20 Ways to Manage Pain Naturally Without Seeing a Doctor
Living with pain can be a challenging experience, and seeking relief often involves a trip to the doctor. However, there are several natural methods you can explore before resorting to medical intervention or the use of a prescription drug. These strategies include various aspects of lifestyle, nutrition, and alternative therapies to empower you on your journey towards pain relief.
Please keep in mind, that I’m not a doctor, nurse, or anyone in the medical field. Here’s the deal, please talk to your medical professional to be sure what is safe for you to try. I’m writing this article in hopes someone may use some of this information if and when they have pain issues.
There may be times when we have a power grid outage or other emergency making a doctor’s visit a real challenge. If we are already applying the use of natural pain relievers we are better prepared to treat ourselves and family members when healthcare professionals aren’t available.
1. Mind-Body Techniques
Incorporating mind-body techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help alleviate pain by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which are known contributors to pain. Relaxation Techniques for Preppers
2. Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. Acupuncture may be effective in managing various types of pain, including chronic conditions. I have a neighbor (I have never met her) who does acupuncture. Mark and I have personally never tried it.
3. Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying heat or cold to the affected area can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Warm compresses or heating pads are great for muscle pain, while an ice pack or cold compress works well for some acute injuries. Hot Water Bottles (thank you, Leanne) or Heating Pads.
Be careful not to apply treatments that are too hot or too cold such that you damage your skin. You want natural pain relief to help, not add to the problem.
4. Exercise
Regular physical activity helps release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or yoga can be particularly beneficial for managing chronic pain. Fitness for Survival
The physical discipline of tai chi has been shown to benefit people with various physical challenges like rheumatoid arthritis, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Consider taking a tai chi class to see if you find relief from some of your stiffness and pain.
You need to approach these activities in moderation to start. You don’t want to aggravate things like lower back pain by doing things that can cause additional damage.
5. Herbal Remedies
Some herbs, like turmeric, ginger, and willow bark, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Rosemary oil has been used for mild pain relief. Frankincense oil has muscle-relaxing properties which help reduce tension and related muscle pain. It also helps increase blood flow which can reduce muscle and joint pain in stiff joints.
Cloves have been used for many years as natural remedies to numb the skin and provide temporary relief for toothache. The common approach is to use clove oil. Like clove oil, peppermint oil is a natural remedy that may help reduce pain. Often used as a topical application for skin issues, but also for headache, joint pain, and itching. Likewise, it’s also been used as a pain medication through aromatherapy to reduce stress and improve mental function.
Incorporating these herbs and spices into your diet or taking them as supplements may help reduce pain. The Best Herbal Plants to Grow for Homemade Tea
6. Massage Therapy
Professional massage or self-massage with techniques like trigger point therapy can help relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain associated with tension and stress. Some physical ailments may require professional help with physical therapy or chiropractic treatments. So be cautious as you implement certain treatments since there may be some unwanted side effects if not applied properly.
7. Hydration
Staying adequately hydrated is essential for overall health and can contribute to pain relief. Water helps flush out toxins, supports joint function, and keeps the body functioning optimally. 35 OTC Medications You Should Store
If you notice, during many athletic events on TV, the active participants are drinking plenty of water to prevent cramping and related muscle pain. It also helps to keep stomach function and digestion working as designed and reduces the chance of constipation.
8. Maintain a Healthy Diet
A well-balanced diet focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help manage pain associated with conditions like arthritis. 20 Healthy Habits for Emergency Preppers
Natural foods are certainly a great option rather than having to rely on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to fight inflammation and pain. Natural foods should provide the nutrients you need, and reduce the chance of ulcers that sometimes accompany over-the-counter remedies.
9. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT can be a valuable tool for managing chronic pain by helping individuals change negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies to improve their overall well-being.
10. Yoga and Stretching
Practicing yoga or incorporating regular stretching exercises can improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance overall body awareness, contributing to pain relief.
11. Capsaicin Cream
Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin cream can be applied topically to relieve pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals. It is particularly effective for conditions like arthritis. Capsaicin Cream
12. Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements
Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Taking turmeric or curcumin supplements may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with various conditions. Here again, please check with your medical professional before taking any supplements.
13. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial for certain types of pain, especially back and neck pain. A qualified chiropractor can help realign the spine and alleviate pressure on nerves.
14. Breathing Exercises
Practicing specific breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing, can promote relaxation and reduce tension, providing relief for various types of pain.
15. Mindfulness and Guided Imagery
Mindfulness techniques and guided imagery can redirect your focus away from pain, promoting calm and helping manage discomfort.
16. Topical Arnica Gel
Arnica, a natural herb, has anti-inflammatory properties. Applying arnica gel topically may help reduce pain and swelling associated with injuries and muscle soreness. Types of Medicines You Need for a First Aid Kit Topical Arnica Gel
17. Stay Socially Connected
Maintaining social connections can have a positive impact on mental well-being, which, in turn, can contribute to pain management. Social support provides emotional comfort and distraction from pain. Thriving with Less: How to Get By With Less
18. Quercetin-Rich Foods
Quercetin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties found in foods like apples, onions, and berries. Including these foods in your diet may help manage pain associated with inflammation. Dehydrating Blueberries and Make Blueberry Powder
19. Lavender Tea for Relaxation
Lavender tea contains compounds that promote relaxation and may have mild pain-relieving effects. Drinking a cup of lavender tea before bedtime can contribute to a restful sleep, aiding in pain management. Lavender: Everything You Need to Know
20. Aromatherapy
As mentioned above, essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and alleviate pain. Diffusers or topical applications are common methods of use. 21 Essential Oils Everyone Should Stock Up On
More Tips
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Final Word
While these natural strategies can be effective in managing pain, it’s crucial to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if your pain persists or worsens. Every individual is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Remember, the key is to find a combination of techniques that work best for you, providing a personalized and sustainable approach to pain relief. May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Young Couple Jogging Depositphotos_313326338_S by .shock, Fitness Equipment and Healthy Food Depositphotos_70346571_S by Elmirex2009
Wonderful post, Linda.
I must say that I have tried nearly everything on this post at one time or another. I have chronic pain and have suffered many years.
SO, if there is a loss of power, it is really important to have at our fingertips ways to relieve the stress which is also a major cause of pain!
You mention heating pads and I just want to remind everyone to get hot water bottles – perhaps 2-3!! You could put water and really small ice cubes or snow in one for an ice pack (not as good as a frozen one but…) and of course, very hot (not boiling) water in another. I swear by them and always take one camping with me to heat my sleeping bag before going to bed.
I also swear by acupuncture. The needles did not cause any pain for me but some might have some mild discomfort. It is a great way to get those nerves to relax!
Massage is great as well. My daughter is a licensed massage therapist so I can get a massage as often as I want. However, I think sometimes that she takes all of her angst with me when she does massage me! She will often say things like Does that hurt Mom??? and of course, it does to some extent. But if you have muscle spasms which are very painful, massage can relieve those. Just be sure to drink a LOT of water afterwards. You could also ask the massage therapist for some techniques to use in between massages. I have a few that my daughter taught me.
I would also suggest having a tennis ball handy – if you have back pain, stand at a wall or door with the ball where you have back pain (as long as you know it is not due to an injury that would require medical attention) and sort of move around with the ball massaging the area.
A TENS unit is also of benefit for painful muscle spasms. You can generally purchase one at a pharmacy like Walgreens. Handy to have.
HI Leanne, oh my gosh, your daughter is a massage therapist? WOOHOO! I would love that! Have you heard of alfalfa for pain. I was talking to my best friend and it helps her Sciata. I think we are going to have to know every possible natural remedy sooner than later. Thanks again for mentioning the hot water bottles, you are the reason I bought one. I had one growing up, they work wonders. You’re the best! Linda
Thanks for this very helpful article, Linda. My doctors just want to prescribe pills, pills, pills–regardless of side effects. I know it’s easier for them, but I refuse. Many of the techniques you listed have worked well for me, so I’m looking forward to trying them all!
