Pain Management- non drug alternatives

Glucosamine has shown to inhibit the development of osteoarthritis, , joint space improves

or stays the same over time in studies. 
glucosamine sulfate only, glucosamine hydrochloride does not work

Sam-e has been shown to significantly reduce the pain of osteoarthritis, don’t take with

s.s.r.i.'s can cause mania

Topical 

Cayenne or capsaicin for osteoarthritis

Aloe for shingles, psoriasis, burns

Cold is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory

Heat is an analgesic, relaxant

TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit- stimulates the non nociceptive fibers.

Inhibits pain and releases endogenous opioids. You can build up a tolerance. Need to do the

strongest intensity that you can tolerate, also good for acute postoperative pain, diabetic

neuropathy, fibromyalgia

Exercise only known to prevent most type of joint pain and spine related pain problems,

Except in fibromyalgia aerobic is shown to be best)

Yoga, Pilates have shown to help certain chronic pain issues

(unless the person has certain back issues)

Massage (self)  stimulates the a beta nerve fibers, massage is the first thing a person does

the moment they have pain, it the most basic form of treatment, increases serotonin and

decreases substance p, 

Tai chi particularly studied for its help with knees because of all the balancing exercises

Hypnosis, a study shows that if you use the word hypnosis people are more likely to take it

seriously if you use the word relaxation or suggestion. There are brain changes associated

consistent in the area of the brain that is being suggested

If you have a tension headache, tensing and relaxing the muscles of your head helps,

not true for back pain

Biofeedback

Meditation

Diaphragmatic breathing helps especially in upper back pain:

Breathe in think 30 breath out think of a calming word, do that counting down

Marijuana has been proven to be more effective for neuropathic pain than nociceptive,

studies show it doesn't.

“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.” Voltaire