Sober Recovery https://www.soberrecovery.com/images/og-image.gif 619 412 https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/cimg/www.soberrecovery.com/619x412_85/638/prescription-92638.jpg Top 5 Alternatives to Prescription Pain Relievers By Flower B Sober Recovery Expert Author Sep 4 2015 Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Err on the Side of CautionPain medications like OxyContin, Demerol, Vicodin and Lortab can be a slippery slope for recovering alcoholics and addicts. For many patients who use them, they open up the possibility of drug dependencies and other unwanted side effects that can be counterproductive to recovery. This is why when any patient receives a prescription for opiates, it is vital that the doctor’s orders are followed to a T. Due to this healthy fear of abusing prescription drugs, an increasing number of Americans are reportedly seeking alternative pain management therapies. However, complementary and alternative treatment methods usually require a little more work and dedication on the patient’s part. Instead of masking the pain symptoms with medication, holistic approaches aim to correct the root cause of your symptoms in order to help your body begin the process of healing itself. Due to the possible side effects of painkillers, an increasing number of Americans are opting for alternative ways of dealing with pain. These top 5 holistic approaches do more than just mask your symptoms. Treatment Facilities Southeast Addiction Center Alpas Wellness Maryland Recovery Center Lake Ariel Recovery Center Southeast Addiction Center The following 5 alternative methods can help you cope with pain without the risk of addiction or misuse. 1. Chiropractic TreatmentsChiropractic treatments are highly effective for managing chronic issues such as neck and back pain. During each session, a chiropractor is present to get your input on problem areas. This treatment is known to have no adverse side effects and involve spine adjustments, which realigns the body in order to stimulate healing. 2. MassageMassages help reduce stress as well as ease tension and pain. It can also help increase blood flow and circulation, which in turn helps reduce inflammation. A 2011 study has even demonstrated that a massage may carry the same weight as pain medicine, with 39 percent of participants reporting that their back pain was almost completely relieved after a series of massage treatments. 3. AcupunctureMillions of Americans use acupuncture each year to manage chronic pain in their back, neck and shoulders as well as chronic headaches. This ancient Chinese healing art has been around for more than 2000 years and works by stimulating one of the body’s 14 major meridian points, or what the Chinese believe are energy centers in the body, in order to correct imbalances and heal illnesses. The World Health Organization lists acupuncture analgesia as being as effective as morphine for treating chronic pain. 4. YogaYoga gives you the ability to move through pain by allowing it to slowly diminish in severity over time. It involves breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques for managing pain and releasing tension. Simple yoga routines are also great for helping to relax muscles and increasing blood flow, circulation, muscle and joint strength. 5. HerbsDid you know ginger has powerful pain relieving abilities? Not only does it help to relieve pain, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help relieve headaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and soreness. The ginger root can be steeped into a brew that is used to make compresses that are placed directly on affected areas. A 2008 study showed that ginger could be just as effective as aspirin. Turmeric is another spice that you may have in your kitchen that is both anti-inflammatory and good for pain. Valerian root is not only good for sleep, but it also treats pain by calming the nervous system and making you more relaxed. These and many other types of herbs can be purchased in supplement form at your local health store. It may be helpful to work with your doctor or a naturopathic physician to develop a plan that's right for you. If you or someone you know is seeking help with addiction to pain medication, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 866-606-0182 to start the path to recovery today. Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.