Alternatives To Pain Killers by Jane Thurnell-Read

Pain is something that most of us dread, but pain often serves a useful purpose: it tells us that something is wrong and that we need to do something about it. So, that toothache or pain in the back should not be ignored. Unfortunately painkillers mask pain rather than treating it taking a pain killer is often like shooting a messenger bearing bad tidings. So what can you do if you have pain?

Sometimes the choice is obvious: if you have toothache, you need tovisit a dentist. Any severe or persistent pain should be checked out by your medical practitioner. But many people are left with pain killers as the only suggested remedy, but there are alternative, effective remedies for many people.

What do you do if you have backache? There are several different choices, including visiting an osteopath, a chiropractor, a sports therapist or an Alexander technique teacher. Sometimes specific exercises will do the trick. Have a look at the books by Pete Egoscue for simple easy exercises you can do to help alleviate chronic pain.

Sometimes chronic pain responds well to a change in diet. Some people with arthritis find that reducing their meat intake and/or sugar and white flour intake works well. Many also find they benefit from taking glucosamine.

Some pain is caused by allergy problems, so check this out with a kinesiologist or another practitioner with an interest in allergies. A recent study on irritable bowel syndrome has shown that many sufferers are allergic to foods, such as yeast (in bread, alcohol, etc.), wheat, peas, cashew nuts, almonds, barley, beef and soya. Migraine sufferers often do well if they exclude certain trigger foods, such as chocolate, cheese, red wine and citrus fruit.

Drinking lots of water can help some pain. So can eating a large variety of fruit and vegetables. These are rich in antioxidants, which help keep the joints lubricated and so prevent stiffness. Many people swear by fish oil supplements (flax seed oil is a good vegetarian equivalent), or the supplement glucosamine sulphate to keep them fit and supple into old age.

If you are struggling with the pain of eczema or psoriasis try taking and applying salvestrols.

If your pain is mental or emotional, try taking Bach flower remedies or see a kinesiologist or a counselor for help. You can also try the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for both physical and emotional pain. EFT offers a self-help technique you can use yourself. Whatever you do, dont just put up with pain. Have a look at all the possibilities, not just painkillers.

Copyright 2006 Jane Thurnell-Read Online Health Shop