Analgesics (an-al-gee-sics), the medical name for painkillers, are the medicines made to control pain, reduce fever, and even decrease inflammation. Different types of painkillers are available today which serve more than one purpose. There are;
Over the counter painkillers: aspirin, acetaminophen, paracetamol
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Compound painkillers: A combination of two different painkilling ingredients into one, such as caffeine, oxycodone.
Opioid painkillers: Drugs that are available only on prescription like codeine, tramadol, and morphine.
Painkillers are so readily available in medical stores that people are misusing it by buying it without any prescriptions and popping them in whenever they are in pain. While they do help in relieving the pain, they also induce specific side effects in our body that can cause acute to even chronic damage. Here are some side effects of consuming painkillers;
- Drowsiness
- Poor concentration
- Memory problems
- Kidney/liver disease/failure
- Constipation
- Slower breathing rate
- Weak immune system
- Cardiovascular diseases
- More delayed reactions and movements
- Dullness
- Mood swings
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Skin Rashes
Since chronic pain takes quite long to go away, popping some painkillers is not the only solution to treat it because most of them reduce or kill the pain for a short period only. They hardly work on the root cause to give permanent relief. But worry not, nature and our own body have the solution for all problems.
For natural pain relief, you need to look around as there are a few plants and herbs that possess the ability to reduce or even kill the pain for well and good, like; Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Cloves, Turmeric, Ginger, Capsaicin, Valerian root, etc. Each has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects that help our body's natural ability in healing itself.
There are also certain natural pain remedies that are non-invasive, readily available, effective, and free from side-effects like;
Acupuncture Also known as traditional Chinese medicine, it is a way of releasing the blocked life energies from one's body that is causing pain or discomfort.
Yoga Mindful meditation, breathing exercises, joint strengthening yoga poses, are known to be other natural pain remedies that help our body heal on its own without any harmful effects.
Exercise The more you are physically active, the less you will be in pain. It is absolutely true. Regular exercising will keep your joints and your internal organs going on smoothly.
Ice and Heat Therapy The primary treatment for any pain and discomfort is this natural therapy. Icing or heating the affected area stimulates the blood flow, release the tension accumulated, and relaxes the muscles of the affected area like nothing else.
Ultrasound Therapy Physical therapy is the best known, safest, and 100% natural therapy that anyone can try even at their home. With the invention ofelectrotherapy machines likeSONICTENS ,US111 orCOMBO3 PLUS , chronic pain can now be treated permanently without any side or after effects of it.
Conclusion Never try to treat yourself using painkillers. Avoid taking any painkillers for a long time even if it is prescribed as they can do more harm with time than you have ever imagined.