Around 100 million people in our country experience chronic pain. It is a kind of pain that persists for several months, even after treatment. Sometimes, the discomfort is so severe that it affects the patient emotionally, leading to depression and anxiety. As a result, they find it hard to perform routine tasks. The good news is that specific home remedies can provide pain relief to improve one’s quality of life.

What causes chronic pain?
It can result from several factors, such as an injury that does not heal or an aftereffect of surgery. It can also be due to certain health disorders like arthritis or other joint problems. However, some people may experience pain without a history of injury or disease, making it hard to treat.

Best remedies for chronic pain relief
The following are seven highly-recommended remedies by healthcare professionals. Note that these are not a cure and only help make the problem more manageable. The effectiveness can vary from person to person:

Exercise
People usually think that exercising is not a great idea while experiencing physical discomfort. But it is not entirely true. If performed correctly, physical activity is among the best natural treatments for chronic pain. While exercising, the body produces hormones that help increase the pain threshold. Moreover, the chemicals released can change one’s perception of pain, helping alleviate it to a certain extent. Specific body movements significantly reduce discomfort in the lower back and certain other body regions. One can contact a physiotherapist to learn the right exercises as per their requirement.

Essential oils
Essential oils are revered for their pain-relieving effects in many cultures worldwide. Peppermint, rosemary, and lavender oil are considered highly effective, especially when combined with traditional treatments. But note that one should never ingest these oils. Individuals may inhale them as a part of aromatherapy. A few drops can also be added to the bath or used during a therapeutic massage. However, it is best to dilute these oils and use only a little initially to rule out any adverse reaction.

Cold and heat therapy
Cold and heat therapy can provide instant relief if done correctly, making it an essential element of a severe chronic pain management routine. Cold presses, ice baths, ice packs, and other cold treatments help decrease pain and relieve inflammation, especially after an injury. On the other hand, heat relaxes the muscles, dilates the blood vessels, and increases the overall pain threshold. Note that one may have to use either cold or heat therapy depending on the cause of the pain. But some disorders like arthritis may require both. Many experts consider this one of the most reliable and time-tested therapies for alleviating pain.

Massage therapy
Therapeutic massages help reduce the severity of chronic pain by relaxing affected tendons, muscles, and joints while improving blood flow. They can also impede the transmission of pain signals to and from the brain, helping alleviate the problem to a greater extent. Further, massages relieve stress and anxiety and boost one’s overall feeling of wellness, which is crucial when dealing with any long-term condition. Since there are different types of massage therapy, it is advisable to contact a therapist to help determine a suitable one.

Meditation
Research has found that meditation is among the best treatments for chronic pain. A particular controlled clinical trial consisting of 109 participants showed that those who had undergone mindful meditation noticed many benefits. After the trial, they experienced lesser general anxiety and better mental health and were in more control of the pain. The program’s meditation techniques included mindful movements, walking meditation, and yoga, among others.

Acupuncture
It is a technique that stimulates particular points on the body to release pain-reducing chemicals. Many studies have pointed out that acupuncture may help manage severe chronic pain, especially those that affect the low-back pain, neck, and osteoarthritis-linked knee pain. It may also help prevent headaches arising from migraine.

Turmeric
Turmeric is a wonder spice with abundant anti-inflammatory compounds and healing properties. People from many cultures around the world have been using it for centuries to treat different health conditions. It is a staple ingredient in many homes. One can add turmeric to vegetables, rice, soup, and even tea. The spice has become more popular as a natural chronic pain treatment in recent years, and those who have used it have reported several benefits. It has a compound called curcumin, which is especially useful for relieving osteoarthritis-related pain.

Since there are many valuable treatments for chronic pain, individuals should work with a doctor to determine a viable long-term solution. One might need to try a specific option or even combinations of the above before discovering what works best for them.