Pain Relief: Natural Alternatives to Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Although there are many types of drugs given to relieve pain, this article will focus on over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Other names and types for NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naproxen, Aleve and Aspirin (tylenol is not an NSAID). NSAIDs work by immediately blocking inflammatory pathways to reduce swelling, fever, inflammation, and pain. 

NSAIDs may be helpful in immediate situations of severe pain pain or acute injury, but their use may also have come with many negative consequences over time. Long term use of NSAIDs have a long list of side effects including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, indigestion, kidney damage, as well as many others. They are not made for daily use and should be not used over long periods of time for chronic pain. 

These dangers of long-term NSAID use leads many people to look for an alternative natural strategy for managing their chronic pain. There is good evidence to suggest that many of these natural alternatives may be as effective or more effective without the risks or side effects. 

Natural Pain-Relief Alternatives:

1. Curcumin:

Curcumin is a compound found primarily in a plant called turmeric. It's extract in supplemental form has become a common therapy for reducing inflammation and improving overall health. Through it's ability to lower inflammation as well as reduce pain sensitivity, it has been shown to be extremely helpful for improving pain (1, 2, 3). Curcumin is commonly sold as a dietary supplement, with the best and most bioavailable form being combined with other substances in a product called Meriva. 

2. Boswellia Serrata:

The anti-inflammatory properties of boswellia supplementation may be the reason for it's incredible effectiveness for pain relief. It has been shown to improve pain tolerance and reduce sensitivity to pain when compared to placebo (4). A blend of Boswellia and Curcumin has been shown to be more effective than a commonly prescribed pharmaceutical (Celecoxib) for joint pain from osteoarthritis (5).

3. Ginger: 

Ginger is very effective for many health concerns and considered a superfood by many. It has been shown to have use for pain from many conditions including joint pain (6), primary dysmenorrhea (7), and muscle pain after exercise (8).

4. Spinal Manipulation:

Spinal manipulation is most commonly performed by a chiropractor and may be referred to as the "chiropractic adjustment". It has been shown to be an excellent tool for relief of back pain (9) and headaches (10), with one study showing that spinal manipulation was MORE effective than medication for neck pain (10). In addition to the functional movement benefits (12), lab studies have demonstrated increases in pain relieving chemicals in the blood immediately after spinal manipulation was performed, which may be one of the mechanisms for the immediate pain relief that is often noted after spinal manipulation (13).  

5. Exercise:

If exercise were a pill it would be a miracle drug, improving almost every chronic condition while optimizing function of every body system. This is no different for pain as exercise and movement are an excellent option to provide pain relief and improve function. 

6. Sunlight:

Sunlight is one of our main sources of Vitamin D. Low Vitamin D levels have been shown to cause an increase in pain sensitivity, likely playing a role in chronic pain (14). Studies have also shown vitamin D supplementation to improve symptoms of chronic pain (15), and low levels may be a major factor in fibromyalgia (16). One of the best ways to receive your vitamin D and provide pain relief is performing your exercise outside!

7. Magnesium:

Magnesium is another nutrient that may partially be responsible for chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. Magnesium deficiencies are extremely common and may be at the source of many symptoms from muscle aches to insomnia. Supplementation may be effective for many things including fibromyalgia (17), migraines (18), and relaxing stiff muscles. 

8. Topical Gels: Arnica

Many gels are based on the cooling sensation effects of menthol, but do not provide true pain relief. Arnica gel applied topically to the skin has been shown to improve symptoms of muscle soreness (19), joint pain (20), and post-surgical pain (21). 

9. Acupuncture:

Acupuncture has been helping to relieve symptoms of pain for centuries and continues to be very effective means for chronic pain. It involves a practitioner putting very thin needle into the skin at specific points. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment strategy for chronic muscle pain, headaches, and even joint pain (22). 

There are many natural alternatives to anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief. We are continuing to realize the importance of these natural strategies as the risks and side effects of NSAIDs become more apparent. Many of these natural alternatives are equally as effective, do not have the harmful side-effects, and are beneficial or overall health and vitality. Choosing a more natural approach is usually the best option for treating chronic conditions, especially in the case of managing pain.