Pain Management Without Medication

Managing chronic or occasional pain doesn't have to mean reaching for a bottle of medication. There are many natural ways to treat pain. Applying heat or cold, gentle stretching, and low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming can all calm inflamed muscles and reduce inflammation. Physical therapy, massage, or even acupuncture are also very common and popular approaches that individuals find useful for back pain, joint pain, or headache.

Mind-body techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga control the stress that may aggravate pain. Dietary changes—such as consuming anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish, can also have an impact over time. Though medicine-free pain relief does not take the place of medical treatment when necessary, it is a useful addition to your wellness strategy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist choices that may work best for you.