Chronic pain is no joke, and managing that pain can be incredibly frustrating. Traditional pain relievers like NSAIDs can be dangerous to take long-term due to heightened risk of heart attack and stroke, and opioids are highly addictive, causing life-threatening chemical dependence.
Fortunately, science is making headway in revealing more natural methods for pain management. These days, products are more readily available to help people living with chronic pain improve their quality of life and continue doing what they love without the side effects and risks associated with prescription or over-the-counter pain medications.
If you are looking for health supplements to take for pain, these four products just might provide you with the relief you’ve been waiting for.
1. CBD
Over the last few years, cannabis has been touted as a miracle drug that relieves symptoms related to conditions ranging from epilepsy to multiple sclerosis. Patients looking for natural pain relief without the high associated with marijuana can find CBD products in just about every format imaginable including sublingual CBD oils, vapes, and even tasty pain reliever gummies.
Because different types of pain are caused by varying systemic processes, not all supplements for pain will work on more than one type of pain. However, scientific evidence is mounting for CBD and THC as effective relief for pain caused by a number of conditions including but not limited to:
If you’re considering trying CBD for pain, make sure you’re getting your CBD from a reputable brand that uses high-quality hemp and tests its finished products in a third-party lab. This way, you can be sure to get a safe, effective product.
2. Capsaicin
If you love hot and spicy foods, then you are in luck with this supplement for pain relief. Capsaicin is what makes hot peppers hot, and it is a popular addition to pain relieving topicals, lotions, and patches.
Evidence shows that topical application of capsaicin is great for localized pain like back and shoulder pain, but capsaicin supplements taken orally show promising effects for gastrointestinal pain as well.
It may seem counterintuitive to take capsaicin pills for an upset stomach or indigestion. Especially since it often feels like it was the spicy food that got you to where you are in the first place. However, research is showing that capsaicin taken orally over a long period of time may significantly reduce dyspeptic symptoms. So next time you want to reach for that pack of Tums, try reaching for some of the hot stuff instead.
3. Turmeric
While it is actually the compound known as curcumin that you’re looking for, turmeric is the most common way to get it. Another supplement that is just as much a food as a drug, this member of the ginger family (another popular painkiller) is the deep yellow base for curry dishes.
Since its healing properties have found their way into pop culture, you can now find turmeric added to a whole array of beverages, energy drinks, granola snacks, and health supplements as well.
Turmeric is known for its antiinflammatory properties and is being studied for its efficacy in treating several inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis, IBD, psoriasis, and even COVID-19.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in most types of fish, but most people prefer to get their daily dose in the form of a capsule. This reduces the risk of exposure to mercury and preserves your social life by preventing that unmistakable fishmonger aroma.
Omega-3 fatty acids encourage your body to produce chemicals that help reduce inflammation and may also ease joint stiffness caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. If that’s not enough to have you hopping onto the tuna train, some studies show that omega-3s may help neuropathic pain as well.
Natural Health Supplements to Take for Pain at Your Fingertips
These 4 supplements make up a powerful arsenal to fight chronic pain on a daily basis without nasty side effects and risks to your long-term health. As a matter of fact, CBD may help people reduce or eliminate the need for NSAIDs and opioids and it is being studied as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder.
Everything else can be found in your garden or kitchen, but you may find it to be more convenient to buy capsules or mixes in the form of health supplements. This way it’s easy to get your pain relief and move on with your day.
When to See a Doctor for Your Pain
It would be irresponsible not to mention that you should always start a new treatment plan for chronic pain under the supervision of a doctor. This way you can confirm that there are no underlying health problems that you need additional treatment for. You’ll also want to make sure any medications you currently take won’t cause serious side effects if you add something new to your routine.
If you experience sharp, persistent pain, a dull ache for longer than a few days, pain accompanied with muscle weakness, or pain that radiates down your legs, you should see a doctor right away.
