The subject of pain management has become a bit of a hot-button topic in recent years. With opioid abuse rising in the United States to the point of a national crisis, medical professionals and physicians are cutting way back on the number of pain relievers that they prescribe. When a physician deems it necessary to prescribe pain medication, the amount they are allowed to give is now heavily regulated.

While such regulations and changes in the protocol are one piece of the puzzle to solving the nation’s opioid crisis, there is so much more that needs to be done to reduce the number of people who find themselves becoming addicted to such medication. Even if you were able to abolish the prescribing of opioids for pain relief altogether, the problem of pain would still exist. 

If you suffer from chronic pain but are aware of the risks and side effects that are associated with opioids, then you might be looking for a more holistic option for your pain relief. While these options might not completely rid you of your chronic pain, they can help you on the road to better pain management and, thus, a better overall quality of life.

1) CBD Oil

CBD oil has been a controversial approach to pain management for quite some time now. Recently, though, CBD oil has begun to be more widely accepted for such purposes. This is mainly because CBD oil virtually has no adverse side effects when used for pain management purposed.

Those who are wary of the practice of using CBD oil should know that such products as cbd distillate for sale do not contain TCH, which is the substance found in cannabis that causes those who consume it to become impaired.

2) Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice that is growing in popularity as a viable option for pain relief from various ailments. While there isn’t much concrete scientific evidence to say why it works, countless personal testimonials support the theory, so much so that many doctors recommend it for specific situations. Furthermore, there are no adverse side effects or risks involved, so if a treatment isn’t successful in relieving your pain, at the very least, it won’t cause you any additional harm.

3) Physical Activity

If you suffer from chronic pain, then the chances are you do not feel like going on a three-mile run every morning. The good news is that to gain the benefits of this type of pain management, the physical activity you do doesn’t have to be intensive. Be sure to listen to your body because it can tell you how much it can handle.

Simply going for a walk at one point during the day or, if you are able, a light jog a few times a week can be the activity you need to elevate your heart rate enough to trigger the release of endorphins. These are hormones that, when released by the brain, can mimic the effects of opioids like morphine and codeine regarding the body’s perception of pain.