Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Natural Pain Relief Methods

Everyday in our life, we experience different kinds of pain in our physical body. Pain management information is something that we need to know and do in order to help us resume our normal functions in our daily life. There are several kinds of pain relief treatments available over the counter, however it is sometimes difficult to match the right medication for us. We must remember and know that pain reliever has its own effectiveness and side effects.

Mostly, Pain could be treated with different kinds of pain relief pills over the counter. However, aside from the pupular use of pharmaceutical remedies there are other alternative choices that involve with the use of special methods or equipment in treating pain.

* Chiropractic

Popularly used for relieving back and neck pain, musculoskeletal conditions, and headaches; chiropractic is a manual therapy intended for adjusting the connection between the body's structure and its respective functions. This spinal manipulation method also involves the adjustment and/or manipulation of the joints and nearby tissues.

* COX-2 Inhibitors

COX-2 Inhibitors is a newly developed method that works by blocking the cyclooxygenase-2, enzymes that increase the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation, fever, and pain. This particular method does not have the same gastrointestinal side effects generated by NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).

* Low-Power Lasers

Occasionally, some physical therapists use low-power lasers in treating pain. However, like other uncommon methods, it is considered to be a bit controversial.

* Magnets

Using magnets is a painkilling method that has gained popularity among athletes who have proven its efficiency in easing a variety of sports-related pain conditions. An ancient method dating back to the Egyptians and Greeks of olden times, this involves the use of magnets typically worn as a wristwatch or collar. Although skeptics consider this method to be bogus, the theory behind it is that magnets could generate some changes in our body's cells or chemistry, which relieves pain.

* Acupuncture

First used in China 2,500 years ago, acupuncture involves puncturing specific nerve points with needles in order to inhibit pain. Classified as one of the most popular methods of Chinese or Oriental medicine, continuous research is being conducted to validate its efficiency.

* Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a method that makes use of a customized electronic machine. Commonly utilized for typical pain problems, it is said to be most effective in treating back pain and headaches. This method is often used in conjunction with other techniques and has no known side effects to the patients.

* Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the chemical that is responsible for giving chili peppers its hot taste. Is is used as a basic ingredient for most pain-relieving creams.

* Chemonucleolysis

Chemonucleolysis is a unique treatment method because it is the only one that makes use of chymopapain, a kind of enzyme. Its process involves directly injecting the latter into the herniated lumbar disc, which is intended to dissolve the surrounding materials to decrease pain and pressure. However, the use of this method is restricted because some patients may have lethal allergic reactions to the chymopapain enzyme.

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