Pain Management Options For Those Who Struggle With Opiate Addiction

Posted on: 17 July 2020

If you have had problems with opiates in the past, then you may be unsure of how to safely manage chronic pain, such as the pain associated with arthritis or Crohn's disease. Many people would take opiates for these conditions, but you can't. Thankfully, there are some safer, non-addictive pain management strategies that you can employ as someone who struggles with opiate addiction. A good way to explore these tactics and see which one will work best for you is to visit a pain management center for treatment. But as a preview, take a look at the various remedies that may suggest.

Massage Therapy

For any pain that is musculoskeletal in nature, massage therapy can be very effective. Massage helps loosen the muscles, which decreases tension on joints. It also helps alleviate inflammation, which is a big contributor to a lot of joint pain and muscle pain conditions. When you get a massage — especially a deep tissue massage — your body will release feel-good hormone-like serotonin, which will help you better tolerate any residual pain. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a Chinese medical practice that has become increasingly accepted by western medical practitioners. Inserting tiny needles at various spots along the body helps reduce the over-activity of nerves and fight off pain. Most patients do not feel the needles at all, and if you do feel them, you'll just feel a slight tingling — not actual pain. You may also choose to undergo acupressure instead. In this modality, the practitioner will apply pressure to the same trigger points where needles would be placed, but without piercing the skin.

CBD

CBD is becoming a really common choice for pain relief, especially among those who can't take opiates. It is derived from either hemp or cannabis, and it is non-psychoactive. However, it really does help ease inflammation and pain. It also helps ease the stress that often comes with pain, which can help you resist the temptation to turn to opiates. Many people take CBD orally, but you can also apply it topically to the areas that are painful, or you can soak in a bath infused with CBD.

Talk to a doctor or nurse from your local pain management center to learn more about these and other pain management choices that can work well for patients with opiate addiction. You can keep your pain under control, and you do not need to turn to addictive substances to do so.

 

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