Pain signals the brain that the body is in danger. It’s a way of knowing that something serious is occurring. Pain can guide human efforts, such as in childbirth, and may open the psyche to euphoria. Some say that pain is a room, a space it is possible to be centered in. As hard as it is to be in pain, it may be even worse to watch loved ones go through it.
Pain is an Individual Experience
Everyone gets through pain differently. The reason medically trained professionals ask patients to rate pain, from zero to 10, zero being none and 10 being the worst pain imaginable, is because pain is an individual experience. Minimizing pain is nonproductive. Next comes questions about quality: is the pain dull or sharp? Intermittent or constant? The answers can guide the caregiver’s recommendations.
Pain Response May Be Conditioned in Childhood
Parents often respond to children’s pain by saying, “That didn’t hurt!” Well, yes, it did. Lack of validation only creates confusion. Parents who don’t know how to deal with pain should be educated to reduce their own fear.
Now and Later: Ice or Heat
In the initial 24 hours, an ice pack, pressure from a wrap, and elevation of the body part is generally recommended first aid for minor injuries. The rationale is to minimize bruising and swelling. Next day, warm wet soaks generally aid healing because they increase circulation. Be careful to avoid burns. Alternating heat and cold stimulates circulation and minimizes swelling, helping many types of injuries to heal faster. Treatments should be done under the advice of a healthcare professional.
Herbs Can Help Pain
Susun S. Weed, author of Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year states that skullcap tincture is sedating and alleviates pain. Weed advises starting small and increasing the dose, as some people respond to as little as 5 drops and others may need 30 drops of extract in hot water at bedtime for a good night’s sleep. The herb is non-habit forming. The American Botanical Association lists seven studies on skullcap’s anti-cancer properties, an added bonus for those fighting this type of pain. Be sure to consult a physician before using herbal remedies for medical conditions.
Weed suggests 15 to 25 drops of St. John’s Wort tincture in a glass of water every few hours as needed for muscle spasms that cause backache, and the addition of 3 to 5 drops of skullcap tincture for severe pain. Weed attributes St. John’s Wort’s effectiveness to the herb’s unique ability to enter nerve endings and soothe irritation.
On his television show, Dr. Oz stated that the scent of chamomile is used to reduce pain. Nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing suggests that herbs useful in the treatment of pain related to cramps and muscle spasms include angelica, black haw, cramp bark, kava kava, rosemary and valerian root. It is best to try only one remedy at a time as herbal medicines may have unpredictable effects.
Cayenne Taken Orally May Relieve Pain
Balch suggests taking this hot chili pepper in capsule form. The active ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin, which is sold over-the-counter in a topical cream form. Repeated use of the cream prevents nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. Balch sites studies indicating capsaicin may relieve neuralgia, neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and headaches.
A multifaceted approach to pain probably offers more relieve than a single strategy. Applications of cold and heat have a place in pain management. Herbal medicines can also be used, in conjunction with regular medical care.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, Susun S. Weed, 1985
The Doctor Oz Show, January 18, 2011
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis Balch, CNC, 2006
Mary Earhart - Mary Earhart, RN, BSN, is a Licensed Midwife. She has written articles for professional journals and grants for non-profit agencies as ...
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