The 3 most common Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management

The current opioid epidemic has left many individuals in a fretful panic. Everybody is desperately looking for a better alternative that can offer effective pain relief but without the addictive side-effects of opioids. Luckily, there are a variety of alternative treatments that can help manage pain.

If you’re wondering what your options are, this comprehensive guide lays out popular alternative treatments used by a wide assortments of pain patients around the globe.

Here are the 3 most common alternatives to opioids for pain management.

Woman suffering from abdominal pain. France
Image source: pexels.com

 

Chiropractic treatment

 

Pain often prompts us to seek a variety of treatments, some of which cause remarkable health effects. Chiropractic care refers to a unique type of alternative treatment that involves proper manipulation and alignment of your body’s musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.

Every day, your bones and joints experience a variety of stresses that restrict mobility and cause immense pain. For instance, sitting for lengthy periods with improper back support and sustaining muscle injury after falling could trigger nerve pain. Chiropractors are able to manipulate your spine, joints and muscles, helping to restore mobility to different joints and relieving chronic pain.

Currently, more than 22 million Americans prefer chiropractic care as their treatment of choice. It’s certainly a great alternative to opioid treatment because it doesn’t lead to addiction. Ensure that your chiropractor is licensed and has a good track record before setting the ball rolling.

 

Acupuncture for pain management

 

Centuries ago, the Chinese discovered that sticking sharp needles in specific regions around the body could help manage pain and improve a variety of health issues. This age-old traditions is called acupuncture. Extensive research reveals that acupuncture is actually an effective treatment when it comes to easing pain.

However, the science behind its success is still pretty vague. One possible theory suggests that sticking needles in your skin usually stimulates certain nerves that transmit signals towards your brain, triggering the release of beta-endorphins. This hormone works like an opioid by soothing pain.

Numerous studies have been conducted to unearth how effective acupuncture is for pain management. One particular study involved 18,000 patients who suffered from pain. The results were delightful: acupuncture was found to relieve acute pain by around 50%.

 

Therapeutic massage therapy

 

We’re all familiar with the delightfully therapeutic effects of a good massage. It relaxes painful joints, muscles and tendons, providing relief to different types of pain. In addition, therapeutic massage therapy is a great stress-reliever for individuals with highly strenuous occupations.

Studies conducted by Harvard Medical School also prove that therapeutic massages interrupt pain signals transmitted by the brain and stimulate all competing nerves. As a result, you gradually start to experience less pain. Therapeutic massages should be conducted by an experienced therapist. This therapy can either be soothing or stimulating depending on the speed, depth and technique used by your particular therapist. You’ll certainly find sustainable relief to your chronic pain once you commence this delightful therapeutic massage treatment.

These three popular alternatives to opioids are guaranteed to provide you effective pain management.

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