Whether your pain is chronic or intermittent, finding healthy ways to manage and control it is crucial to your happiness. To make sure that your chosen pain relief products don’t have a negative impact on your overall health, natural choices should be considered.
1- Cannabidiol or CBD
CBD can be used in a variety of ways to help manage pain. If pain is keeping you awake, a full dose of edible CBD oil under the tongue can help you quiet your brain and lessen the impact of serious pain. If you struggle with nerve pain during the day, microdosing with a vaping pen can help you regain control.
You can also take CBD as a capsule with your biggest meal. Edible CBD takes time to work into the bloodstream. A large dose can cause sleepiness. However, if you can mix your CBD dosage with food, particularly fatty foods, you can extend the pain management benefits without suffering drowsiness.
2- Essential Oils
Essential oils have long been used to help control headache pain. Lavender essential, dispersed in a carrier oil, can be applied to your temples or under your jaw. As you inhale, lavender oil can help to open constricted blood vessels and lower headache pain.
Those who struggle with sinus pain may benefit from peppermint and eucalyptus oil. Again, you will want to use a carrier oil that is skin-friendly and add just a few drops of either or both of these essential oils. As the sinuses open and inflammation lowers, you may find that the pressure and pain of sinus inflammation are reduced.
3- RICE
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) should not be overlooked. If you struggle with back pain, it can be tempting to apply heat to loosen sore muscles. However, heat may increase inflammation in your tissues and actually make spinal nerve pain worse.
Make sure you use a timer when you apply ice to avoid frostbite. If your lower back is sore, wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it over your lower back for no more than 20 minutes, then do it again in 2 hours. As the inflamed tissue shrinks, you may find that you have more flexibility and less pain.
Never apply ice directly to the skin. Always elevate sore feet and hands to reduce swelling. Compression bandages can be snug but should never be binding at the top or bottom. If they’re digging into your skin, you need to rewrap them.
4- Exercise
Engaging in gentle exercise can be effective if muscles are strained but not torn. Many of us struggle with osteoarthritis as we get older. Gentle exercise, such as a slow walk or bicycle ride early in the day, can be a good way to get stiff joints moving.
If you have recently suffered a strain, don’t exercise after taking pain medication. You may make the injury worse, or re-injure something in the process of healing. Rest and elevate after you take your pain meds if at all possible.
Medications that mask your pain may be necessary. However, keep in mind that you are not healed, even if you’re free of pain. Be gentle with your body as you heal.
