What are some good ways of coping with chronic pain other than medication?

Question

I have a friend who suffers with chronic pain both physical and it seems mental. I was wondering about what to suggest to her in the way of alternative coping methods for pain?

Answer 1

I have tried it all. I have chronic hip bursitis for 2 and a half years. I do yoga, pilates and have tried several antiinflammatories, steroid injections, physiotherapy, massage, ultrasound etc. Most things work for a week or two and then it comes back stronger than ever. They finally started me on an antidepressant called Cymbalta. I really insist that I am not depressed. I am very active swim, walk several miles several days a week,, golf. For some reason it seems to be taking the edge off of the pain. I am able to sleep better and I feel more limber. Go figure.

Answer 2

Dear Suffering: If you have chronic pain, you are not alone. Millions of americans are suffering every year. If your current doctor or medication is not working the way it should, i suggest you find a better doctor. If this step is not for the better still, please try oriental medicine, meaning Chinese medicine with herbal medicine. Sure the taste maybe bad, but it helps. Accupuncture seems to work for a lot of people. Give it a try if you feel the need to do so. Keep 10-30 minutes to yourself everyday. This is your quiet time away from everyone and everything. Relax, breath and meditate. It will allow you to control your inner energy and enable you to increase your pain threshold. Think about other things when you suffer. Use happy thoughts to counter the bad emotions. My advice are my own and use them at your own risk. Please stay positive and use common sense when applying.

Answer 3

Self-hypnosis is valuable but get help to start using it from a reputable source. Distracting yourself can be helpful by doing activities you love or care about. Silver colloid has been helpful for some and electro-medicine. Mental pain is usually helped by psychological and/or spiritual counseling, but a good caring friend who can listen without judging can also be healing. Most of us are not 'wise' enough spontaneously so trained help should be better from a qualified person. I heard of one system where dairy products are abstained from and calcium supplements are used, and this raises the pain threshold. Chronic pain has internet resources so studying this with your friend may help you find something more helpful.

Answer 4

I know many people who really suffer from unimagineable back pain, and they said yoga works extremely well in stretching the body while giving it a low impact excersize.

Also try topical herbal ointments. My father has Parkinsons, and sometimes his drugs didn't help with the pain, so he went to a health food store and found some natural oils to rub on his skin that immediately gave him relief.

Answer 5

Of course there are things like Yoga, and meditation, however tell your friend to try hypnotism or acupuncture as well!

Answer 6

WAIT,,,, YOGA AND PHYSCIAL THERAPY CAN MAKE IT WORSE, BUT SOAKING IN A HOT TUB OR FLOATING IN A POOL, THE TEMPERPEDIC BEDS WORK MIRACLES, REALLY..... BUT MEDICATION DOES WORK THE BEST I HATE TO SAY THAT CAUSE IT IS SO ADDICTIVE BUT I TAKE PAIN MEDICINE FOR MY BACK AND MY HEADACHES, AND MY HUSBAND DOES ALSO FOR HIS HIP, HOWEVER WE ALSO MAKE TIME TO DO RELAXING ALTERNATIVES, BUT NOTHING TO STRENUOUS... GOOD LUCK...

Answer 7

Meditating may help, as it has a calming effect.

Answer 8

I wish I knew,that's all my docs do for me is feed me pills. It seems like that's all they know how to do these days!

Answer 9

Some try biofeedback sessions, hypnosis, and lots and lots of prayer.:o)

Answer 10

some one told me yoga. i haven't looked into it but it might be worth a try