Experiencing pain? Medication doesn’t need to be the first and only thing you reach for. Let’s explore the options available to get your pain under control.
RICE
(Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation)
Use RICE. The traditional formula is still the recommended first response for sprained ankles and other minor injuries. Try Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE).
Heat
Apply heat. Heat packs soothe stiff necks and sore backs. Warmth relaxes muscle-> and reduces spasms.
Diet
Choose the right foods. Research suggests that certain foods promote healing. For example, ginger is known to fight inflammation. If your knee is bothering you, drink ginger tea. Cherries are another good choice because they contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins.
Physical Therapy
Work with a professional. Physical therapists treat pain and teach you how to correct the underlying habits. You may want to consider other services, such as massage therapy or sports injury centers.
Meditation
Meditate daily. Meditation develops skills that makes the pain easier to bear. Visit a meditation center or look for a self-help book at your library.
Each option will have a different effect on everybody. The same intervention that cures your pain would potentially not work on your friend. Many of these are simply trial and error where you’ll have to safely figure out what works for you, and what doesn’t.