Pain Relief Without Drugs
In addition to non intoxicating pain medications such as ibuprofen (which due to their anti-inflammatory properties, can actually work better than narcotics for certain types of pain management) there are certain behavioral techniques that can be learned, and that can have a very positive impact on the perception and sensations of pain.
We experience pain through a psycho–physical context. Our mood and experience interact with physical pain cues, and influence our perception of pain severity.
Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety worsen the sensations of pain, while a positive state of mind can reduce the sensation of pain.
A state of stress can worsen the experience of pain, while a state of relaxation can lessen its intensity. The first sensations of pain can trigger a state of stress – we know what's coming, and we're worried about it – and in fact exacerbate the sensations of pain.
A negative state of mind or state of stress make experienced pain worse, but contrarily, a positive or relaxed state can minimize the sensations of pain, and as such patients can be taught cognitive modification and relaxation techniques that will help to control pain.
In small group classes, or working with a health psychologist, pain-patients learn techniques that help them to relax, physically and mentally, even as pain threatens. Pain patients also learn cognitive behavioral techniques that foster a healthy acceptance of pain. They are taught to accept pain, and work towards minimizing its severity. Pain is not the enemy, it's a part of life, and learning to live with it in a constructive way helps both to reduce pain's severity, and improve general quality of life.
Some techniques used in pain behavioral modification are:
- Muscle relaxation techniques
- Deep diaphragm breathing exercises
- Mediation and yoga
- Muscle strengthening exercises, such as swimming
- Cognitive techniques for stress management
- Therapy for an acceptance of the pain
For some patients, physiotherapy, physical manipulation, electro stimulation and or surgical techniques can also offer pain relief.
Health psychology and the non narcotic management of pain is very much an expanding field, both in professional availability and general acceptance, and your physician should have information on professionals working in your area for a referral.
There are essentially no negative side effects associated with any behavioral modification technique for pain management; and for addicts or alcoholics in recovery especially, very little reason not to give non-narcotic pain management techniques a try. Some may find acceptable relief with only behavioral modification pain management; most will find at least some pain minimization, allowing them to take less of risky narcotic analgesics.
page last update Aug 05, 2010
