A war is waging that involves the health of millions of Americans. It is a silent war. Though, outside a sufferer’s occasional groan or unprintable utterance that accompanies a recurring ache, throbbing or burning sensation, or other irritation emanating from their bodies. We are talking about chronic pain, which can affect anyone of any age, with almost one-third of all seniors 65 and over comprising the largest demographic of chronic pain victims.
Chronic pain can include something as common as a persistent backache or a bout with arthritis that use of our hands or legs. There are many types of chronic pain, which is defined as a painful condition like those described above that persist for three to six months and presents itself on a daily basis. It is especially insidious for older adults, affecting 26 percent of grownups between the ages of 45 and 64, and 31 percent of those of us over the age of 65.
Such long-lasting pain comes at us in a variety of ways, ranging from musculoskeletal discomfort to inflammatory pain arising from autoimmune maladies to neuropathic-related conditions to even psychological issues, and beyond. Treatment or even management of chronic pain can be tricky, possibly leading to an even worse scenario: a dependency on opioid medications, a condition known as opioid abuse or addiction. Opioid overdoses now rank among the leading causes of death for people ages 50 and over.
“Chronic pain is a combination of a physical sensation and an emotion that your body feels,” says Haider Warraich, a Boston-based M.D. and author of The Song of our Scars, quoted in the June 2024 issue of AARP Bulletin. “The assumption that what works for (shorter-term) acute pain will also work for chronic pain is the root cause of the mistakes we’ve made in medicine and as a society when it comes to the treatment of pain.”
Natural Remedies that Can Help Mitigate Chronic Pain
If left untreated, chronic pain can readily lead to depression and anxiety as well as sleep deprivation, social isolation, and great financial burden. It was once reported that the annual economic onus of chronic pain was in the $600 billion range, and that was more than a decade ago!
There are therapies and approaches to managing pain separate from potent addictive drugs such as opioids that can make life with such chronic conditions more tolerable. This includes the use of various vitamins, herbs and supplements, such as those summarized below in alphabetical order. Before using any of these, it is advisable that you discuss their usage and your health with your personal physician or other health-care professional.
Eucalyptus oil. This essential oil sourced from the eucalyptus plant has demonstrated success in reducing pain as well as cutting swelling and inflammation throughout the body. A 2022 study reported that the inhalation of eucalyptus oil relieved pain and enhanced the quality of life for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.
Feverfew. Also known as “featherfew” or “bachelor’s buttons,” this medicinal plant can diminish inflammation and muscle spasms thanks to key active compounds that apparently include sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids. Feverfew is commonly used to treat migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and toothaches.
Ginger. For anyone who has to deal with persistent postoperative pain, ginger can be a healthy solution. It is sourced from a root that has demonstrated itself as a natural pain reliever. In powder form it can be as helpful as ibuprofen in managing postoperative pain.
Melatonin. Melatonin is best known as the “sleep hormone,” although its efficacy in producing good health outcomes has been evidenced in its characteristic as a potent antioxidant as well as its ability to ease chronic pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Omega-3 fatty acids. The curtailment of pain associated with inflammation and neuropathic pain has been linked to a bolstered dietary ingestion of omega-3’s.
Turmeric. Turmeric’s most active ingredient is curcuma/curcumin, identified by a 2021 study as capable of reducing pain as effectively as – and some health experts say safer than – NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Vitamin C. While vitamin C is usually most closely linked to fighting off colds, its versatility is also seen in that its deficiency in the body has been linked to scurvy-related myalgia and arthralgia in the knees, wrists, and ankles. Make sure you are getting enough vitamin C in your diet or through supplementation.
Chronic pain can be a huge deterrence to one’s quality of life and potent medication such as opioids carry a big warning label as explained above. Alternative approaches to treating/managing chronic pain are in order. Natural remedies such as herbs, vitamins, and supplements can help provide a healthy bridge between being imprisoned by pain and being liberated from it to at least some degree.