Pain
Management
General Experience
Over the years that I have
treated a variety of chronic ailments, a curious thing has repeatedly occurred.
On follow up appointments, patients have often told me that pains they have had
for years, have disappeared. One particular time, a patient completely forgot
that she had been in pain for years until the chiropractor called to see why she
had missed her last several appointments. Even
localized pains can be diminished or eliminated with holistic treatments that
aid in decreasing general body inflammation, decreasing immune reactivity, and
detoxing (especially in the joints). Another time, a patient with pain from
years of multiple car accidents had great relief with only this general
treatment method.
Is it always that simple? No,
but at times it can be, and usually the initial holistic approach helps to at
least take the edge off of the pain. What about the rest?
More Complex Pain
Conditions
More complex ailments get more
specific treatments, but must start with the dietary and other holistic
treatments in order to secure more success with the subsequent individualized
approach. This is the case with most illness whether it's skin rashes, IBD,
heart disease, or pain. Supplying the body with proper nutrition and rest,
thereby allowing it's own internal healing mechanisms to act, removes many of
the obstacles to eliminating pain and disease. Many types of arthritis respond
well to initial dietary treatments. Secondary treatment with anti-inflammatory
and tissue/joint healing herbs has then been very successful. Fibromyalgia pain
has also decreased with dietary changes, though aiding regular good nights of
sleep has been hugely beneficial too. Proper sleep is another commonality of
reducing pain. Migraines have a variety of causes and many are aided by this
approach, while others may be more hormonal or anatomically based. And as
illustrated above, injuries to the spine or other joints, new or old, can be
helped with this method.
In addition to the dietary,
holistic, and herbal remedies, physical treatments such as hot and cold
applications, stretching, or changes in ergonomics (changing shoes, mattresses,
or sitting methods) are utilized.
Conclusion
Overall, it has
been my experience that a great deal of the pain people are carrying around can
be relieved with these natural methods.