Factors like illnesses, injuries, cramps, and others can cause pain. The way you manage the pain you feel determines the outcome. The most common pain management treatment is the use of opioid medications. While opioid medications are proven to be effective, they have severe side effects. The best option for pain management is using non-opioid medications. These medications are referred to as alternative painkillers. You may experience side effects from most alternative painkillers if you abuse them.
Non-opioid Pain Management
Non-opioid pain management alternatives are effective and they have little or no side effects. Whether you are experiencing acute or chronic pain, there are several alternative pain management treatments you can use to reduce or stop the pain. Not all alternative pain management methods require medications. Read on to learn about the various alternative painkillers.
6 Alternative Effective Painkillers
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen is the best painkiller for moderate pain or illness. This medication can relieve minor pains like headaches or slight fever. Acetaminophen is one of the safest painkillers available. Anyone can use it including pregnant women and infants. When taking acetaminophen, ensure that you do so according to its prescription. Acetaminophen is safe but it causes side effects when abused.
Aspirin
Asprin is a very popular painkiller that serves several purposes. It can relieve or reduce acute pains, reduce swellings, prevent blood clots, and treat fever. Asprin unlike acetaminophen is not for everyone as it may cause some side effects like heartburn, nausea, vomiting and others. Ensure that you take aspirins strictly based on prescriptions. It is not for infants or teens.
7OH (7-hydroxy mitragynine) Kratom Tablets
Kratom is an herbal substance with pain-relieving properties, making it an effective painkiller. The 7OH tablet is not as popular as other alternative painkillers on our list but it has been proven to be very effective. 7OH tablets are available in several medical stores and you can also order for them online. Like most painkillers, 7OH Kratom tablets may cause side effects especially when abused. Ensure that you take the tablets according to the directions.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation. It can also be used as a treatment for fever. Ibuprofen is best for relieving pains like menstrual cramps and muscle sores. You may experience some side effects but not as severe as the ones caused by asprins. Ibuprofen can cause severe kidney damage when abused. Always follow the directions of a health practitioner when using this drug.
Naproxen
Naproxen is a powerful and effective anti-inflammatory painkiller. This is one of the medications that can be taken without a prescription, however, abusing it can cause severe health damage. The effect of Naproxen on the body can last for 8-12 hours. It is important to read the instructions carefully before taking this medication.
Therapy
Therapy is a known pain-relieving treatment and it comes with several options. Therapy is the best pain management treatment as it has no side effects. Therapy pain management methods include:
- Exercises: Several exercises can help relieve certain pains in the body. A professional in the field of pain management can help you with some of the best exercises that can relieve pain. Ensure that you do not overwork yourself.
- Massage: Massaging is one of the oldest ways of releasing pain. The intensity of the message depends on the cause of the pain. A pain as minor as a headache may only require a little head massage in some specific areas. Muscle strains or dislocation may require intense massages.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is another alternative pain management treatment that has proven to be effective in several cases. Not all pain symptoms can be managed with physical therapy.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting needles into certain parts of the body. This procedure can help interrupt pain signals which in turn, relieves pain. You can not administer acupuncture on yourself, always get it done by a professional.
There are other therapeutic pain management methods aside from the ones listed. Therapy is a delicate treatment that should be administered only by professionals.
Conclusion
Pain management is very important, especially for very severe cases. There are different types of pain and they each have their various treatments. Minor pains can be managed with over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen.
The best way to manage severe pains is by visiting your doctor. A headache is minor when the pain is not so intense and constant. A recurring headache requires the attention of a health practitioner and not an over-the-counter medication.
The constant intake of painkillers, whether they contain opioids or not, can cause some severe health damage. The best way to manage minor pains is by therapy, which includes exercising, massaging, acupuncture and other treatments. Try to consume as little medications as possible.
