Pain Treatment: Medical vs Natural Remedies

Pain is the body’s warning signal that something may be wrong. It can be a sharp, burning, or dull feeling that comes and goes.

There are several treatment options for pain, including medication and natural remedies. Some of these treatments are available over-the-counter while others require a prescription. These treatments can be effective, but they also come with some risks.

Overview of Natural Pain Treatment Options

Pain can be a real drag on the quality of life, especially when it doesn't go away. If you suffer from chronic or severe pain, it's important to work with a medical professional who can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause. 

Many people turn to traditional medication for relief, but others prefer more natural or holistic methods to manage pain. These include herbal remedies, yoga and acupuncture.

Some traditional medications have side effects that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Long-term use of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage or stomach ulcers. And nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can increase the risk of heart attacks, stomach ulcers, or kidney failure in some people.

Natural herbal remedies can offer a safe, non-toxic alternative to traditional pain relievers. Turmeric, a root that belongs to the ginger family, curbs inflammation and has few side effects when taken in small doses. You can add it to curries and smoothies, or take it as a supplement. 

Devil's claw root (Harpagoside) is another herb that eases lower back and joint pain. It's available in capsule form and can be taken with or without a meal. 

Fish oil has also been shown to alleviate musculoskeletal pain by reducing inflammation.

This dietary supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.

Acupuncture is a traditional treatment that's been shown to relieve some types of pain, especially musculoskeletal pain, such as low back or neck pain. It works by interrupting the transmission of pain messages in your brain. 

Mindfulness meditation may also help reduce pain by helping you to differentiate between the physical sensations of pain and your emotional response to them.

Overview of Medical Pain Treatment Options

Pain is a feeling that lets you know something may be wrong with your body. It is a signal from your nervous system that you have an injury or illness, and it usually comes on suddenly and goes away, but sometimes it can last for a long time. It can be a sharp or dull sensation, and it can be in one area or all over the body.

Medical treatment options for pain include medicines, physical therapy and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. 

The goal of treatment is to reduce suffering and help people function at a level they find acceptable. The most effective treatment plans are individualized to the patient, and the right combination of treatments will vary from person to person.

The first step is to try over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, for mild to moderate pain. 

These can also ease swelling and stiffness. If these aren’t helpful, your doctor might prescribe stronger pain medicines. These include weak opioids, such as codeine, dihydrocodeine and tramadol, or strong opioids, such as fentanyl, hydrocodone and morphine. 

These change how your brain gets the pain messages from the body. They can be taken by mouth, injection or patch. Topical pain medications include prescription-strength skin creams, gels and sprays, such as lidocaine (Lidoderm(r)).

Keeping a journal can help you record your symptoms so that you can identify what works and what doesn’t. It is important that you and your healthcare team understand your pain, its severity and what affects it. You should also discuss any unrealistic expectations you have about your pain, as this can affect how well you manage it.

Pros and Cons of Medical vs Natural Treatments for Pain Relief

Pain is an important signal that tells the body something may be wrong. It can be a warning sign that there is an injury or health problem like a strained muscle, or it can be a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease. 

The best way to treat pain is to see a medical professional who can diagnose the underlying cause and prescribe treatment.

Many people who are dealing with chronic pain try alternative therapies in addition to their regular medications. Alternative treatments can include herbal remedies, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. 

Many of these treatments are not only effective at relieving pain, but they can also provide other health benefits, such as improving mental well-being and reducing stress levels.

Natural treatments for pain can be a good choice because they usually have fewer side effects than conventional medications, especially when used short-term. They are also usually cheaper than prescription medications. 

However, it is important to be cautious when using any natural treatment for pain.

Some supplements and herbs have not been properly tested or regulated, so it is crucial to consult a medical professional before adding them to your routine.

Some of the more traditional alternative treatments for pain are making a comeback. For example, acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for back and neck pain, as well as many other health conditions. 

Some dietary supplements can also help reduce pain, such as boswellia serrata, commonly known as frankincense. This herbal remedy is a natural anti-inflammatory and can be used in tinctures, capsules, and topical treatments. It is also an antidepressant and has been linked to reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality.

Tips for Finding the Best Treatment Option for Pain Relief

There are a number of medications that can help alleviate pain both short (acute) and long (chronic). Some are available 'over the counter', while others require a doctor's prescription. 

However, some pain-relief medicines can have side effects, and some are addictive. Some narcotics and other pain medicines may also be dangerous in children and should never be used by anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.

Psychological treatment can help improve the indirect consequences of pain, such as low mood, poor sleep, and feelings of hopelessness. Techniques include stress reduction, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy. Acupuncture, therapeutic touch, and certain herbal therapies have also been found to reduce pain and stress. 

However, further research is needed into these techniques. Herbs such as white willow bark, cat's claw, and devil's claw have some evidence of effectiveness, but should not be taken by people who are taking medications for pain or other health problems.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the ski and snowboard space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.