Steps of Pain Intervention~ Identify & Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Updated: Jan 11, 2020

Hi there. Happy, healthy new year to you! I am sure you've heard or read the term very recently, "A new year, a new you!" I think it's safe to say we can all agree to having at least one area in our health that could use some renewing!

Chronic pain is something I see every week in my clients. I hate to see people in physical pain. That is one of the reasons I love what I do- offering people therapeutic bodywork paired with other natural, safe methods of self-care to bring about supportive healing. One way to do this is to go through a simple, 4 Step Pain Intervention model. Please read through these steps and identify your areas and types of pain. TAKE ACTION to gently intervene, regaining your strength and health once again! I am a journaler, so if you are like me, I suggest printing this out, and writing down your PLAN OF ACTION!

*Step 1: KNOW YOUR PAIN AREAS & TYPES (Symptoms of each type)

NERVE: Tingle sensation, burning, pinch, numbness, electric-like shooting pain, loss of limb strength (i.e. arm weakness)

MUSCULAR: Ache, throb, tense, tight, spasms, strain (feels like it was over-used)

BONE/JOINT: Stiff, clicking, inflamed joints, out of alignment (often causes back pain)

INFLAMMATION: Hot, red, swollen, radiating pain

*Step 2: INTERNAL INTERVENTION

Neutralize stress:

Exercise/Yoga

Deep Breathing

Meditation

Prayer

Massage

Pure water consumption

Supportive 'anti-stress' supplements (see Resources below)

Eliminating these flare-up foods:

Refined sugars (candy, chips, cookies, sugary drinks i.e. soda, juice, energy drinks)

Hydrogenated oils (found in deep-fried foods and fast foods)

Aspartame- Equal, Nutra Sweet, Sweet & Low

MSG

Caffeine

Processed foods

Consume healing foods & supplements:

Omegas- salmon, flaxseed, krill

Nuts- walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts

Avocados

Leafy greens- watercress, kale, spinach, collards, mustard greens, beet greens

Berries and superfoods- pomegranate, maca, mangosteen, collagen, beets, mushrooms

Herbs- turmeric, black pepper, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne

CBD (this compound comes in various forms, such as tea, oils, and extracts)

*Step 3: EXTERNAL INTERVENTION

Natural topical aids (Essential oil blends, creams, gels, etc.):

Tiger Balm

BioFreeze

Sombra

Do Terra Deep Blue

Essential Oils: Wintergreen, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lavender, Arnica, Turmeric, Frankincense, Camphor. * Use a carrier oil. *

Therapeutic Bodywork:

Massage (I do NOT recommend deep tissue massage for inflammation type pain)

Myofascia therapy

Chiropractic

Baths (or foot baths) with Epsom Salts

Saunas

Infrared heat therapy

Aromatherapy

Exercise:

Daily Walking, Stretching, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Swimming

When it comes to exercise, choose a form that you can find some enjoyment in. Otherwise, it is likely you will not stick with it for the long haul, and the long haul is when you receive and physically feel the maximum benefits!

*Step 4: BE CONSISTENT in INTERVENTIONS

Reassess in 2-3 months. Rate your pain every day, from 0 to 5 (0 No pain/5 Worst pain). Do you feel a difference in pain levels? What interventions are working well?

NOTE: If your pain levels are of concern to you, please consult your physician. You may need medical intervention. X-rays, MRIs and CTScan will assist more accurately in diagnosis.

The information in this blog post is not intended to diagnose or treat any health condition. You are responsible for your own health. Please seek appropriate & professional advice.

WHAT IS YOUR PLAN OF ACTION?

Write it out!

RESOURCES

Arnica: Plantlife Relieve Arnica Oil https://amzn.to/2QJ6iWc

www.kneippus.com

Essential Oils:

www.mountainroseherbs.com

CBD oils (for pain and calming stress/anxiety) https://anandacbdoils.com

Other topical aids:

Deep Blue https://amzn.to/306DCd2

www.tigerbalm.com

www.biofreeze.com