Maximum Pain Relief Without Medication
Many people suffer from many different types of pain. The cause and severity of the pain varies from person to person, but one thing remains constant. The desire to find maximum pain relief is shared by all of them. Pain relief comes in many forms, with medication being the most commonly used.
Many people, however, do not feel right about popping pills every time they have an ache or pain. This isn't to say that medication is not necessary in many cases. Many people try to exhaust all other options before going this route. Below we will look at some options for those who are looking to find alternative methods for achieving maximum pain relief.
Relaxation Techniques
For some people, relaxation techniques are an effective method for maximum pain relief. Relaxation techniques will relax your muscles and help you sleep better. Many people actually use this method in concert with various pain relief medications. The relaxation helps the medicines do their job better. Relaxation techniques can take many different forms, but they all require a certain amount of practice.
Visualization is often used in relaxation techniques. Imagining a calm and relaxing scene while practicing good breathing is one method. Breathing is an essential part of any relaxation technique. Rhythmic, steady breathing allows oxygen to reach all parts of the body effectively. Sometimes massaging the affected area to the rhythm of your breathing is effective as well. There are also other ways to achieve maximum pain relief without medication.
Distraction
Distraction is another method that people use to deal with various types of pain. Basically, this means focusing your attention on something other than the pain you are experiencing. This method is more useful for milder cases of pain. Anything you do that takes your mind off of the pain is a form of distraction. In some cases, you may be able to distract yourself long enough for the pain to subside completely.
Skin Stimulation
Skin stimulation is one of the most commonly used alternative methods for achieving maximum pain relief. Basically, this involves using pressure, temperature change, or chemical substances on the affected area. Massage is one type of skin stimulation that has proven to be very effective. Many times, lotions or creams are used during massage to help stimulate the nerve endings. Applying pressure to the area of the pain can also provide relief. Several seconds of firm pressure on the affected area can provide hours of pain relief.
Heat and cold can also be used to provide maximum pain relief. Applying ice to an affected area can numb the nerves, causing the pain to subside. Heat is best used for sore muscles instead of injuries. Whether you're using hot or cold, it's important to remember not to place the source directly on the skin. Either of these has the potential for damaging your skin. Remember, pain relief comes in many forms. It's up to you and your doctor to determine the best course of action.
