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Pain

The word "pain" comes from the Latin: poena meaning punishment, a fine, a penalty.

Pain may be referred to as acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Although pain is a very real problem for the individual - the feeling of pain is invisible to others!

How pain affects the individual is another matter - continuous pain (chronic) can be extremely debilitating adding to emotional problems that may be experienced by the individual due to pain.

Anxiety.
Fear.
Anger.
Frustration
Distress.

Continuous pain can be exhausting, undermining your ability to continue with everyday activity. All of which adds to stress levels. Pain may effect treatment for depression.

Managing pain and how it affects you requires an understanding of what is causing the pain and the type of pain it is. Learning about your pain and its causes, the type of pain it is, is important and should precede the use of any pain therapies available to ensure that the maximum help is obtained.

Stress
Infection
Joint pain
Muscle pain.
Pain caused by medication - side effects.
Pain caused by a disease or disorder.

When seeking help from clinicians it would help them to help you if the pain can be described as well as located.

Is it a stabbing pain?
Is it a constant ache?

Keeping a diary of the symptoms for your clinician will help them to understand your problem.

Natural Pain Therapies

Boswellia - An Indian herb, boswellic acids, the active constituents in boswellia are thought to be analgesic.
Bromelain - Part of a group of protein digesting enzymes occurring naturally in the stems of pineapples. Useful as an anti inflammatory, can reduce swelling and bruising.
Devils Claw - Native to South Africa, the root of this herb contains iridoid glycosides, these chemicals are thought to have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic action.
Feverfew - This herb contains a range of active compounds called sesquiterpene lactones, useful for inflammation.
Fish Oil - Containing omega-3 fatty acids, these acids block the production of cytokines and leukotienes,in the body, these inflammatory chemicals are responsible for many painful conditions. Caution to be used to avoid vitamin A overload
Magnesium - Magnesium affects the serotonin receptors in the brain,these receptors are involved in the onset of migraine, magnesium also inhibits the production of an inflammatory chemical known s substance P.
MSM - A naturally occurring sulphur compound, MSM (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) combats inflammation in joints, usually caused by stress.
White Willow - The bark of the white willow contains a compound called salicylic acid, somewhat slower acting, white willow produces a pain relief similar to aspirin.

Note.

Herbal preparations are dangerous when misapplied.

Nutritionists, Herbalists, Acupuncturists, Homeopaths, etc require many years of training - always use a registered therapist. It is unwise to directly consult with an alternative therapist only when compromised with any serious disease. Remember, If cure was simple there would be a lot more of it.

Some prescription and over the counter pain killers

Etoricoxib - Arcoxia (P) - One of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) - For chronic and cute pain

Diclofenac - Voltaren, Cataflam, Voltaren-XR (P) - One of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s)

Ziconotide - Prialt (P) - is aimed at people suffering from chronic severe pain who would normally require morphine. It is given by injection into the spinal fluid and has been approved by the EU regulatory bodies. “This news is for all those who suffer severe pain”, based on the venom of a sea snail, Prialt became available in the UK from July 2005.

Celecoxib - Celebrex (P) - One of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) - used to reduce inflammation and ease mild to moderate pain.

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Aspirin

Anti-Inflammatory which blocks pain at its source - Assists with :

Reducing risk of heart attack and strokes, headaches, toothache, arthritic pain, period pain, muscular pain, sore throats, cold and flu.
May cause; Stomach upset, indigestion, may cause bleeding of the stomach lining.
Not suitable for children.

Paracetamol - Blocks the enzyme in the brain that is involved in transmitting pain signals.

Assists with :

Mild to moderate pain, colds and flu, hangovers, relieving high temperature.
Suitable for children and elderly folk.
is not an anti-inflammatory, therefore does not help with swelling.

Will cause:

Liver damage when taken in excess.

Ibuprofen - Non-Steroidal anti-Inflammatory which blocks prostaglandins which cause swelling, pain and inflammation.

Assists with :

Arthritis, muscle and joint pain, period pain.

May cause:

Tummy upset.
Ulcers.
Less suitable for older folk if prone to stomach ulcers.

Codeine and Dihydrocodeine - Derived from Opium, available when combined with other drugs such as paracetamol.

Assists with :

Coughs.
Higher levels of pain.
Diarrhoea.

May cause :

Nausea and constipation.

These painkillers are known as analgesics and are best used in the early stages of pain rather than later stages.

Water ....H2 O

The body’s basic transport system for nutrients. Dehydration will slow your system making you feel sluggish adding to pain problems. Be sure you are hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water / or fluids each day (24hrs).

Note.

Excessive consumption of water can present a danger to your health and in certain circumstances cause death

Excessive dehydration can lead to renal failure - Nutrition

Always seek advice from a medical professional before using painkillers.

Pain

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