Opioids are by far one of the most effective methods for treating chronic pain, regardless of whether it is moderate to severe. Unfortunately, however, opioids are extremely addictive and they can also lead to long term health problems if they are abused or taken at high doses. Thankfully, there are many non-opioid pain treatment options that do not carry with them the addiction rate, long term health risks, or the costs.
Cryotherapy
For anyone unfamiliar with cryotherapy, it is the age-old therapy that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures in order to trigger powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-pain reactions from the body. Advanced cryotherapy systems expose the body to temperatures as low as -200 degrees Fahrenheit or -130 degrees Celsius. Cold exposure causes the body to flood the bloodstream with anti-inflammatory antibodies, as well as the anti-pain hormone dopamine.
Physical Therapy
One of the main benefits of short and long term physical therapy is pain reduction. Physical therapy exercises increase blood flow to inflamed and injured body parts, increase mobility, and help to encourage the growth of muscle tissue. Arthritic joints, lower back problems, and other injuries are all treatable through physical therapy. The healing benefits of these exercises can dramatically reduce pain levels caused by injuries.
Acupuncture
The therapy known as acupuncture is absolutely not a snake oil or pseudoscience-based medical treatment. Numerous clinical studies have proven that acupuncture disrupts pain signals traveling along neural pathways. Due to this ability, acupuncture is an extremely effective means to treat chronic pain. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat chronic lower back pain, spinal injuries, joint injuries, migraine headaches, and other common health issues.
Surgery
One of the most effective ways to cure a health issue causing chronic pain is surgery. If a surgical option is available then it is oftentimes the quickest route to permanently resolving an injury that is causing moderate to severe pain. Not all chronic pain issues can be addressed with surgery, however, joint problems, spinal injuries, and others are all great candidates for surgical treatments.
