Naturopathic medicine can be very effective for pain relief. When muscle pain is due to stress, working on stress management skills, practicing stretching, yoga, meditation, and any exercise that you can enjoy can help reduce stress and pain levels.
When chronic pain in involved, naturopathic medicine looks at treating the the whole person. I find helping patients with diet and exercise recommendations, and supplementation when necessary really can be helpful for acute or chronic pain. I may make suggestions involving medical nutrition, botanical medicine, mind-body medicine, hydrotherapy and homeopathy. Naturopathic medicine can offer pain patient options that can give them pain relief and hope for a future that has less pain and sickness, and more vitality.
Starting at a fundamental level, diet plays a huge role in treating pain. Many painful conditions are aggravated by inflammation, which can be reduced and modulated through use of an anti-inflammatory diet. Some simple diet ideas are:
proper levels of omega-3 fatty acids
plant based foods
vitamin D supplementation
Diet is not a one-size-fits-all therapy and I may need to perform a blood food allergy test to help patients navigate which nutritional plan is appropriate for their individual needs.
Homeopathic medicine is very effective for treating pain, some of my favorites are:
Arnica – bruises, soreness, tender to touch (commonly used after falls or other blunt trauma injuries)
Rhus toxicodendron – stiff, sore joints (pain is worse with rest and better with continued motion, pain improves with warm applications)
Ruta graveolens – strained ligaments, pain and stiffness in tendons
There are many herbal and nutritional supplements that can be effective for pain just a few are:
turmeric (anti-inflammatory)
bromelain (anti-inflammatory)
boswellia (anti-inflammatory)
papain (anti-inflammatory)
ginger (anti-inflammatory)
John’s wort (for nerves)
passionflower (for nerves)
lavender (for nerves)
peppermint (antispasmodic)
thyme (antispasmodic)
chamomile (antispasmodic)
magnesium (for tissue)
CoQ10 (for tissue)
calcium (for tissue)
potassium (for tissue)
vitamin D (for tissue)
B vitamins (for tissue)
Also sometimes the simplest remedies are overlooked, such as ice or mild heat to the affected area to reduce inflammation or tightness of a muscle. If you need help and guidance with a pain issue please feel free to contact the office for an in person, phone or telemedicine appointment.
Sincerely,
Michelle K Jackson