11 Tips for Dealing with Chronic Pain Without Opiates

Dealing with chronic pain is no easy task, and it will differ from person to person, but with these techniques, you can better deal with chronic pain and live a pain-free life.

Opiates. At one time, this manufactured medicine was considered a great option to help people with chronic pain cope. And for some it may still be a good solution. But for millions of others, opiates have become part of a larger problem.

While opiates can help with pain upon initial use, over time you can build a tolerance. Meaning, you need to increase the dose of the opiate in order to achieve the same relief from the pain. Higher levels of opiates can lead to damage to both physical and mental health. And for someone already trying to cope with chronic pain, this is not a good thing.

Opiates have many side effects that become severe if you miss a dose or try to stop taking them altogether. Withdrawal symptoms like:

• Severe nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle spasms
• Excessive sweating

Options for Treating Chronic Pain

Studies have found opioids do not actually help in treating chronic pain. In fact, many reports claim there are more alternative treatments that may work just as well, and don’t have negative side effects and can’t lead to addiction.

By implementing tips given by medical professionals, you can start dealing with your chronic pain without opiates today. Below are 11 of these tips.

 1. Nerve Injections

Nerve injections are also called nerve blocks because they block the pain being caused by the nerve. Your doctor simply injects a numbing agent into the area creating the pain in your body. The type of nerve injection your doctor gives you is based on the location of your pain.

For instance, if your pain is in your neck and back, your doctor can choose a cervical, thoracic or lumbar epidural.

 2. Massage Therapy

Massage therapy helps deal with chronic pain in many ways. It increases blood flow, which helps with circulation and getting oxygen to your whole body. When your muscles are relaxed, you have less tension on your bones, tissues and nerves. Massage also boosts endorphins, the chemicals that act as your natural pain relievers.

 3. Bio Feedback

Believe it or not, you can have more control over how your body responds to stress related to chronic pain. Bio Feedback is a process in which you train your mind to lower stress levels and therefore lower tension that can add to your pain.

 4. Radiofrequency Ablation

To help you deal with chronic pain, radiofrequency ablation is an option you may want to try instead of opiates. This method uses heat to interrupt the signals that are sent to the brain that are then perceived as pain. There are two types of this form of ablation that will determine the temperature used to treat your pain. The highest temperature would be 80 degrees.

 5. Disc Denervation

If you are dealing with chronic pain related to discs, then you likely hurt in your neck, back or both. Disc Denervation is a procedure that also used radiofrequency or heat to dull the pain. Heat is used to deaden the nerves associated with your disc pain. This technique has been reported to ease pain for six months or longer.

 6. Physical Therapy and Exercise

Pain and movement may not sound like they go together. However, there are special therapeutic techniques and exercises that can help you deal with chronic pain. The right movements can make your muscles more flexible. And just like with massage, exercise can release endorphins that help you naturally fight pain.

Someone with chronic pain should only do exercise therapy with the help of a medical professional.

 7. Reduce Inflammation

When your body is inflamed, this puts pressure on joints, tissues, muscles and other parts of the body. You are already in pain; you don’t need other parts of your body to start hurting too. Inflammation is something you can reduce by eating the right foods and staying hydrated. Your doctor may also want you to take anti-inflammatory medicines.

 8. Manage Your Stress

Stress is connected to many mental and physical disorders. Heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and panic disorder to name a few. And all these disorders increase the likelihood of you having a negative life event. These disorders lead to more pain for you.

What is stressful in your life? How can you make changes in that area? Working with your doctor, develop a stress management treatment plan. Meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and making lifestyle changes are tips that are proven to help those dealing with chronic pain.

 9. Chiropractor Care

The field of chiropractor care has shown great advancements just like other forms of medical treatments. Those trained in the field have mastered the manipulation of the spine to help in dealing with chronic pain. This manipulation practice involves manual rotating done by your doctor. It gives you a greater range of motion.

 10. TENS

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a treatment used by many to deal with chronic pain instead of using opiates. TENS is especially beneficial to those with musculoskeletal conditions, which can affect almost all body parts, from:

• Muscles
• Tendons
• Bursa
• Ligaments
• Nerves
• Blood vessels
• Joints

Some of the more common musculoskeletal conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tendonitis, ruptured or herniated discs.

 11. Botox

It may seem weird to suggest injecting a toxin into your body to help you deal with chronic pain, but that is exactly what doctors do. That’s because Botox can help ease pains such as migraines and lower back pain.

While the word “toxin” sounds dangerous, it is just the opposite. Botox can temporarily relax the muscles, thus eliminating pressure in the area, thus easing pain.

Conclusion

Whether you are currently taking opiates and find them ineffective, or just exploring your options for dealing with chronic pain other than with the use of opiates, reach out to your local pain management specialist.

They can provide a comprehensive evaluation, explain all the treatment options available, and create a treatment plan with you that addresses how you can best deal with chronic pain.