There’s no way to address back pain relief without including the three fundamental aspects that directly impact it. These three important factors influence how your body reacts and processes pain.
People respond to pain in different ways because pain is made up of a spectrum of unique elements.When your brain receives pain messages, two things generally determine your response to them-the physical sensation associated with the messages and your individual response characteristics.
The physical sensation associated with pain is more than just the effects of the damage or injury. Pain passes through various areas within your brain which affects how you experience it. As pain messages travel to the brain, they may be effected by several factors such as fear, past pain experiences, cultural factors, and anxiety.
Pain medication is one of the most common forms of treatment and when used appropriately they can help reduce pain. But medication isn’t always the most suitable option for long-term relief. According to research, medication as a form of pain treatment can potentially worsen a chronic pain condition, if improperly used. Identifying and utilizing natural means to manage pain, in conjunction with pain medication or independently, have proven highly effective and beneficial for long term results.
I was prescribed a variety of pain medications. Initially, they felt as if they were helping. However, they eventually felt more like a hindrance versus a help. My pain alleviation and relief seemingly lessened with each passing pain dosage. I quickly realized that I didn’t like anything about how it made me feel. The nagging and incessant pain felt as if it was consistently there, even with use of medication. It just took the form of numb version of the pain in which I’d come to loathe. I quickly realized that I needed more than the temporary alleviation that pain medication offered and that’s when my pain relief journey began.
Along with all of the practical options I’ve shared in this series, I also identified the crucial fundamentals. These are the elements that sculpt every integral aspect of pain reduction and alleviation. These three fundamentals are the keys to ultimate pain relief.
Please consult with your physician before using any of the following suggestions to treat any condition.
1. Diet
Food can’t eliminate pain, but a healthy balanced diet can significantly improve the way you feel. Evidence suggest that certain foods can counteract the inflammation that contributes to back pain.
Here’s a list of the best and worst pain fighting foods.
Best:
Cherries-Many studies have proven that cherry extract is ten times more effective than aspirin at relieving inflammation. Two tablespoons of the concentrated juice daily can reduce inflammation and pain. Cherries are also great as a sleep aid.
Ginger-Ginger reduces pain-causing prostaglandin levels in the body and is widely used in India to treat pain and inflammation.
Turmeric – Turmeric is the yellow spice commonly used in Eastern cuisine. Research has revealed it to be more effective than a steroid medication in many cases. Its main therapeutic ingredient is curcumin which has a plethora of benefits and uses. Studies how that curcumin suppresses pain through a similar mechanism as drugs without the harmful side effects.
Green Tea– consist of various types of flavonoids and polyphenols that function as antioxidants. Green tea helps the body to detoxify toxic properties.
Garlic- is a powerful allium veggie that delivers strong anti-inflammatory compounds. It’s also widely used and effective in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and reducing risk of cancer. Recipe options: How to Take Garlic for Pain Relief.
Pineapple – Pineapple contains a variety of powerful anti-inflammatory enzymes that help the body heal. The natural enzymes are not present in canned products. Click here for yummy pineapple pain relief smoothie recipe.
Salmon– Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon fight inflammation therefore help reduce pain. Omega-3 fats found in fish like salmon, sardines, anchovies and trout can relieve pain by suppressing the enzymes that cause inflammation.
Colorful Vegetables and Fruits- have all proven to reduce inflammation. When selecting veggies, experts suggest that the greener the veggies are, the better. Broccoli, kale, and spinach all chart toppers for back pain fighting properties.
AVOID -Foods that Cause Inflammation in the Body:
Sugar
Refined Oils
Alcohol
Trans Fats
Fried Foods
