Posted on 9-7-2004
Everybody
Hurts
The Natural Alternative to Prescription Pain Relief
by Melissa Knopper
Severe pain—caused by everything from lower back problems
and migraines to a common toothache—sends most of us running
to the doctor for a quick fix. Often, that relief comes in the
form of a potent pain pill, such as OxyContin or Percocet. But
those drugs work their magic with a price. For one thing, they
can be highly addictive.
And that’s not all: “A lot of prescription drugs
for pain have serious side effects,” says Mary Beth Watkins,
director of research and development for Botanical Laboratories,
a Seattle-area supplement manufacturer. “They don’t
allow you to drive a car and they cause drowsiness.” And
if used on a long-term basis, painkillers can cause kidney and
liver damage. Certain arthritis drugs, such as the non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), also cause ulcers.
New research shows many of these powerful pharmaceuticals also
cause problems for the environment. When they are flushed down
the toilet, they dissolve into microscopic particles. Fish and
wildlife living in streams polluted by these compounds can develop
health problems. So can human beings who drink tap water from
municipal water plants that do not yet screen out the particles.
Given those risks, it makes sense to look for natural alternatives.
Treatments such as herbs and acupuncture can achieve the same
result without causing side effects. They also dump fewer toxic
byproducts into the water. Luckily, the natural health care
market is full of options. Here’s a look at some of the
most promising therapies:
Herbs
Pain relief patches are among the hot new products on display
at natural products trade shows. Some, such as the Tiger Balm
patch, contain the herbs camphor and oil of clove, which are
absorbed through the skin. These herbs, originally used in Chinese
medicine, have anti-inflammatory properties to ease back pain
and muscle aches. Some patches discreetly warm or cool affected
areas such as the lower back, or the abdomen (for menstrual
cramps).
According to the American Botanical Council, arnica is one
of the most popular herbs used by homeopathic practitioners
for pain. It is especially effective for reducing bruising and
muscle soreness. “If you broke your leg in a snowboarding
accident, arnica would be a great thing to take to relieve pain
and support the healing process,” Watkins says.
Meanwhile, several research studies have shown capsaicin, an
extract of cayenne pepper, offers significant arthritis relief
when used as a topical cream. Janet Zand, a Los Angeles naturopathic
physician, licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine
(DOM), prefers to help arthritis patients address the underlying
cause of their pain with diet and exercise as well as herbs.
“If you strengthen and balance the entire body, then pain
is often reduced,” she says. Zand, who has her own line
of herbal products, suggests tumeric for arthritis pain. “It’s
a natural anti-inflammatory and strengthens immune function,”
she says.
Feverfew is a useful herb for migraines. Herbalists have relied
on it since the Middle Ages, but recent studies confirm that
it works by decreasing the flow of pain-causing prostaglandins.
Since herbal remedies are not as strictly regulated as conventional
drugs, it pays to be cautious before using them. Research shows
a wide variation in purity, so choose a reputable manufacturer.
The USP logo on the label proves the ingredients meet the quality
standards of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (an industry trade group).
Watkins suggests checking out the product on the federal Food
and Drug Administration’s consumer website to be sure
the company has a good reputation. The safest bet is to go with
a well-known national retailer such as Whole Foods Market, she
adds. Since many herbs interact with other medicines, check
with your doctor before using them. And do not take them if
pregnant or trying to conceive.
Acupuncture
With its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, this alternative
treatment is gaining in popularity for its ability to bring
significant relief without side effects. Conditions that benefit
from acupuncture include neck pain, menstrual cramps, migraines,
carpal tunnel syndrome and kidney stones.
While objective research studies are hard to design for acupuncture,
many scientists believe it works by stimulating the body’s
natural pain killers, called endorphins.
In some cases, painful conditions can be resolved in just a
few sessions. Others need regular visits on a long-term basis.
Patients typically pay for acupuncture out of pocket, but some
insurance companies will cover it if a physician with an MD
degree performs the treatment. The American Academy of Medical
Acupuncture offers a referral service of such practitioners.
Acupuncture is safe for most people, says Jim Dowden, executive
director of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. “In
most cases, the worst that will happen is you won’t get
better,” he says. “There is some potential for minor
bleeding or infection, but that is very rare.”
As with herbal use, consumers considering acupuncture need
to shop around for the right fit. Dowden suggests looking for
an experienced acupuncturist who is board certified and has
a medical degree.
Massage
Massage, also known as the healing touch, is one of the most
popular forms of non-prescription pain relief. Different types
of massage are better suited to different forms of chronic pain,
but overall, it can be extremely helpful.
Physicians from Seattle’s Beth Israel Hospital published
a report that showed massage to be highly effective for chronic
lower back pain. Several other studies have shown massage helps
breast cancer patients reduce pain and swelling caused by a
build up of lymphatic fluid. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
in Los Angeles, researchers found massage reduced muscle spasms
in patients who had just undergone heart surgery.
“About 80 percent of my clients come to me because they
are in pain,” says Kathleen Miller-Read, a licensed massage
therapist from Seattle.
Miller-Read relies on a combination of approaches to help her
sore clients, from Swedish massage to deep-tissue techniques,
acupressure and reflexology, a form of body work derived from
Asian medicine. She can ease headaches by pressing on certain
points around the sinuses or the base of the skull. By encouraging
a variety of other lifestyle changes, from diet and exercise
to aromatherapy or switching sleep positions, Miller-Read helps
her clients avoid potent pain pills for good.
Suzan Walter, president of the American Holistic Health Association,
encourages people to listen to their intuition about a particular
therapy or practitioner. “This is a journey and not everything
is going to work,” Walter says. “But if you stick
with it, eventually you will find the answer.”
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