What is the future of pain management?
Opioid pain medications were a major step forward in alleviating suffering, but addiction, side effects and overdoses mar their success. Fortunately, less addictive opioids and more effective non-opioid medications are under development. Simultaneously, scientists are tapping into the natural world to bring us advanced nutrients such as PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) and honokiol, which can help dampen pain signaling in the central and peripheral nervous system. In addition, the medical world is recognizing how pain control can be individualized. For example, fibromyalgia pain may respond well to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), neuropathy can often be managed with gabapentin and some musculoskeletal disorders are alleviated using TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines. The combination of individualized medicine, new, innovative pharmaceuticals and powerful nutrients such as PEA and honokiol promise to change the future landscape of pain management.
What are the top natural pain killers?
Inflammation is usually a contributor to chronic pain. For this reason, nutrients that inhibit inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin, are frequently used to manage discomfort. Nervous system signaling is another novel target for pain management. The nutrients PEA and honokiol may beneficially modify pain pathways in the peripheral and central nervous system, leading to physical well-being. It’s also important to consider targeted nutrients specific to the area of discomfort. For example, magnesium assists with muscle relaxation, licorice comforts the esophagus and Chinese skullcap has an affinity for the joints.
Do anti-inflammatory drugs help heal pain?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are effective at reducing inflammation and pain. In acute inflammation, they can hasten injury resolution. But in chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, they do little to heal the underlying condition and additional, restorative interventions are often needed for resolution.
