Chronic pain affects about 1 in 5 people in the US. It’s an ailment that makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks and enjoy family or social time. If your parents experience chronic pain, which is usually defined as lasting longer than three months and being resistant to treatment, you might want to take a closer look into natural remedies that can change things for the better.
It’s essential to note that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to dealing with pain; what’s going to work for one person might do nothing to another. It’s usually a process of trial and error, but eventually, it should lead to finding a suitable remedy – whether it’s meditation, regular exercise, or trying different essential oils or fish oil. Some people might benefit from taking CBD, while others can find that massaging the painful sites helps them the most.
To get a better idea of available possibilities, read the article below and learn more about nine cheap and natural pain remedies that you can recommend to your parents.
CBD Products
CBD is a potent extract derived from the cannabis plant but doesn’t have any THC in it (the compound responsible for the feeling of being “high”). That means no psychoactive effects are associated with using CBD, making it a perfect treatment for chronic pain.
You can buy it online from a trusted vendor, but make sure to read plenty of reviews beforehand so that you can purchase the best quality product. Depending on the kind and source of the pain you want to treat, as well as the person’s preferences, you can consider CBD oil, softgels, creams, lotions, or salves.
Acupuncture
There’s strong evidence that acupuncture can treat chronic pain and reduce its intensity. The procedure involves inserting very thin needles into specific points in the body, which helps stimulate blood flow and release endorphins. Acupuncture works particularly well on chronic back and neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, and headaches. It often reduces the incidence and severity of tension headaches and may prevent migraines.
It’s important to find a reputable acupuncture clinic with licensed professionals to perform this kind of treatment. You can read reviews or try referrals from any friends and family who have had it done in the past. Check what certifications the clinic or individual professional holds and also ask how long they’ve been practicing.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for various ailments, including chronic pain. The oils are extracted from plants and contain active compounds that effectively treat pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and some other conditions. Essential oils can slow down the progression of cancer, diabetes, and other health issues. They are usually applied topically for pain relief or inhaled for better results.
Enough Sleep
Getting proper sleep can be difficult for your parents because of their condition, but letting insomnia sneak in won’t help their situation. Chronic pain can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fatigue, which can make things even worse for your parents.
Your goal here is to get them into a routine where they go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time in the morning. Make sure they aren’t using electronic devices before going to bed, as blue light from those screens can mess with their circadian rhythm and make it harder for them to fall asleep.
Massage
Massage is a great way to help your parents alleviate chronic pain and promote relaxation. A massage therapist can work on the painful areas of their body, as well as other places that are stiff or achy. It’s also known to improve blood circulation and flexibility, which can make it easier for your parents to move around.
Find a therapist who uses the right amount of pressure for their needs and doesn’t cause any unnecessary discomfort. It’s never a bad idea to ask for a recommendation from another family member or friend with experience in this regard.
Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health, and they help with everything from heart disease prevention to improved memory and mood. They also help with joint pain and inflammation. You can either get your parents some supplements or convince them to eat more fish, especially fatty fish, such as salmon and trout, containing the highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is common among seniors and may contribute to chronic pain.
Vitamin D helps fight inflammation, which means it can be used alongside other treatments to help relieve pain. The best way to increase the levels of vitamin D in your parents’ bodies is by spending time in the sun. If they can’t go out, you can suggest eating more vitamin D-rich foods, such as fish, eggs, and fortified milk. In many cases, it might be necessary to start supplementing the vitamin.
Final Thoughts
If you try something and it doesn’t work out as intended, don’t give up just yet! It might be that the method wasn’t suitable for your parents, or perhaps they needed more time to see results. Write down the method you tried and what you did to implement it. Then, try something different and see if the outcome is any better. With enough time and effort, you will find something that works! However, always stay in contact with a health professional to ensure that nothing interferes with your parents’ other conditions or medications they take.
