In the US, prescription pain killers are the second most abused drugs, exceeded only by marijuana. In 17 states, pain killer overdoses are now the number one cause of accidental death.

The deaths of Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger brought the danger of prescription drugs into the mainstream, but celebrity deaths are only the tip of the iceberg.

There is now a worrying trend of babies in Florida being born with an addiction to pain killers. Across the States there have been more than 2,800 pharmacy robberies during the past five years, an increase of 80%, where people attempt to procure drugs to feed their habit or to sell them on.

While some sanity still prevails in the UK, an estimated 100,000 people here are addicted to pain killers. Not only are pain killers addictive, but they also come with serious side effects if in long term use. It is worth taking stock of what we consume and start thinking in terms of natural alternatives.

The Need For Pain Killers

Pain is nature’s way of alerting us to the fact that there is an injury or a medical condition and that something needs to be done. It is a complicated process where chemical or neurotransmitters send signals to the brain. However, our bodies also produce natural pain relief through chemicals such as serotonin, and endorphins (more about this later).

Joint and muscular pain, for instance, are not just side effects of ageing, but people of all ages can experience them. Children, sports people, and even those who are inactive feel the twinges of joint and muscular pains at some time or the other in their lives.

When in pain, our first port of call is, of course, over the counter (OCT) medication such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen, or a doctor’s prescription which include powerful ingredients often based on natural or synthetic opiate type drugs.

Someone with a chronic joint condition such as arthritis, osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia may be prescribed a Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) such as Ibuprofen.

Risks of Synthetic Pain Killers

While mainstream medications can offer pain and symptom relief, the reality is that they are can also cause damage to the liver, kidneys, stomach and heart - and sometimes the side effects require further medication to counter them.

Side Effects

• Aspirin and ibuprofen, in high doses, over a long period of time can cause stomach upsets, ulcers and damage the kidneys. Ibuprofen’s side effects can range from nausea, leaky gut syndrome, dizziness and ulcers, to stroke and heart attacks from long term use.
• Paracetamol, in very high doses, damages the liver.
• Powerful opiate painkillers, which include those containing morphine, oxycodone and codeine, may cause withdrawal symptoms such as depression, tremors, constipation, aching joints, paranoia and other physical and psychological side effects. Breast feeding can introduce these into babies.

Natural Ways To Combat Pain

Lifestyle

This may be old hat, but diet and exercise strengthen our bodies’ natural pain killers; help repair worn cells; and enhance mental wellbeing.

Low impact exercise, meditation, yoga, and tai chi all contribute to maintaining optimum physical and mental health. Exercise releases natural pain killers such as Endorphins which can be as powerful as synthetic pain relief. Also stretching and strengthening the body help prevent muscles and joints stiffening and freezing up.

Endorphins also help alleviate conditions such as anxiety, stress and depression which often accompany and exacerbate chronic pain.

Diet

By reducing inflammation, chronic pain can be controlled. Inflammation can be caused by the wrong foods, injury, bacteria, and viruses.

• Drink plenty of water – flush out lactic acid, the build-up of which causes pain
• Foods rich in omega -3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, block the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body
• Pineapple, ginger, pepper and turmeric help reduce pain and inflammation
• Vitamin C aids the formation of healthy joint tissue
• Herbal supplements such as Devil’s Claw, feverfew, glucosamine, chondroitin and msm are naturally healing and repairing. White willow bark is a natural aspirin.
• Avoid foods that can potentially cause inflammation such as sugar, fats, and highly processed foods. For some, potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant can irritate painful joints.

Alternative Therapies

Homeopathy

Arnica, Ruta, Hypericum, Ledum, and Symphytum are some amazing first aid remedies. They are useful where there is pain, injuries to the bone or nerves, swelling, and fracture. See a homeopath to manage chronic pain. (Contact me for free advice on fist aid remedies).

Acupuncture

More popular in countries like Germany, acupuncture is excellent in pain management. It is one of the oldest healing systems in the world. Many studies have proven its efficacy in pain, especially in the lower back, osteoarthritis of the knee, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Herbal Remedies

Including those mentioned in diet, a whole range of herbal remedies exist that do not have the harsh side effects of synthetic pain killers. These are not instant fixes – they take longer to work. A professional herbalist can tailor medication to suit anyone’s condition.

Herbal massage oils and creams containing natural pain relief, such as rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, st.John's Wort (hypericum), camphor and chamomile soothe muscles and joints. Essentials oils are documented to contain anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. As they are packed with anti-oxidants and vitamins, they provide natural protection and healing.

Warmth

Often people notice less pain in a warmer climate. The sunshine, vitamin D, helps with bone growth and repair.

Heat application on the affected area and warm baths offer relief to aching joints and muscles.

Where possible, limit your intake of over the counter pain killers and if you are on prescription, discuss side effects with your doctor. Remember that mainstream pain killers can also interact with other medication you may be on, compromising your health even further.