From chronic back pain to severe arthritis, physical discomfort can greatly compromise mobility and quality of life. Although some people include pharmaceutical drugs as part of their pain management plans, the fear of dependency leads others to look for alternatives to improve comfort. If you want to try a medication-free approach to pain relief, below are a few options to discuss with your doctors. 

5 Alternatives to Medication to Alleviate Pain

1. Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy is a form of therapeutic massage that triggers relaxation and mechanical responses for pain relief. Stretching routines, concentrated touch, and muscle manipulation soften damaged tissue near inflamed joints. The body’s relaxation response includes decreased heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and muscle rest. Mechanical response includes an increase in blood and lymph circulation. These responses help move nutrients and oxygen to muscle cells to reduce soft tissue inflammation, providing pain relief for an array of conditions from carpal tunnel syndrome to plantar fasciitis.  

2. Music Therapy

There are therapeutic effects associated with listening to music. Concentrating on the sounds targets different psychological, cognitive, and physical body functions to reduce pain and elevate mood. Music therapy accomplishes these goals by focusing attention away from the pain and evoking positive images. Listening to the beat of the music helps release body tension to aid relaxation. 

3. Yoga

Yoga is a practice that uses meditation, breath control, and stretching to improve the mind, body, and spirit. Breathing exercises at the beginning of sessions aid relaxation to curb stress. Stretching and holding different postures strengthen muscles to relieve lower back pain, arthritis tension, and other physical issues. 

4. Acupuncture 

Endorphins are hormones that serve many functions in the human body, but are especially notable for their analgesic effects. During acupuncture, fine needles are inserted into different acupoints, or acupressure points that channel energy to different organs. Stimulating these areas releases endorphins to relieve pain. Acupuncture also boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. 

5. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is beneficial for management of neck, shoulder, and back pain. Treatments focus on manipulation of the body's alignment to reduce discomfort associated with spinal problems. During sessions, a physician places pressure on joints between vertebrae to aid healing and boost body function. 

If neck or back pain has reduced your physical and mental well-being, reach out to the Cincinnati, OH-based physicians at Forest Park Chiropractic & Acupuncture. Residents throughout Hamilton County rely on their staff for acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, soft tissue therapy, and other solutions to alleviate pain without the use of pharmaceuticals. To schedule a consultation, call (513) 742-0880. A representative will answer questions about available services. Visit the practice online to explore how these caring professionals will help alleviate your pain.