Chronic pain is debilitating pain that lasts more than 12 weeks. It affects millions worldwide and can occur at any time, often outliving the actual cause of the pain.
Note that over time, chronic pain can trigger the production of cortisol. This is a chemical substance known to damage kidneys and weakens the immune system. Therefore, it is advised that solutions for chronic pain management be sought as soon as possible to avoid long-term effects.
NSAIDs are the popular go-to option for chronic pain management. They work on a chemical level to relieve pain. They block the cox enzymes, which are responsible for making prostaglandins that cause swelling and pain.
Although effective in providing pain relief, most NSAIDs are associated with some pretty bad side effects. Mainly, these drugs are known to damage the digestive and cardiovascular systems. As a result, they are among the leading causes of stomach ulcers, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases.
In a bid to avoid the daunting side effects of prescription and over the counter pain medications, most people are opting for natural herbs and products such as:
White Willow
This is a natural herb occurring in most parts of Asia. It is widely used on its own or combined with other ingredients to relieve chronic pain and inflammation.
The active ingredient in White willow is salicin. It is converted into salicylic acid, providing the exact effects of aspirin on body pain and inflammation. While in the body, the salicylic lowers the production of prostaglandins (hormones that control the healing process in the body). Damage and infections in muscle tissues makes these hormones to trigger pain, inflammation and fever. By reducing their production, salicylic acid helps speed up the healing process which reduces pain and inflammation.
Patients with arthritis have reportedly shown a significant reduction in pain intensity and improved mobility after using white willow.
Boswellia Serrata
Commonly grown in the dry hills of India, Boswellia serrata has long been used as an ayurvedic treatment for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The herb is said to work by blocking the entry of inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation in the body, improving blood flow, and blocking the pre-inflammatory chemicals.
According to studies and research, Boswellia has proven its efficacy in managing chronic pain and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, croon’s diseases, and ulcers.
CBD
Unlike the other herbs, research and studies on CBD as an effective treatment for chronic pain and inflammation are still ongoing.
Nonetheless, the compound derived from the hemp plant is known to have excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressant properties. These help manage chronic pain conditions.
thc gummies and CBD oil, isolated powder, and tinctures are used widely to manage the side effects of cancer treatments. The products are also known to relieve arthritis, multiple sclerosis, nerve pain, and migraine. Additionally, they reduce pain and inflammation caused by eczema, psoriasis, and general skin dryness.
These three are the most popular ingredients for managing pain conditions in the market right now. They are all-natural and provide a healthier alternative to NSAIDs with which you risk potentially lethal side effects.