Alternative pain remedies

Good Housekeeping online 08.08.2008

There are effective remedies that can help

acupuncture needles in woman's back Exercise and stretching

This can really help, especially with low back pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Light activity speeds healing, while rest reduces the muscle tone and strength you need to stay pain free. Exercise also releases endorphins (the body's own form of morphine).

Applying heat and cold
Hot or cold pain relief is best for musculoskeletal pain. Heat may work better for you than cold, or vice versa. Specialist gel packs and wheat bags can be frozen or heated in the microwave and are flexible.

TENS machines
These machines use electrical stimulation to block a pain nerve pathway to the brain. High pulse rates are better for sudden-onset pain, low pulses are better for deep aches. TENS works for 60% of people and is particularly effective for arthritis and fibromyalgia. The machines cost from £30 and are available by mail order or from larger chemists.

Prevention and education
By keeping a pain diary, you may discover the triggers and learn how to avoid them. Getting to know and understand your condition - perhaps joining a self-help group - can help remove the element of fear.

Cognitive behavioural therapy
Used mainly by those with chronic pain, many studies have shown this to be effective, but some people remain suspicious, believing that the use of psychological therapy implies the pain isn't real. It is real - and this does work.

Change your diet
Going for long periods without food may increase pain and certain foods may be triggers. Citrus fruits can be a trigger for arthritis sufferers, for instance. Increases in pain sensations have also been reported with caffeine, alcohol (especially red wine) and monosodium glutamate. Keeping a pain diary should help you pinpoint unhelpful foods. Losing weight can reduce pain in load bearing joints.

Acupuncture
This can work very well if you have dental pain and moderately well for some types of back pain, migraine, neck pain and fibromyalgia.

Herbal or natural remedies
There's good evidence that Devil's Claw, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are moderately effective analgesics, equivalent to milder painkillers. They're suitable for musculoskeletal pain, and magnesium supplements may help muscle pain.

Click here to read more about pain and how to cope with it

Never treat pain yourself for more than a few weeks without seeking medical attention.

The answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone and are not substitutes for professional medical advice. If you're worried, see your GP. For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk