AZ Pain Doctors Blog

Natural Remedies for Chronic Pain

Written by AZ Pain Doctors | Feb 12, 2020 11:23:54 AM

Dealing with consistent discomfort can be overwhelming and exhausting. Often, it is difficult to focus on anything else. So, naturally, your first priority is likely finding ways to reduce your discomfort. When tackling pain management in Casa Grande, many people turn to traditional anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen. If this works for you that is wonderful. However, after a while, prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs to deal with chronic pain in Casa Grande may begin to have side effects.

These can include stomach upset, ulcers, heartburn, liver and kidney problems as well as headaches and dizziness. If you are dealing with any of these unpleasant side effects as a result of prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs it is important to know that there are other options. Here are a few natural remedies you might consider trying. If you would like to give one of these options a try it is best to make an appointment at a pain clinic in Casa Grande to get some guidance and support from an experienced professional.

Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in China. It has a host of proven health benefits. It is closely related to other great natural remedies like turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Typically, it is the root of this plant that is used in natural medicine. Ginger is a great option if you are dealing with stomach upset from prolonged used of anti-inflammatory drugs. It can help reduce nausea and aid in digestion. It has also been found to help reduce discomfort resulting from a number of different conditions including osteoarthritis. This is due to gingerol, a substance found in ginger, that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As an added bonus, it is also believed that ginger can help boost your immune system and assist you in battling the common cold and flu. This is a great benefit as those dealing with persistent discomfort often find that their discomfort surges when they get sick.

If you are looking to incorporate ginger into your diet there are many ways to do this. Ginger can be used in a variety of different forms including fresh, dried, powdered or juiced. It tastes great and can be added to different recipes. Many people also drink ginger tea to get their dose of this powerful plant root. However you choose to use ginger, you’re sure to reap many benefits.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in Cayenne peppers. These peppers are part of the nightshade family of flowering plants. They originate in Central and South America and were actually brought over to Europe by Christopher Columbus. Cayenne pepper is used for a variety of different ailments as it has been proven to have a number of health benefits. It is believed that it can help boost metabolism and reduce hunger so many individuals use this pepper to help aid in weight loss. While this is its most widely known and popular use, capsaicin is also helpful in reducing discomfort. Those dealing with neck pain in Casa Grande who are looking for a topical remedy might want to consider capsaicin as an option. This substance works by reducing the amount of substance P that your body produces. Substance P is a neuropeptide that travels to the brain to signal discomfort.

It is important to note that if you are using capsaicin cream or gel, it should not be applied to any open wounds. If the product causes skin irritation it is best to discontinue use. Finally, if you choose to incorporate cayenne pepper into your diet instead of using it topically, make sure that you do a taste test first as the pepper is quite spicy. It is also best to ensure that you don’t overdo it as it can cause stomach upset. Start by incorporating small amounts into your diet and see how well you tolerate both the flavor and the digestion process.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential macromineral present naturally in the body. Most of it is stored in our skeletal systems, however, it is also present in our muscles, soft tissues and bodily fluids. It has an impressive amount of health benefits. Magnesium improves bone health, calcium absorption, and heart health. It also helps reduce your risk of developing diabetes as it aids in carbohydrate and glucose metabolism. Magnesium is also helpful for those dealing with back pain in Casa Grande and other types of consistent discomfort. Magnesium helps your muscles relax which is why it can be helpful in a variety of different conditions. This macromineral also interacts with glands in the body that control the body’s stress response. So, those who are dealing with insomnia and anxiety in addition to persistent discomfort might find Magnesium particularly helpful.

If you would like to boost the Magnesium levels in your body there are a few ways to do this. Firstly, there are many foods that are high in Magnesium. So, you can try integrating these foods like sunflower seeds, almonds, and shrimp, into your diet. Or, you can take a Magnesium supplement which is available in both pill and powder form. Many people choose to take Magnesium right before bed for a sounder sleep.

Finding ways to manage your discomfort can be quite difficult. This is especially true if you have discovered that your body is no longer tolerating what was once helpful. This happens often with anti-inflammatory drugs. While you may find them beneficial in the short-term, in time, your body may start to develop some unpleasant side effects from the persistent intake of the drug. These side effects can include stomach upset, ulcers, heartburn, liver and kidney problems as well as headaches and dizziness. Often, these side effects can be just as uncomfortable or even more uncomfortable than the condition you are taking them for. If you have found yourself unable to deal with your chronic neck or back pain through traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, you might want to discuss your pain management with an experienced professional at a clinic in Casa Grande. They can help you find alternative remedies with fewer side effects that can assist you in dealing with your persistent discomfort.