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 :
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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