People living with chronic pain want the obvious thing: for it to stop running the show. They also need pain management options that can help long-term without adding a pile of risky side effects to the mix.
That is where many people start looking at natural or alternative treatments, including pain relief treatment is CBD infused products. But as with most things in health, “natural” does not automatically mean safe, effective or right for every person.
Chronic pain is usually defined as pain that lasts longer than three months, and the CDC notes that chronic pain can interfere with daily life, work, sleep and mental health. In other words, this is not just “take a warm bath and power through” territory.
Read on for several alternative treatments that may help some pain sufferers find relief and a better quality of life when used safely and, ideally, as part of a real pain management plan.
When a person types in natural pain relief products into the internet, oh my, the choices come fast. Creams, oils, gummies, patches, powders and products with names that sound more like spa treatments than medical decisions.
One of the most talked-about options is CBD, or cannabidiol.
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant, and unlike THC, it does not cause a “high.”
CBD may be sold as oils, creams, gummies, edibles and smokable products, and you can check for more available from gotflora.com information and products. Important to note, though, the FDA states that CBD products can carry risks, including possible liver injury, drug interactions and side effects like drowsiness or diarrhea.
That doesn’t mean CBD is useless. It means anyone considering it, especially those taking prescription medications, should talk with a health care provider first.
There are 7 good treatment alternatives for those suffering from chronic pain. Some have better evidence than others, and none should be treated like a magic wand.
That said, many of these options can be useful when matched to the person, the type of pain and the underlying cause. Pain management is very much not a one-size-fits-all situation.
Acupuncture continues to gain popularity and respect as a treatment option for certain kinds of chronic pain, including low back pain, neck pain and osteoarthritis pain. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that acupuncture may help some pain conditions, although results can vary.
The needles are very thin, and many people report little to no discomfort during treatment. Traditional acupuncture is often described as helping restore the flow of the energy force called Chi, while Western medicine often frames it around the nervous system, pain signaling and the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Exercise and regular physical activity may sound like the last thing a person wants to hear when they are already in pain. But done correctly, movement is one of the most important tools for many chronic pain conditions.
Exercise can help improve strength, mobility, mood, sleep and energy. The key is having a doctor or physical therapist help design a plan that starts where the person actually is, not where they wish they were ten years ago.
Chiropractic manipulation may help some pain sufferers, especially those with certain types of back or neck pain. Research on chiropractic treatment suggests it may be comparable to some other medical approaches for certain chronic pain conditions.
However, chiropractic care is not appropriate for every diagnosis. Anyone with osteoporosis, cancer, nerve symptoms, unexplained pain, recent injury or spinal instability should be especially careful and get medical guidance first.
Food supplements and vitamins may help with some types of pain, but this is where people can get themselves into trouble. The trick is not just choosing a supplement because someone on the internet said it changed their life.
Vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fats, turmeric and certain herbal products are often discussed for pain and inflammation, but benefits depend on the person, dose, quality of the product and medical history. Supplements can interact with prescription medications, blood thinners and surgery plans, so check with a doctor, pharmacist or qualified nutrition professional before adding them.
Therapy can be very helpful for chronic pain, and no, that does not mean the pain is “all in your head.” It means the brain, nervous system, sleep, stress and emotions all play a role in how pain is felt and managed.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, often called CBT, can help people build coping skills, reduce fear around movement and manage the emotional toll of chronic pain. Physical therapy is another major player here because it can help improve mobility, reduce flare-ups and teach exercises that can be done safely at home.
Stress reduction treatments can be surprisingly helpful in pain management. These may include yoga, relaxation therapy, hypnosis, guided imagery, music therapy, massage, mindfulness and breathing exercises.
Meditation, in its many forms, may help a person manage chronic pain by calming the nervous system and reducing stress. Biofeedback is another mind-body tool that teaches people how to influence certain body responses, such as muscle tension, heart rate or breathing patterns, which may help reduce pain symptoms.
Lifestyle and diet changes can be incorporated into almost any chronic pain plan. A balanced diet that includes protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats may support overall health, energy and inflammation control.
The foods to limit can matter too. Patients are often encouraged to give up smoking, reduce alcohol, and cut back on ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks and foods that seem to trigger individual flare-ups.
The best idea for chronic pain sufferers is to ask their primary physician for a referral to a pain specialist or clinic. That may not be the flashiest advice, but it is often the safest starting point.
The CDC’s updated opioid prescribing guideline emphasizes individualized care and considering nonopioid and nonpharmacologic treatments when appropriate. Translation: pain care should not be about handing every person the exact same plan and hoping for the best.
A person with inflammation and chronic pain should typically start with their primary care physician, then work with them to develop a combination of traditional and alternative treatment options. That might include medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, counseling, better sleep habits, nutrition changes and stress management.
Because each person’s needs and medical condition are different, it is important to choose alternative treatments that are safe for the individual and that complement the current treatment plan. This is especially true for anyone who is pregnant, older, immunocompromised, taking multiple medications or living with heart, liver, kidney or autoimmune conditions.
It is also important for a person suffering from chronic pain to not let the pain define their life.
There are ways to reduce or manage chronic pain and still live a healthier, fuller life.
But it usually takes some patience, professional guidance and a willingness to try different evidence-informed options before finding the right combination. Annoying? Yes. Worth it when quality of life improves? Absolutely.
Bottom line: alternative treatments can be part of a smart chronic pain plan, but they should not replace medical care when medical care is needed. The goal is not to chase every trend; it is to build a plan that is safe, realistic and actually helps.
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