How My Pain Medication Options Have Evolved
We are extremely lucky to have so many pain medication options available to us without prescriptions. Yet when I think back to how I used to pop pills at every ache and pain, I’m a little shocked. I remember my grandma (who lived to age 97) would try everything before resorting to taking an Advil. And lately, I’ve become more like her.
Quote of the day: “The importance of a decision is not what it will cost but how difficult it will be to reverse.” Peter Drucker
Not that I think that all pain medication is bad, yet what I have learned over my time as a medical professional, is that everything has a side effect. So that knowledge, along with the fact that I’ve been working on being more natural in most of my products and eating, has evolved to this list.
Let me also say another thing I’ve learned while practicing dentistry, was that everyone reacts differently to pain medication. So this is my experience and story only. If you have something that works fabulously for you, I would love for you to share that.
Related post: Natural Perspective for a Flu Box
Arnica
This Solle Flex cream is a combination of arnica, calendula and aloe. We were introduced to it through our friend Shelly, who joined us on our white jacket post. Arnica is known for it’s anti inflammatory properties and we use it on muscle aches, and also any bruises.
In fact, when I was out at FierceCon last year, one of the women took an oral variety of arnica for her back pain. I actually tried it at that time too; however, I haven’t tried it again.
ThermaCare
These were a lifesaver while I was practicing dentistry. You probably don’t realize how dentists have to sit sideways and cockeyed in order to see inside a patient’s mouth. I worked hard on strengthening my muscles, massages and stretching; however, I would have a lot of muscle tension in my upper back and neck.
These ThermaCare patches work fabulously as a heat pad and the heat lasts over 8 hours. They come in small wraps and larger sizes depending on what areas you would like covered.
For me, these worked the best to put them on at night and sleep on them. When I tried using them in the day, I didn’t feel the heat effect as well. We used to be able to buy a large box of these at Sams since we used them so often. But trust me, we also tried the less expensive/different brands, but none of them worked as well.
Do you know why heat works for tense muscles? This fact, I learned from my massage therapist. Heat increases circulation. While cold reduces inflammation. Knowing those facts, can help you figure out which avenue you need. Even if you aren’t sure which is better, try one and if it doesn’t work, then try the other.
Biofreeze
Rob is the big proponent of Biofreeze. He always loves the coolness kind of soothing aspect of products like these. The active ingredient is menthol.
I will say that I don’t use this as often as Rob does. If I want cooling, then I reach for a bag of ice. But he wanted his two cents in on this subject!
Excedrin Migraine
I’ve had migraines ever since dental school. Once I figured out what was going on, I’ve tried a multitude of things for relief. While most of my evolution of pain medications options has been more natural and less pills, there’s only so much that works.
I have tried acupuncture points to help with migraines. While it does seem to lessen it at times, it’s not super convenient. In the beginning, I used to take 6 Advil along with some soda or coffee for the caffeine. This method worked great, but I hated taking so many ibuprofen.
Finally I did try the Excedrin Migraine. It works just as well as my 6 Advil and caffeine.
Other
Now don’t get me wrong. I still pop an Ibuprofen occasionally for a normal headache or crazy muscle pain. What I have learned is I don’t usually need the full dosage many times.
I’ve also been trying to figure out the why about my pain. If I have a headache, I will evaluate if I’m dehydrated or hungry and try to fix it that way first. And for muscle pain I’ve been trying hard to continue my yoga practice along with other stretching before resorting to my pain medication.
So why did I share all of this? Because I feel that just like with fashion and styling we can get into habits and ruts. And sometimes another option can work fabulously for us if we know about it.
I hope you share your tips with me too. That’s how we all learn and grow.
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