Natural Pain Relief

Pain management for chronic conditions due to inflammation or nerve damage, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and diabetic neuropathy, is typically a matter of taking over-the-counter or prescription medications, which can have a number of unpleasant or even dangerous side effects.

Managing pain naturally, or using natural pain remedies in addition to traditional medications, can help ease pain more effectively while preventing or reducing the number and severity of side effects common with traditional pain medications.

These four common, natural pain relievers are safe and effective, and have fewer or less severe side effects than traditional medicines.

Anti-inflammatory Substances

There are a number of natural substances that are highly effective for reducing inflammation, which can cause or worsen pain and swelling. A daily fish oil supplement that contains two to four grams of DHA and EPA can help control back pain, nerve pain, and pain due to arthritis.

Turmeric, green tea, and ginger are also potent anti-inflammatory agents available in capsule form that can be taken daily for an extended period of time without serious side effects.

Vitamin D

A vitamin D deficiency can result in twice the pain in those who suffer from chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and diabetic neuropathy. If you think you may be deficient in Vitamin D, taking a daily supplement can considerably improve your pain.

Capsaicin

The substance responsible for the heat in chili peppers, capsaicin applied as a topical cream can significantly improve joint and nerve pain. However, the pain may worsen slightly for a couple of days before you see significant improvement.

Glucosamine Sulfate

A chemical that's found in the fluid around our joints, glucosamine sulfate is also found elsewhere in nature, and supplements can considerably reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Taken by mouth or applied topically as a cream, glucosamine sulfate has a few mild, but rare, side effects like heartburn and upset stomach.

A Word of Caution

Just because a remedy is "all natural" doesn't necessarily mean that it's without side effects or that it won't interact with other medications you're taking. Always talk to your physician before taking natural pain supplements alone or with traditional medications. Your doctor can also make recommendations for the best dosages, brands, and delivery methods to ensure you see the best possible results.