Are you suffering from chronic pain? If so, you may find that it makes your life unpleasant in more ways than one. When you're hesitant to turn to opioids and you don't want to rely too much on over-the-counter treatments, a naturopath may seem like a great option. If you're not sure whether using one is right for you, here are some of the ways they can help with pain relief.
Omega-3s
Depending on the type of pain you're experiencing, inflammation may play a role. This is particularly the case when it concerns a joint, overuse injuries or the lasting effects of a sport injury.
Although omega-3 fatty acids won't provide immediate relief, they can have a positive effect over time. For example, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements can reduce some of the inflammatory cytokines your body releases. With continuous use, they may reduce your inflammation and will combat those pain signals as a result.
Capsaicin
When you eat something hot such as chilli pepper and your mouth starts to burn up, you're experiencing the effects of capsaicin. If you apply capsaicin to a local area of pain, the heat it produces could disrupt some of the pain signals.
As your body experiences pain from a local source, the pain signals your brain receives come from nearby nerves. Other nerve endings rest alongside those pain points, and when you stimulate them to receive signals such as heat, your brain focuses on those signals too. Although this won't always eliminate your pain altogether, it will disrupt it to an extent.
Ginseng
If you suffer from a chronic pain condition such as fibromyalgia, you may find that ginseng proves useful. According to some research, ginseng tackles the points where fibromyalgia pain tends to occur. Additionally, it can promote a better night's sleep.
Being able to achieve a better night's sleep is particularly beneficial for tackling pain. When you go without sleep, your body produces more cortisol, which plays a role in making pain feel worse. It also impacts your ability to heal, which can prolong your pain.
Chiropractors
In addition to using a naturopath for pain relief, you may want to try other natural health professionals. This includes chiropractors, who focus on adjusting your spine to release some of the nerves that are making your pain worse.
By using a combination of natural therapies, you may be able to improve your pain in the long term. If you're continuing to struggle, always approach the professional you're using for further advice.
To learn more, contact a naturopath.
