Pain Killer Alternatives

Prescription pain killers can have nasty side effects. They cause constipation, sleepiness and upset stomach. There are alternative methods that can work as well as taking medication to deal with pain without the undesirable side effects. Not every solution will work for every type of pain. Using alternative methods to pain killers can help you cut down on the amount of medication you need to take to stay in control of your pain.

Heat and Ice

Ice-packs and heating pads are two longstanding remedies for pain relief. For a recent injury, ice is the first recommendation. It prevents swelling and can help numb the pain. When you prevent swelling to the area, you are helping it to heal faster. Heat helps relieve stiffness in joints and muscles. Heat also encourages circulation to the injured area. Increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue, helping it heal more quickly.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help relieve pain caused by muscle spasms and joint injuries. Moving joints through range-of-motion exercises and massaging injured muscles helps relieve pain by increasing circulation and encouraging normal movement of the injured area. This type of therapy helps to regain muscle strength and flexibility. Physical therapy works by relieving inflammation, stiffness and joint weakness. A physical therapist can show you ways to move that won't cause pain and won't restrict your lifestyle.

Meditation

Researchers from the Department of Physiology at the University of Montreal reported that Zen meditators have a decreased sensitivity to pain. These findings were published in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine." They explain that the meditators continue to feel pain, but it does not take over their thoughts. Participants who use meditation for pain control are not distracted by their pain and do not suffer side effects from analgesic medications.

Acupuncture

Accupuncture can help you manage pain.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine practiced in the world. Multiple studies have been completed on the use of acupuncture for pain conditions, including back pain, jaw pain, headaches and fibromyalgia. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports as of August 2010, many of the studies have shown benefits for some types of pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis and tennis elbow. They also note that there are fewer adverse effects with acupuncture than with standard drug treatments.