have also shown that it reduces inflammation and swelling.
The most common way to consume turmeric is as a spice, but it is also available as a supplement, often in combination with piperine, a compound found in black pepper. You can use turmeric to treat a variety of health conditions, including:
- Digestive problems
- Ulcers
- An upset stomach
- Dermatitis Psoriasis
- OA-related inflammation
Conclusion
Trying these pain medications, either alone or paired with a prescription or over-the-counter medications, may at least give you some pain relief if you suffer from chronic pain. Do not forget that pain is the body’s warning that something is wrong. It might be short-lived, like a strained muscle, but it could also indicate a significant health issue that needs medical attention.
Contact a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your pain and discuss treatment options. It is also essential to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements or herbal products, especially if you have any health issues or are on medication.
