Non-Medicinal Pain Relief

There are a number of non-medicinal pain relief options available to even chronic pain sufferers. Some treatments are more effective than others.

Hot and Cold Compresses

• Alternating hot and cold compresses on the site of pain can relieve inflammation. If you use cold compresses, be sure to have them on for 15 minutes or less with a 30-minute rest period in between each use.

Massage

• Massage can reduce the tension in muscles and ligaments which may be causing pain. Also, massage can relieve ancillary pain that may occur from muscles contracting in response to pain elsewhere in the body.

Acupuncture

• Millions of Americans each year found pain relief in the thin needles of acupuncture. Be sure to use registered acupuncturists. They are required to use sterilized, single-use needles.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy and exercise can ease pain by slowly increasing mobility and compensating in other areas as needed.

Meditation

• Having a positive outlook can help manage pain. This can be achieved through visualization. Imagining yourself in a happy place, such as the mountains or a beach, can help distract you from the pain and lower your perception.

Other Techniques

• Other techniques for pain management include herbs and vitamins, magnets and spinal manipulation.