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By Bonnie Jenkins
Pain is part of everyday life for far too many people.
According to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, people in their 50s who suffer from chronic pain have the physical limitations of pain-free people in their 80s. But limited movement may just be the tip of the iceberg.
Serious pain can have serious consequences. It’s been linked with digestive problems, poor wound healing, increased risk of blood clots and, in seniors– an increased risk of falling.
The back is the most common site of chronic pain, along with the hip, shoulder, and head. The discomfort can arise from nerve pain (known as neuropathy) caused by disorders like diabetes and joint pain caused by arthritis.
Other types of pain include sciatica; thoracic outlet syndrome, which is nerve and/or blood-vessel compression that affects the arm, shoulder and neck; pain in the lower back and leg caused by nerve irritation; and fibromyalgia, marked by widespread pain and points that are tender to the touch.
The problem posed by chronic pain is that it isn’t a disorder per se—it’s a symptom gone awry.
What causes acute pain to become chronic?
The only predictive marker that has been found so far is inflammation. That’s one reason why diagnosing and solving chronic pain can be so challenging. While temporary relief can come from pain medication or surgery, conventional medicine typically doesn’t address the underlying problem.
Fortunately, there are a few natural options you can turn to that can provide lasting pain relief.
Your diet can either help soothe runaway inflammation … or aggravate it further. Eliminating sugar and artificial sweeteners is a good way to help calm low-level inflammation, since they’re both inflammatories.
Here are some foods that have been found to help tame inflammation:
- Cold-water Fish (salmon, halibut, and mackerel)
These varieties contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats.
- Fresh Vegetables (especially broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens)
- Ginger and Turmeric
Ginger is used in Eastern medicine for arthritis, bursitis, and other complaints. Turmeric is a curry herb that’s used in India’s Ayurvedic healing tradition.
Here are a few anti-inflammatory supplements that can also go a long way toward relieving chronic pain—and, unlike over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin; they’re safe to take on a long-term basis.
- Feverfew
This herb is best known for its role in migraine prevention, and also inhibits the release of inflammatory prostaglandins.
- St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is famous as an herbal-anti depressive, but it’s also been shown to help with inflammation.
- Bromelain
This pineapple-based enzyme eases digestive discomfort when taken with food, and inflammation when taken on an empty stomach.
- Cat’s Claw (one of my favorite anti-inflammatories)
In one trial, this rainforest herb was significantly more effective than a placebo at relieving pain. Cat’s claw contains alkaloids and glycosides that not only quell inflammation, they also boost antioxidant levels. The typical dose is 100 mg. taken daily whether or not you are in pain.
- Boswellia
This herb is taken from the frankincense tree, and has been found to shrink inflamed joint tissue. It’s also effective against muscle pain and digestive problems like ulcerative colitis. During one trial, a combination of boswellia, ashwagandha, turmeric, and zinc effectively treated pain and stiffness— without the stomach irritation that is a common side effect of NSAIDs. Most herbalists recommend taking 400 to 800 mg. daily.
If your chronic pain stems from a known problem like an old injury or digestive disorder, these herbal remedies can work in a matter of weeks to dull your discomfort.
Contact your health care provider if you’re not sure what’s causing your pain or if your pain gets worse. It could be a sign of something serious.
References:
Allen-Hall L. Uncaria tomentosa acts as a potent TNF-alpha inhibitor through NF-kappaB. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2010;127:685-693.
Chrubasik JE. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal antiinflammatory drugs in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. Phytotherapy Research. 2007;21:675-683.
Ko DG. Omega-3 fatty acids for neuropathic pain: case series. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2010;26:168-172.
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