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From the Cleveland Clinic: How to Manage Pain Without Medications

I always like sharing information from the Cleveland Clinic with my readers--they are highly regarded in the world of medicine, and have much to offer persons will all sorts of illnesses and disabilities.  Today I would like to share what they have to say about managing pain without medications.  You can read the article in its entirety here.





For those of you who simply prefer an overview of this piece, here is an overview:


  • Many people suffer from pain due to illness or injury.  All too often the first treatment of choice is medication.  Unfortunately, medications can have troubling side effects, and some of them are potentially addicting.  Therefore, it is wise to look at some alternative forms of treatment and incorporate them into a treatment plan.
  • One of these alternatives is Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy, which involves re-alignment bones/joints in an effort to ease pain. This is the hallmark of Osteopathic medicine. Chiropractic medicine and acupuncture are similar to OMT.
  • Exercise can be helpful in reducing chronic pain.  The type of exercise depends on the physical limitations of one's condition.  For instance, jump rope might not be the best choice for a patient with knee issues due to the impact of jumping; water exercise or walking may be more appropriate here.
  • Various types of diets are available to help with some pain/disease conditions. Some examples here are anti-inflammatory diets for those who are combatting inflammation; similarly, there are guidelines for patients who suffer from gout.   
The key here is to think in more holistic terms than just to be stuck in the mindset of having pain, going to the doctor, and taking pills.  There is so much more out there that can help you to help yourself to feel better!

 Sources: Cleveland Clinic;Pixabay

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