How To Manage Pain Without Opioids

Biofeedback is a treatment or exercise that allows an individual to learn to consciously control his or her heart rate and response. They’re connected to sensors that provide feedback about how their body is responding to their thoughts. It is useful for pain management because it can teach patients to control their own pain levels.

Chiropractic care is an accepted form of treatment for chronic low back pain, neck pain and headaches. A chiropractor manipulates the spine to help the body function properly. They may also order physical therapy and massage treatment.

Also referred to as Chinese medicine, this is a term that encompasses both herbal treatments as well as acupressure and acupuncture. Acupuncture, in particular, has been used for pain relief in the shoulder, low back, neck and knees.

When patients undergo hypnosis, they receive suggestions that help them respond differently to sensations and feelings in their bodies. A patient can learn to use relaxation and other techniques to reduce anxiety, which can also result in lower pain levels.

Cold and heat are accepted as effective therapies against chronic pain in various parts of the body. Cold helps reduce inflammation, and heat can increase blood flow to an area and alleviate spasms in muscles. Avoid extreme temperatures and do not apply cold or heat for more than 20 minutes at a time.

One method of reducing pain is incorporating various relaxation exercises into everyday life. This includes learning to breathe to lower blood pressure and practicing meditation techniques. Meditation can help reduce the “fight-or-flight” response to pain. There are even smartphone apps that have simple guides, like the Nobu mental wellness app.

Massage therapy is another effective way to provide relief from chronic pain. Most massage therapists will massage the affected area and the whole body to relieve muscle pain and improve circulation.

Just because you are avoiding opioid painkillers does not mean you cannot take any medications for chronic pain. Among the medicines that the CDC recommends for pain relief are:

• Analgesics such as Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen (See More: Non-Opiate Pain Killers)
• Antidepressants
• Topical agents

You should always speak with a doctor before beginning one of these medications on a long-term basis, as even popular over-the-counter medications can have serious side effects.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) produces electrical stimulation in the affected area, which has been shown to reduce pain related to musculoskeletal conditions.

Exercise can be an excellent way to build up the muscles around damaged tissue and vertebrae. Among the best forms of exercise are those that use slow and smooth movements, such as yoga and Tai Chi. These are both guided programs that also focus on breathing and relaxation techniques. These exercises are also low impact, meaning they are less likely to cause further muscle injury.

Back pain most often affects the lower back but can affect any area of the back.  Strain or damage to the back muscles normally cause this type of pain. It may also be caused by misalignment or damage to the spine. Some good pain relief options for back pain include:

• Chiropractic care
• Massage
• Cold or heat
• TENS therapy
• Yoga

These pain relief options all target muscles that may be the primary source of the pain.

The causes of foot pain vary greatly, making it difficult to identify particular pain relief options that will work for most people. Some of the best options for foot pain will likely be:

• Massage
• Cold or heat
• Non-opioid medication
• Eastern medicine

Arthritic joint pain is normally caused by either chronic inflammation in the joints or wearing down the joint itself. While there are some non-medical ways to improve the pain temporarily, arthritic pain will ultimately require non-opioid medical treatment to manage it the best way possible. Some possible ways to provide temporary pain relief include:

• Cold or heat
• Distraction therapy
• Non-opioid medication
• Eastern medicine

While these options may provide temporary relief, long-term relief from arthritis-related pain is normally achieved by getting treatments from your doctor.

Headaches and migraines can be debilitating. The best non-medical way to treat headaches depends on their cause, but several options may be effective. These include:

• Massage
• Eastern medicine
• Cold or heat
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic care

Menstrual pain occurs because of cramping and other normal changes that occur during menstruation. Several non-opioid pain relief options may be helpful for menstrual pain. These include:

• Non-opioid medication
• Cold or heat, especially heat
• Massage
• Yoga

Managing menstrual pain — or any kind of pain — may still need to be addressed by a doctor if non-medical pain relief efforts are not effective.