Hi Roxanne, thank you for your kind words. I have severe arthritis, I’ve had it since I was very young. I was prescribed various arthritis prescriptions, I never took them. My Rheumatologist suggested I keep my self busy because it would help distract me from the pain. Right or wrong it has worked for me. I cannot just lay in bed or the arthritis becomes worse. Certain foods aggravate it. It’s inflammation, I have to work hard and be conscious of everything. But it works most days. I’m like you the side effects of some prescriptions are not acceptable to me. I watch some TV commercials about various prescriptions they recommend followed by side effects. I think to myself who is going to take the risk? Linda
I have sciatica – the piriformis muscle in my back. I swear by that tennis ball method! That’s the only thing that helps. It’s one of those situations – “It hurts so good!”
Advil has always been my best friend…until now! I’ve developed Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 3, and along with a long history of kidney stones shredding my kidneys, that Advil did me in. Can’t ever take it or Aleve again. Tylenol does in the liver. Either one is gonna get ya!
HI Robbie, those are two of the ones I take. They keep checking my kidneys, so far so good. But my Glaucoma surgeries are pushing me. Getting older is not fun, no one warned us. Now we know why! LOL! We go to dinner everyone talks about what aches and pains they have. LOL! Who knew? LOL! It’s so frustrating! Linda
Robbie: I learned about making “Green Oat Straw Tea” while I studied under famous Dr. Les Moore in his NorthEast Institute of Botanical Medicine for 2 years. Green Oat Straw Tea (GOST) is a wonderful “nervine” tea that settles down a lot of nerve pains. I just buy 1 lb. mylar “pillows” from Frontier Herb Company (or any other reputable co. (like Mtn. Rose Herbs) and place about 3/4 of an inch+ of the dried herb into my tea strainer, let it steep in hot water for about 6-8 mins. until it’s golden, and then drink it. This tea will help you quite a bit, no toxic Advil nor Tylenol…nothing else, although sometimes I do add in 1-2 drops of Vanilla Stevia for flavor. :-). This (GOST) is my go to for aches, pains, and nerve “zingers”. There are several other nervine herbs. I suggest that you do a search online and learn about them, but the other one I remember well is called “Skullcap” or Scutellaria herb. You could even buy tinctures of nervine herbs, if that’s what you prefer, and put drops into your tea.
Best to you!
Joyce E. Stotts
Newark, NY 14513
Certified Natural Health Professional since 2006
Forgot to say that the amt. of GOS I put in my tea strainer is enough to brew 1 qt. of Green Oat Straw Tea in a quart canning jar! Your GOST “pillow” in mylar should last you a VERY long time at that rate. You can adjust up or down the amt. of Green Oat Straw you wish to use for a 1 qt. jar of very hot water.
Also: Be careful about putting Lavender Oil or probably even the fresh herb on burns. You must use Lavandula Angustifolia or also called Oficinalis, and NOT Mumstead Lavender! The latter contains other Camphor amongst its other constituents and it will make any burns WORSE!!
ANOTHER THING: One time years back I was looking at the beautiful red clover flowers that made their way into my garden. My thoughts went “sideways”, and I wondered what’s so great about those red clover flowers that bunnies go crazy for them?? So….I pulled a flower off and ate it! YUM!! They are quite sweet and lovely. Now, don’t quote me on this, cause I studied under Les Moore probably 15 years ago now, but IF I remember correctly, red clover is a natural herb that builds the blood….???? IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY! You’d better do some research on that one to be sure. All I know is that every time I’ve made tea from Red Clover Blossoms, it makes me feel really GOOD!
ANOTHER THOUGHT: Bone on bone…is there anyway that a quality Collagen supplement would help that at ALL??? I mean for the bones and cartilage, not for nerve pains per se. My husband and I LOVE the Nature’s Path Collagen that we buy in quantities so we never run out! As a matter of fact, it was one of the supplements that I supplied to a young friend in Uganda, who was diagnosed with “Juvenile Arthritis” and became totally crippled…could no longer walk. She swears that the collagen made a huge difference in the “program” I designed for her, which also included some extra amts. of Vitamin C, of course..and much more.
