From arthritis to the effects of a severe injury, there are several ways that chronic pain can manifest. While pain management strategies can vary from person to person, there are a few common ways to deal with day-to-day discomfort. 

How to Manage Chronic Pain

1. Quit or Avoid Smoking

Some smokers may feel as if a cigarette can produce temporary nicotine-induced pain relief. Over time, however, the opposite occurs. Smokers are more likely to experience back pain, and smoking can also intensify joint and abdominal pain.

2. Osteopathic Manipulation

Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, is a unique hands-on technique in which practitioners use gentle pressure and stretches to alleviate discomfort. The procedure can be used to complement other therapies, such as surgery. It’s often used for muscle pain, carpal tunnel, and migraines.

3. Exercise

While working out might be the last thing you feel like doing, physical activity is an effective pain management strategy since it can change how the brain and immune system respond to pain. For the best results, try low-impact exercises, such as cycling, yoga, or water aerobics.

4. K-Laser Therapy

K-laser therapy is a holistic pain management treatment that targets compromised tissue using specific light wavelengths. These wavelengths interact with the tissue to promote and accelerate the healing process. Like other natural solutions, this treatment may be used in conjunction with other therapies.

5. Supplements

Although supplements may not cure your pain, certain nutrients could help with pain stemming from specific causes. Capsaicin has been shown to reduce joint pain by 50% and is useful for managing discomfort from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

If you’re seeking natural pain management solutions to use in place of or in conjunction with traditional medicine, turn to Columbia Osteopathic Clinic. Located in Boone County, MO, this holistic practice provides all-natural therapies to help patients manage chronic pain, including homeopathy, k-laser therapy, and osteopathic manipulation, among others. Learn more about their treatments online or call (573) 875-4877 to schedule an appointment.