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.