Here we will go over five things to do if you need immediate relief from intense pain.
Sometimes, pain hits like a wrecking ball, leaving an individual desperate for relief. If you find yourself in this situation, there are some simple things you can do at home to help you find comfort.
Let’s jump right in.
1) Exercise
Physical activity helps relieve chronic pain and stiffness caused by arthritis or other conditions. Exercise is effective because as we move, we increase the amount of oxygen in our bloodstream. The freshly oxygenated blood is pumped into our muscles and joints and relieves pain.
Additionally, as we exercise, any pain-causing toxins that are built up in our muscles are broken up and released through sweat and urination.
Before using exercise for relief, talk to your doctor about which workout routines would be most beneficial and which to avoid. When an injury causes pain, it is best to rest your muscles or consult a physical therapist.
2) Hot and Cold Treatment
One of the quickest ways to relieve pain is using hot and cold treatments. This is because the body’s nerves are made of fibers that carry pain sensations. Hot and cold temperatures can block those pain signals.
Either temperature can be effective; here are some options to try:
- Sauna
- Cryotherapy chamber
- Hot tub
- Ice pack
- Heating pad
- Hot water bottle bag
Although using hot and cold can offer immediate relief, it is best to avoid the prolonged use of these methods. This is because blocking the nerve’s ability to dull pain also blocks inflammation which is a necessary part of healing.
3) Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers can provide individuals with quick relief but are best if used as a last resort. Like how hot and cold treatment interacts with the body, pain relievers block the transmission of pain signals. These medications also alter the individual’s perception of pain.
Once pain relievers wear off, the pain may come back in full swing without a gradual onset, making the user rely on more medication for immediate relief.
If you take pain relievers for fast alleviation, avoiding anti-inflammatories that hinder healing is best. While the medication is in your system, consider using other methods as well; that way, when the drug wears off, you are not left in agony.
4) Cannabis
Cannabis, with or without psychoactive properties, is highly effective for pain management.
Many cannabinoids like THC and CBD activate receptors that reduce nerve pain and regulate the central nervous system. Additionally, cannabis encourages the release of “feel good” endorphins like dopamine; in return, your pain feels less intense.
Many forms of cannabis can help with pain relief, such as:
- Flower
- Topicals
- Concentrates
- Tinctures
- Edibles
At Veriheal.com, you can learn more about using less known products like kief, bath bombs, and creams for pain relief.
5) Relaxation Methods
Sometimes, the most beneficial way to alleviate pain is by relaxing because our mental well-being directly impacts our physical health. Additionally, physical pain isolated to one spot may cause stiffness and discomfort to spread to other body areas.
To help the mental and physical body recover, consider the following:
Get a Massage
A massage helps the body in the same way that physical activity helps, minus the fatigue caused by exertion. In addition, toxins are released from the muscles, and blood flow increases resulting in decreased pain and stiffness. A massage from a professional, a loved one, your own hands, or a personal massager are all beneficial options.
Take a Nap
Taking a nap and ensuring that you get enough sleep helps with pain in many ways. First, when pain is unbearable, you can try sleeping through it. Second, rest relaxes the mind and body, so you feel refreshed and less achy when you wake up. Most importantly, the body does most of its healing while asleep. Therefore, getting some rest will naturally decrease pain.
Do Some Deep Breathing
Deep breathing helps relieve pain by releasing serotonin and cortisol, dulling the pain sensation. Additionally, practicing deep breathing increases oxygen intake, and as mentioned above, higher oxygen levels improve blood flow, relieving pain.
Conclusion
There are many things you can do at home when in need of immediate pain relief.
Consider getting some physical activity or a massage, taking a pain reliever, using cannabis, trying hot and cold therapies, relaxing with a nap or deep breathing exercises.
