Your first instinct when pain strikes is to pop a pill. Sadly, you’re not the only one to think like this. In fact, it’s become a habit for many people who do it. The moment they feel the slightest discomfort. They immediately head for the medicine cabinet for instant relief.

Bear in mind, that long-term medication leads to serious side effects. You can become addicted. Hence, you depend on it solely for relief. However, over time your body will develop a tolerance for the drug. As a result, you’ll end up looking for a stronger dosage. In doing so, you risk damaging your kidneys. Break the cycle and discover effective ways to manage your pain without taking medication.

Move Your Body

Chances are you don’t want to move while your pain. Understandably, because even the slightest movement can be excruciating. However, you don’t need to do an intensive workout to get started. Even a daily walk can help trigger your body’s natural painkillers like endorphins. Remember to start slow and then build your workout to something you’re comfortable doing regularly. The key is consistency. Rest assured you’ll notice an improvement over time.

Update Your Diet

Have you checked your diet lately? Have you been binging recently? This is likely part of the reason why you’re feeling more pain than usual. If so, then consider an anti-inflammatory diet consisting of fish and lots of vegetables. This also presents the opportunity to learn about spices if you’re worried the food will turn out bland.  Spices like turmeric commonly found in Indian cuisine have anti-inflammatory properties.

Give it a try for at least two weeks. Afterwards, you’ll likely notice significant relief from pain. Moreover, your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels would show substantial improvement.

Indulge in a Massage

A massage can do wonders for your body. It can help relieve tension in the muscles. Hence, the persistent pain in your neck and back could slowly but surely go away. Therapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating a variety of chronic conditions, particularly arthritis and fibromyalgia.

In St Kilda Osteopathy, a massage can help reduce anxiety, uplift your mood, and promote a deeper sleep. The techniques employed promote the release of serotonin. Interestingly, the production of this natural happy hormone is the same objective as antidepressants. So, would you rather take a drug than experience a relaxing massage?

Practice Stress Reducing Techniques

Bear in mind that stress can aggravate any pain you’re feeling. Hence, the reason why you feel worse when you’re depressed, anxious, and angry. However, you can manage your stress through several simple techniques.

Play a piece of relaxation music designed to specifically calm and soothe your mood. Likewise, you can practice mental imagery. Think of images promoting peace and harmony. Afterwards, let the images run through your brain like a slideshow.

Keep these tips in mind as a viable alternative to taking medication the next time you’re in pain. Your body will benefit in the long run. Hence, you’ll feel healthier and happier for doing so.