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The number of overdose deaths from legal drugs was greater than traffic accidents (273), homicides (38) and overdose deaths caused by illegal drugs(89)!
As an injury attorney for quarter of a century I have empathized with chronic pain sufferers and long wanted to do something for them.
This article is devoted to educating pain sufferers on some of the non-drug options available today for alleviating chronic pain.
According to a January 17, 2008 report from ABC News, Botox–the wrinkle reducing remedy–is being used as a pain reliever.
Adrienne Groza, a San Diego police officer was t-boned by a drunken driver, assaulted by another drunk and then broke her neck in a second car accident. After two neck surgeries her pain was still unbearable. It was then that Dr. Joe Shurman, chairman of the pain committee at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, California suggested Botox injections.
“I was in so much pain, I had so much muscle tension that my muscles were like rubber bands,” said Groza. “The minute he got [the Botox injection] in me, it was like instant relief.”
Groza says the second surgery followed by the Botox injection was what brought her pain down to a tolerable level.
Meditation
According to Amy Saltzman M.D., a series of studies published in prestigious medical journals over the past decade found that practitioners of meditation report significant decreases in pain. For more info contact the American Holistic Medical Association, 12101 Menaul Blvd. NE, Suite C, Albuquerque, NM 87112.
Release the Emotional Cause
According to Norman Marcus MD, author of “Freedom from Pain” “emotional stress is the chief culprit that makes us tense our muscles without even being aware of it....You tense your muscles and you feel pain.”
Why not explore some of the emotional releasing techniques developed in recent years such as the Sedona Method or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT.)
The Sedona Method was developed by Lester Levenson and by Hale Dwoskin who wrote a book by the same name. Hale teaches a home study course and you can even go to Sedona for his week long retreat.
Emotional Freedom Technique was developed by Gary Craig and Adrienne Fowlie. You can download a free EFT primer at www.emofree.com.
One of the best resources on EFT is a book written by Phillip and Jane Mountrose called “Getting Thru to Your Emotions.”
Natural Remedies
Jamison Starbuck is a naturopathic physician in Missoula, Montana and a lecturer at the University of Montana. She is past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a contributing editor of The Alternative Advisor: The Complete Guide to Natural Therapies and Alternative Treatments.
“For acute sprains, strains and scrapes, bruises and other minor trauma” says Dr. Starbuck, “nothing beats arnica.” This remedy is available in health food stores and even many drug stores. Dr. Starbuck recommends arnica in “30C potency.”
You can find other natural remedies recommended by Dr. Starbuck in “The World's Greatest Treasury of Health Secrets” published by Bottom Line Publications. You can often find a copy of this book in the used book sections of Thrift Stores.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the new methods of finding relief from chronic pain. Work with your physician, naturopath and chiropractor to become aware of new solutions that help you. There is a wealth of info on the internet and in books like the one referenced above.
If you are suffering from chronic pain anywhere in your body, you will find that making even the simplest movements can be such a torture. But here comes some scientific discoveries that indicate the role of exercise in effectively treating or managing most types of chronic pain. These findings may sound totally foolish and untrue. How can a person with chronic pain, who can't even get out of bed unassisted, be expected to do some exercises?
Before you convince yourself that chronic pain in your body and exercise just don't mix, consider what many pain rehabilitation experts have to say about the benefits of exercise. For many doctors, exercise should be an integral part of any systematic procedure for controlling chronic pain. The reasons are stated below.
Increased Oxygen Levels
Exercise allows you to breathe in more oxygen into your lungs. In effect, more oxygen gets into your muscles, this is essential for fighting off toxins in your cells that hamper your overall healing process. If the chronic pain is caused by damages in your muscles, exercise should be good for you.
Increased Muscular Stamina
Exercise will greatly improve the strength and endurance of your muscles against diseases, fatigue and other types of impairment. Improved muscle quality will definitely reduce the chances of you experiencing chronic muscle pains.
Increased Endorphin Levels
Whenever you are in pain, your brain produces a natural painkiller that is intended to help you in your most trying times. If you want more of this natural painkilling agent, all you have to do is exercise. Exercise provokes your brain to release more endorphins in your system.
Increased Level Of Weight Control
Everybody knows that exercise is the way to go if you want to eliminate unwanted pounds. Being overweight puts a lot of pressure not only on your muscles but on your joints as well. By burning off calories, exercise can help you maintain or attain the ideal weight that your body can carry without causing pain.
Now, you know how exercise can directly and positively affect your chronic pain treatment. But before you go on shopping for new garters and tights, you must first know which exercise routines can best help you attain your goals without aggravating your condition. Actually, the type of exercise that you choose will be largely dependent on the part of your body that experiences bouts of chronic pain. An exercise routine criterion that is solely based on what is pleasurable or not can be detrimental; there are exercises which you may enjoy that your body cannot perform due to the prolonged pain you are experiencing.
If you are having recurring pain in any part of your body, the best exercises may be the ones with very low intensity or resistance. People who continually suffer from pain in the muscles or skeletal structures are never intended to lift 400-pound barbells. In fact, only a minimal amount of weight can be allowed. Exercises for chronic pain management should also last for only a few minutes each day.
The whole idea is to provide chronic pain sufferers with the right kind of activity; it has never been a question about the intensity of a particular exercise. Always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before doing any exercise. Most importantly, be realistic about your goals and always remember that the reason you are doing any exercise is to reduce or help you control your pain and not to become the world champion in anything.
If you suffer from chronic pain in your joints and other bone structures, you can use products that are specially-made for joints and bones; just like Phosoplex. For more details about stopping pain in the joints and bones, visit www.Phosoplex.com.