Top 3 Products To Help Manage Chronic Pain

When asked about the most common chronic medical conditions in the US, most people think of heart disease, cancer, diabetes or stroke. However, chronic pain affects a larger proportion of the population than all of these diseases combined.

In fact, more than 51.6 million American adults (21%) struggle with some form of chronic pain, and doctors diagnose 52.4 new cases per 1,000 people annually.

But if you’re one of these Americans, you don’t have to turn to prescription drugs. A number of supplements and lifestyle habits can provide powerful, natural pain relief, without the risk of side effects or dependency.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain that occurs daily or on most days for more than three months. It can range from mild to severe, from intermittent to continuous, and from bothersome to disabling.

Some of the most common chronic pain conditions include:

Back pain, especially in the lower back
Headaches, including migraines
Neck pain
fibromyalgia
Sinusitis
Joint disorders, including TMJ (jaw pain)
Carpal tunnel syndrome

These conditions can have various causes, such as:

Physical trauma or injury
Infections
Persistent conditions (cancer, arthritis, neuralgia)
Even emotional trauma

Consequences of chronic pain

Unfortunately, chronic pain often leads to additional health problems, including:

Fatigue
Insomnia
Changes in appetite
Depression
Tension
Other emotional stress, such as irritability or anger
Opioid dependence

Research also shows that chronic pain can hinder immune function, increasing your susceptibility to diseases such as:

Cold
The flu
Even cancer

That’s largely because dealing with chronic pain activates the body’s stress response, leading to increased levels of cortisol (an important stress hormone). Too much cortisol can suppress the function of immune cells such as lymphocytes, weakening your resistance to infections.

Chronic pain can also limit your mobility, which greatly affects your quality of life. But of course there are ways to alleviate the discomfort.

5 tips for natural pain relief

Here are some of the most effective natural pain medications, backed by scientific research:

Celadrin

Celadrin is a patented combination of naturally occurring fatty acids that have been processed for better absorption. Taken orally, it:

Fights inflammation
Lubricates cell membranes throughout the body
Restores fluids that protect bones and joints
Promotes mobility and flexibility

For additional relief, you can also apply Celadrin topically. This helps relieve muscle tension and pain exactly where you need it – often within 30 minutes and for several hours.

Pro tip: Apply Celadrin before bed to relieve pain and improve sleep quality.

Turmeric

Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have used turmeric for centuries to relieve pain and inflammation. Studies show that this herb’s active compound, curcumin, minimizes inflammation by:

Suppression of NF-κB, a family of protein complexes associated with inflammation
Inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (small proteins that act as chemical messengers and regulate immune and blood cell activity) such as TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6
Stimulating anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10

Look for a quality turmeric supplement that also contains black pepper, which contains piperine to improve absorption.

You may also consider Meriva, a patented turmeric extract that has been found to be especially helpful for osteoarthritis pain.

Magnesium

Magnesium relaxes the muscles and even soothes nerve pain, especially in people who suffer from:

Migraine
fibromyalgia
Muscle spasms
Sleep disorders

It helps by preventing central sensitization, or hypersensitivity to pain, which can decrease your pain tolerance over time. Magnesium also blocks NMDA receptors, a type of glutamate receptor in the central nervous system, to reduce signals involved in the perception of pain.

For powerful, natural lighting, experts recommend:

420 mg magnesium per day for men
350 mg per day for women

Exceeding these amounts can have adverse consequences, so start with a minimal dose and increase only as necessary.

You can also try Epsom salt baths. The magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salt combined with hot water help relax muscles and relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulders and head.

Excercise

Excercise is an essential part of any healthy lifestyle, especially if you struggle with chronic pain. That’s because it releases endorphins, or feel-good chemical messengers, produced in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus that naturally reduce pain.

Endorphins are also useful for mood support. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week.

Meditation and prayer

Studies show that people who participate in meaningful spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer often have a higher pain tolerance. That’s probably because these activities:

Activate the body’s relaxation response
Help lower cortisol levels
Release endorphins that soothe pain
Cultivate acceptance, which may allow you to be more objective about your pain

These practices provide a coping mechanism by encouraging you to focus on the present moment rather than on the pain – or on the fear that the pain will get worse. In this way, meditation and prayer can give you a greater sense of control and inner peace, while also combating physical discomfort.

Adopt a spiritual practice that resonates with you, even if just for a few minutes a day.

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, you’re far from alone. Explore these all-natural pain medications and lifestyle tips and pay attention to how you feel. It won’t be long before you experience significant or even complete relief. This is to feel better and live well.

References:

Estimated rates of incident and persistent chronic pain among US adults, 2019-2020 | Neurology

FINAL.2024 CHRONIC PAIN FACT SHEET

Chronic Pain – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.

Chronic Pain in Adults – United States, 2019–2021 | MMWR

Overlap of five chronic pain conditions: temporomandibular disorders, headache, back pain, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia – PubMed

Table 1, Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria – Noninvasive, Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review Update – NCBI Bookshelf.

The association between headache and low back pain: a systematic review – PMC

The link between depression and physical symptoms – PMC

Sleep disturbances in chronic pain and its neurochemical mechanisms: a narrative review.

The Immunosuppressive Effects of Pain – Madame Curie Bioscience Database – NCBI Bookshelf

Chronic stress, cortisol dysfunction and pain: a psychoneuroendocrine rationale for stress management in pain rehabilitation – PMC