PLUS, Mae Ruth now walks and climbs stairs and slightly dances around the house with a big smile on her face!! What a joy to see that 19 year old go from crippled and unable to walk to now happy, thriving and back at school again after missing an entire school year! We spent 4 days with Mae Ruth and her entire family when we went on our missions trip to UG for the month of February, 2024. An amazing blessing!!
Blessings,
JOYCE S.
Hi Joyce, oh that trip was a blessing to so many people. I love the story about the young girl. Love it! Linda
Hi Joyce, great comment with your knowledge is wonderful. Linda
Just a few more things that popped into my mind last night: Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg. is often used for nerve pains. Recently, Doublewood Supplements offered a buy 1 bottle of this supplement from Amazon, and they would give you 2 more bottles for free if you left a review! YAY!! I got all three for under $10!!
Our dr. has suggested ALA 600mg. for husband, Bob, who suffers with arthritis pain. I find this often works where there are shooting nerve pains, which Homeopathic Hypericum (St. John’s Wort) ALSO shines. In the case of Hypericum pillules, though, you may wish to buy multiple bottles to have on hand OR buy a very large one from homeopathy works.com (website for Washington Homeopathic).
A friend tells me that fresh comfrey leaves squashed a little bit (so you get some of the liquid) and placed on the painful area is very good for back pain. I have not tried that yet, but would not surprise me since Comfrey Herb is a fabulous herb for bones. VERY easy to grow in your yard, too. Just watch out it doesn’t take over!! I made Comfrey Salve one year for my husband, who had shoulder surgery, and his doc wanted to know what he was using that made his shoulder and the incision heal so fast!
Another thing that I highly recommend is homeopathic Cell Salts #8, which is Mag. Phos, meaning magnesium and phorphorus (both of which are commonly found to be deficient in US diets).That is especially true if you don’t eat many beans…like seed beans: pintos, black beans, navy beans, and the like. This Cell Salts #8 is amazing for stopping intestinal cramps or even just muscle cramps or if you have food allergies or IBS, at least I have found it to be. Yet, I barely suffer with anything like IBS; but when I do, I reach for Hyland’s Cell Salts #8! WOW!! Where’ve you been all my life? I think I’m in LOVE with you, No. 8!!
Hope some of these ideas are helpful to someone. Just more of the info. from my various trainings over the years!!
Joyce E. Stotts
Certified Natural Health Professional since 2006 but not a Dr.
from Central New York State…land of the Fingerlakes, Lake Ontario,
MANY vineyards, orchards, and the “Path of Totality 2024”!!
Once again, spell-check has struck my comments and screwed some up. Pls. forgive the “typos” I never made! If the message is not clear, please send your questions to Linda and she can forward them on to me, perhaps, if that is allowed???
Hi Jess, the message is clear, no worries, Linda
HI Jess, this is awesome, so many great tips! More people need to listen to their bodies and treat them accordingly. Thanks for the great informations, my sweet friend. Linda
I realize most treatments are best with muscle pain. Unfortunately, my issue is both knees are bone on bone. Sinvist and steroids do not eliminate the pain, but they do take the edge off it. Visits to a pain management clinic proved to make things worse instead of better. Legal prescription opioids or narcotics send me to the emergency room. Even replacement surgery is a no go at this point because I can’t take the medication. My body can’t handle them. The most I can take is baby aspirin for routine issues. I take IBgard forIBS, which has peppermint oil.
I will gladly listen if anyone has a better idea.
HI Chris, I hear you on the bone on bone. I had both knees replaced about 12 years ago, I think. They asked me if I was an athlete, nope never was. LOL! I hear the knee replacement is not like what I had. I was blessed I interviewed 5 orthopedic doctors before I chose the best one. It took 3 months to get into him. That’s because he was the best one in Southern Utah. I had my knees scoped which was a total rip off before I was told I really needed new knees. I have a friend that just had hers replaced and her replacements are so much better now with new technology. The shots did nothing for me with the bone on bone pain. I know they gave me some kind of medication after the surgeries (I did them 2 weeks apart) but they were not opioids. One week after it was Advil/Motrin. Now they have ice machines, I would have loved that. I’m sorry you are suffering with bone on bone, that pain is the worst. Hugs, Linda