Many people living with chronic pain often wind up going on traditional medications, like steroids or painkillers. However, these are often far from ideal. While they can have some positive impact, they can also lead to cycles of addiction and other issues.
Fortunately, there is now a growing range of alternatives for patients like you to explore. These are often safer and have fewer risks than conventional approaches, so they are well worth exploring.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Early Intervention
One area researchers are exploring is early intervention for patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Recent breakthroughs show that prompt treatment in the early stages can prevent the condition from progressing to something that lasts for the entirety of the patient’s life.
While researchers are unwilling to call it a “cure,” it is something that is raising eyebrows. The idea is to interrupt the treatment early enough so that patients can enjoy a relatively normal life.
Rexlemestrocel-L + Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Another popular option these days is Rexlemestrocel-L + hyaluronic acid injections. The idea here is to inject various antiinflammatory cells into the spine to deal with chronic low back pain, which remains a significant issue for a lot of people.
How this treatment works is still a matter for investigation. However, it appears to reduce inflammation and provide more targeted relief, offering an alternative to regular surgery (which millions of people with chronic pain undergo every year).
Telehealth Pain Management
Another emerging option is telehealth pain management. The idea here is to provide people with lack of medical care access with more healthcare guidance and advice, assisting in problems relating to chronic pain.
If treatment is required, it often takes the form of minimally-invasive interventions. Some of these can be offered online while others require in-person visits.
Mindfulness-Related Recovery
Mindfulness is also playing a role in helping some patients recover from their chronic pain conditions. Many patients are now exploring the possibility of combining various behavioral interventions with cognitive training to reduce the perceived impact of chronic pain on well-being.
These treatments work similarly to those audiologists use in tinnitus cases. The idea is to essentially reprogram the patient’s brain to see the stimulus differently, making it considerably more manageable.
Natural Plant Compounds
Another alternative is the rise of natural plant compounds. These can take all sorts of forms, and are now becoming more accessible in different states via platforms, like LeafyRx.
The basic idea here is to replace single-target pharmaceutical painkillers with natural alternatives that work through multiple channels. The latter approach may be more conducive to recovery for many patients who can’t make progress on standard regimens.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Lastly, anti-inflammatory drugs are taking center stage for chronic pain management. These look for ways to reduce inflammatory chemical signalling in the body, essentially tricking the immune system into reducing inflammation. This approach works similarly to an anti-inflammatory diet, but with more emphasis on targeting pathways mechanistically.
So there you have it: some new treatments for chronic pain relief.
The owners and authors of Cinnamon Hollow are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
