Drugs are good at handling pain, but they often have serious side effects when used for a long time. If you suffer from backache, arthritis, or any other type of chronic pain, you might want to seek alternatives for pain relief that don’t involve drugs. Some old-age techniques, such as yoga and meditation, and newer ones, will help reduce your inclination to use medication for back pain.
Research indicates that pain involves the body and the mind. Therefore, mind-body therapies can reduce pain by altering how we perceive it. The level of how you feel pain is influenced by emotions, genetic makeup, personality, and lifestyle. If you have been accustomed to feeling pain, your brain rewires itself and perceives pain signals that are not there anymore. This article looks at the five best methods to relieve mind-perceived pain.
1. Breathe Deeply
Likely, you have never thought about how we breathe. This is because you do it without any effort. The truth is that you can use your breathing to distract yourself from feeling pain. When you concentrate on your breathing, you tend to forget the pain. First, find a suitable comfortable spot. Remove any distractions such as your phone, computer, and other devices. Then, proceed to take deep breaths in and exhale slowly. Continue focusing on your breathing. Contemplate expanding the diaphragm and rising and falling of the chest as you continue the exercise.
Deep breathing is fundamental to all other techniques. So, it would be best if you learned the method first. You can use a word or phrase to help you focus. For instance, you can use the word “peace” when breathing in and “tension” when breathing out. There are several apps that you can install on your tablet or smartphone that will assist you in maintaining your breathing rhythms.
2. Positive Thinking
Pain can make you feel bad about yourself and lead to negative thoughts that weigh you down. You risk causing other psychological problems such as depression when you ruminate on the negative thoughts. You have probably heard the saying, “it could be a lot worse.” True to that, pain is not the worst thing that could ever happen to you.
Despite your situation, you should try as much as possible to enjoy the pleasures of life. Try to think positively about the good things that are in your life. There are many things that you can think of that gives you joy. These include your loved ones, home, good food, good memories, and many more. You might be in for a surprise with how positive thinking can influence pain alleviation.
3. Cannabis Products
Individuals with arthritis and chronic musculoskeletal pain are turning to cannabis products for potential pain relief. A recent study indicates that more than half of the individuals with arthritis had tried marijuana products. Cannabis plants are complex, with different varieties having different chemical compositions. However, nearly all of them contain THC and CBD.
THC and CBD show a lot of potential in easing pain. They both activate your body’s cannabinoid receptors. These receptors stimulate or inhibit brain chemicals and cause specific side effects. THC, on its part, activates the nerve cell, potentially reducing pain sensation. Therefore, THC products such as THC oil are great cannabis products to consider when you want to alleviate chronic pain potentially.
The high from THC can also be beneficial in potentially dealing with pain. It is much like the same way other pain medications work. When you get the feeling of euphoria, you might not care about the pain you are feeling.
4. Mental Techniques
Specific therapeutic methods have been shown to decrease pain and its intensity. Some approaches include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. A 2017 review found that mindfulness meditation improves depression and pain symptoms. However, it concluded that more research needed to be conducted to establish how much it can affect chronic pain.
5. Distract Yourself
Distracting yourself is a straightforward technique that doesn’t have to be complicated. You can engage in simple activities with your friends, such as talking, going to the movies, swimming, shopping, praying, and playing different games. When engaged, you become distracted and focus less on the pain. Your mind and body will let go of the toxins that often lead to increased pain perception.
Wrapping Up
You do not have to depend on medication that will eventually result in side effects to deal with your chronic pain. The above tips are just a few techniques you can employ, and you will not have to rely on constant medications.
Remember, pain can be due to many reasons. It would be best to seek medical advice from your doctor if your pain persists. Yet, that does not mean you should suffer through the pain. Distract yourself by engaging in physical activities and mindful techniques, and you will have an easier time. With that said, all the best in your journey of recovering from chronic pain.
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