Natural Methods for Managing Arthritis Pain
If you or someone you love is living with arthritis, we’re sure it’s crossed your mind to explore multiple methods of treatments. Our arthritis pain doctor Asheville team understands that all pain is unique. We know how important it is to never give up exploring the best pain management strategies for you. If you are looking for top non-invasive options, we encourage you to consider natural methods for managing arthritis pain. Read on to learn more.
What is Natural Pain Management?
The category of natural pain management is quite wide. It includes everything from exercise to the use of herbs and supplements (and everything in between). These treatments are considered non-invasive and do not involve pharmacological options. The goal with natural pain management is to achieve the results without the challenges associated with potentially dangerous side effects.
Try Pain Psychology
People often think of arthritis pain as a purely physical sensation. However, it is now accepted that pain does not exist in a social vacuum, and that non-physiological factors such as personality, cognitions, beliefs, socio-cultural variables, learning and emotional reactivity all contribute significantly to a patient’s perception of pain.
When working with a psychologist, you can expect to discuss your physical and emotional health. The psychologist will ask about the pain you experience, where and when it occurs, and what factors may affect it. In addition, he or she will likely ask you to discuss any worries or stresses, including those related to your pain. Most patients find they can better manage their pain after just a few sessions with a psychologist.
Get Active
It might be intimidating to consider activity as a part of an arthritis pain management plan, but the research doesn’t lie. While we still encourage patients to use caution with their activities, even the CDC states that some activity is better than none. Here are some simple ways to incorporate more activity into your daily routine.
Low-impact aerobic exercise
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Diaphragmatic breathing exercises
Meditation along with progressive muscle relaxation
Strength training
Be sure to consult with a member of your care team before making any changes to your treatment plan. Our Asheville doctors accepting new patients can offer insight and suggestions for anyone needing more guidance about safe, arthritis-specific activities.
Consider Traditional Chinese Medicine
Another natural form of arthritis pain management is acupuncture. It’s one of the top many forms of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat pain. Acupuncture works through the insertion of thin needles into a patient’s skin in specific regions of the body. Although more research is needed to confirm how effective acupuncture is on specific types of arthritis, many patients report a positive impact on joint tenderness and pain reduction.
Arthritis Pain Doctor Asheville NC
We understand that when you are experiencing chronic and debilitating pain, there is nothing more important than finding a plan to take your life back.Chronic pain is not only physically debilitating, but it also becomes a mental and emotional burden.You suffer.Your family suffers.You need a qualified partner like Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas, an Asheville pain clinic, to help you on your journey toward a healthy, active and happy life. Our pain management doctors in Asheville North Carolina are here to help!