Introduction
Pain is a significant issue affecting many people worldwide, and while drugs are commonly used to manage pain, alternative methods do not involve them. Two such techniques include exercising and stress management, which are simple and can be practiced regularly. However, other methods have proven to be inefficient, and one example is magnetic therapy, which is recommended to avoid.
Working Non-Pharmacological Pain Management Approaches
Exercising
Exercising is an effective method for managing chronic pain. According to the Henry Ford Health website, a trusted source of medical tips, exercises, and physical therapy, exercise helps reduce pain by increasing blood flow to the muscles, improving their flexibility, and range of motion. Additionally, exercise can help improve mood and sleep, reducing pain levels.
Stress Management
Stress management is another working method for alleviating chronic pain. According to Zoffness, a Ph.D. psychologist in Psychology Today, stress can increase pain levels while decreasing coping capabilities. Thus, stress reduction is essential to lower the pain level. Some techniques include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Ineffective Pain Reduction Methods
Some methods, like magnetic therapy, were proven ineffective. Still, it is often marketed as a way to manage arthritis pain despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. According to the Arthritis Foundation, which is dedicated to helping arthritis patients reduce their pain, magnetic therapy had no significant effect on pain relief or joint swelling compared to a placebo. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this method, as it is unlikely that there will be any results.
Conclusion
Managing chronic pain without drugs is possible by using exercise and stress management to gradually decrease pain feelings. Exercising includes pacing, regular physical therapy, and yoga, while stress management techniques include meditation, sleep hygiene, and breathing practices. These methods can provide long-term relief and improve the overall quality of life by decreasing anxiety and increasing satisfaction.
However, some pseudoscientific methods do not work but are still proposed as viable ones. An example is magnetic therapy, which may seem like an appealing option for managing pain, but it is no more effective than a placebo. Individuals seeking alternative methods for managing pain can search for them online on websites dedicated to medicine and psychology. It is important to be sure that the article one finds is backed by scientific evidence.
Works Cited
Arthritis Foundation. “Magnets, Copper Don’t Ease Arthritis Pain.” Arthritis Foundation. Web.
Henry Ford Health Staff. “4 Ways to Manage Chronic Pain without Medication.” Henry Ford Health, 2017. Web.
Zoffness, Rachel. “Ten Evidence-Based Strategies for Pain Relief | Psychology Today.” Psychology Today. 2020. Web.