All of us suffer from physical aches and pains at some point in our life. Unfortunately, this is largely unavoidable for many people. However, if those pains are causing you regular or persistent discomfort, there’s a surprising amount you can do to manage it. Many of these options also don’t require a trip to a doctor’s to administer, either. Here are just a few simple ways to relieve your pain yourself.
Taking Painkillers
For fast-acting, short-term relief against common muscle aches, over-the-counter pain relief can be highly effective. These are usually administered orally, but are also often a key ingredient in topical pain relief creams and gels. In some instances using the topical treatment may be preferable since it allows you to specifically target the problem area that is causing you pain. They also tend to include a cooling agent to provide instant relief for sore areas. However, it is important that you read the ingredient list prior to purchasing your topical pain relief, since some do not include chemicals which medically induce pain relief. For aches and pains, ibuprofen and aspirin are arguably the best choices, since they have an anti-inflammatory quality. If you are finding that over-the-counter relief is not sufficient, though, you may be able to be prescribed something stronger by consulting your doctor.
Massaging Problem Areas
If you often suffer from aches and pains, massage may also help augment any other treatment options you are seeking. The advantages of massage are numerous, and can aid pain relief and overall health in both the short- and long-term. In the short-term, it can provide relief for aching or sore muscles, and is especially useful for treating neck and lower-back pain, while also inducing a reduction in stress hormones. In the long-term, it can also improve your joint flexibility, blood-circulation, and even reduce blood-pressure. Getting regular massages is not necessarily a comfortable experience for everyone, however. Alternately, you may then decide to purchase an at-home massager, which can mimic some of the health benefits of a traditional massage. For example, truMedic offers a variety of electronic massagers depending on your problem areas and preferences.
Adjusting Your Diet
Much of our aches and pains are caused by inflammation, and a surprising amount of inflammation can be caused by dietary choices, too. Therefore, you can effectively manage a lot of your aches and pains by making a few key dietary choices. In particular, red and processed meats, fried foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates are widely agreed by physicians to trigger inflammation. If you are currently suffering from an inflamed muscle or area of your body, you may consequently try to avoid overconsuming these foods. Whole, fresh foods, meanwhile, like fruits high in antioxidants, fish, and leafy vegetables like spinach and kale have the opposite effect. It should be stated, however, that there are some health benefits. You may not necessarily want to cut out these from your diet altogether. You can discuss your ideal diet plan with a physician if you are unsure how best to proceed.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with pain can be highly uncomfortable, but it’s important to remember there’s plenty you can do to manage it, and in most circumstances, it will dissipate over time. If your pain persists for more than 3 months and is affecting your day-to-day life, do not hesitate to contact a doctor. It may be the case that a more invasive procedure, like surgery, may be necessary to alleviate your symptoms.