Three Natural Approaches for Relief of Chronic Pain

The cure for chronic pain is no cakewalk. Pain sufferers are often misdiagnosed, misunderstood and miserable as portrayed in the movie “Cake,” starring Jennifer Aniston who portrays a woman struggling with chronic pain. What’s worse is this is an issue that really frustrates physicians because it’s difficult to treat chronic pain with traditional medications.

The Herbal Pharmacist, David Foreman, R.Ph., says chronic pain is not a topic we should ignore, and that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can make chronic pain worse, since many medications are designed to block the transmission of pain from the site to the brain, so over time nerves send even stronger pain signals.

“Chronic pain frustrates physicians because it’s complex to treat and there is no medical cure,” said Foreman, who started his career as a registered pharmacist with a strong belief in natural medicine and uses his expertise in physiology, pharmacology and natural medicine to educate consumers on cutting edge approaches to natural health and healing. “A multidisciplinary approach that addresses the whole person is helpful and can provide much needed relief to chronic pain sufferers.”

However, what works for one person may not work for another, and while pain drugs are plentiful they don’t always give a person enough relief. Foreman says combining or replacing traditional medications with natural treatments may help chronic pain sufferers find more long-term relief with fewer side effects. Foreman says there are three cutting edge natural approaches to pain relief.

Natural Remedies for Chronic Pain

1) Turmeric has been used for centuries in both Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to help with numerous health issues including pain and inflammation. Several recent studies show that curcumin, a substance in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce inflammation and modifies immune system responses. A 2010 clinical trial found that a turmeric supplement called Meriva (standardized to 75 percent curcumin combined with phosphatidylcholine) provided long-term improvement in pain and function in 100 patients with knee osteoarthritis.

2) Celadrin is one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatory compounds that come from specific esterified fatty acids derived from bovine tallow oil. Celadrin can be used as a topical pain reliever cream or taken orally as a supplement. It works much like the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA from omega-3 fish oils, but with a more dramatic result because it causes changes at the body’s cellular level. It decreases inflammation and lubricates cell membranes throughout the body, restoring fluids that cushion bones and joints to promote flexibility and mobility. Clinical studies on Celadrin have reported significant results without any side effects.

3) Magnesium studies have found that magnesium can help with pain caused by conditions like migraines, muscle spasms and fibromyalgia. Magnesium helps the muscles to relax and newer studies show it can calm down nerve pain too; additionally it can help you sleep better and alleviate gastrointestinal problems often associated with pain medications.

More Approaches for Pain Management

Foreman says exercise, hot baths with some Epsom salt, and meditation can also be helpful. Sufferers of chronic pain have some of the lowest reported quality-of-life levels among people with major illnesses. Approximately one-third to three-quarters of the people with chronic pain experience some form of depression because depression and chronic pain share some of the same neurotransmitters and nerve pathways.

Biography: “David Foreman R.Ph., is a retired pharmacist, author and radio host of the syndicated show, “The Herbal Pharmacist.” He is well versed on the healing powers of herbs, vitamins and other natural supplements. His shift from traditional pharmacist to herbal pharmacist was based on his belief that education is the key to understanding that natural health plays a vital role in mainstream medicine; and he has dedicated his entire career to educating consumers about the benefits and power behind natural herbs and supplements.”