Pain is an inevitable part of life. Sometimes pain alerts you to a potential danger, such as the burning sensation from touching something hot or the sharp pain of a broken bone signaling you to take care of it immediately. Other times, pain is more of an annoyance, like when you sprain your ankle or get heartburn after eating spicy food. However, most people will experience significant amounts of pain at some point in their lives. In fact, the majority of adults have experienced some sort of pain in the last 12 months alone! The challenge is knowing how to manage and relieve that pain while also not allowing it to become so great that it interferes with daily activities or quality of life. Natural and medicinal solutions can help reduce acute and chronic pain so that you can live your best life once again.

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts three months or longer. Chronic pain may be a result of acute pain that remains unresolved, a new or changed pain pattern, or a result of a condition or disease such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer, shingles, and more. Some of the signs of chronic pain include persistent pain that is severe and disrupts daily life, pain that does not change with treatments, pain that occurs in different areas of the body, pain unrelated to an injury, and pain that is accompanied by anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia Chronic pain can make it difficult to sleep, work, and do things you enjoy, while also impacting your mood and relationships. Most chronic pain can be managed with a combination of treatments such as surgery, medication, and lifestyle changes. This includes avoiding or reducing certain activities that bring on your pain.

Acute pain is defined as a pain that comes on suddenly as a result of an injury or disease and is usually controlled with medication. Acute pain is usually a short-term condition that has a fixed duration, specific cause, and expected treatment plan. Acute pain can last from a few days to several months, though it can sometimes extend beyond that. Acute pain can result from a variety of situations, including surgery, a medical procedure, an injury, a broken bone, or a medical condition that causes inflammation. Some examples of acute pain include a surgical incision, a broken bone, abdominal cramps, back pain, and a burn. Acute pain usually resolves on its own, but it may linger if the underlying cause of the pain is not treated appropriately. Acute pain is treated with medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and sometimes injections of numbing medication.

When experiencing pain, try to incorporate natural solutions into your routine as much as possible. The following are some of the best ways to reduce pain naturally: Exercise: During acute or chronic pain, exercise at the right intensity and length can help you manage and reduce your pain. While some people may be too sore or in too much pain to exercise, others find that exercising regularly helps them manage their pain by increasing strength, improving range of motion, and decreasing inflammation. Acetaminophen: Taking a low dose of acetaminophen, like Tylenol, can help reduce your pain and discomfort. Be careful with this option, however, as acetaminophen can lead to liver damage if taken in high doses. Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points in your body that may help reduce your pain and inflammation. Acupressure: Another Chinese technique, acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but no needles are used. Instead, you press specific points on your body to relieve pain.