Though statistics of opioid addiction within Latin communities seem to be far less of an issue than those in the US and other advanced countries, the fear of the addictive properties in prescription-grade painkillers along with limited access to high-quality medication in underdeveloped countries leaves many to live with chronic pain with seemingly no resolutions. As a result, many Latinos opt to suffer through the pain of conditions ranging from neck and back injuries to life-altering diseases like arthritis and cancer.
There are organizations like the Latin American Federation of IASP and the American Academy of Neurology are working to educate the Latino communities on the use of opioids and how to use them safely. However, for those who do not have access to prescription painkillers or that do fear developing an addiction, you don't have to suffer in silence. There are ways to soothe your pain and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Massage Therapy
A tried and true method for helping to relieve chronic pain is massage therapy. Using several techniques with their hands, elbows, and specialized massage devices, therapists are able to relieve tension in tight muscles, apply pressure to various points in the body to relieve neurological pain, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation once they find the right massage table for their practice. Whether you're recovering from a neck or back surgery, healing from a sports injury, suffering from arthritis, or have some other medical condition associated with chronic pain, massage therapy sessions can provide temporary relief.
TENS Therapy
For those suffering from diabetic neuropathy or other forms of neurological chronic pain, TENS therapy can be an effective solution. TENS, which is an acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a form of electrical nerve stimulation therapy that uses electrical pulses to stimulate the sensory nerves of the body which helps to provide temporary pain relief. Patients may be able to talk with their doctor or physical therapist about having a TENS unit to use at home.
Physical Therapy
The idea of moving around when you're in pain may seem insane. The reality is, however, that physical therapy, especially when dealing with musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain, can be very therapeutic. Physical therapists work to create customized treatment plans for their patients based on their condition. Some of the strategies used to help relieve pain and increase flexibility and range of motion are massages, manipulation of bones and joints, as well as movement therapy and exercise. These methods help to reduce levels of cortisol, ease inflammation, and boost endorphins which all help to relieve pain.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have long been used to treat chronic pain among other mental and physical conditions. As more patients look to avoid the harmful side effects and potential dependency to prescription meds, herbal products have once again, increased in popularity. Whether taken in pill form, used in recipes when cooking, or applied topically, there are several herbal solutions that have been known to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Some of the most popular include CBD, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, ginger, and turmeric. Using them regularly in the methods previously described, can provide temporary relief in muscles, nerves, bones, and joints.
Meditation
One of the biggest triggers of chronic pain is stress. When the body is in fight or flight mode for a prolonged period of time it can increase tension and inflammation throughout causing the pain to intensify. Therefore, it is believed that if you learn to reduce the stress you're experiencing, you can essentially relieve or at the very least, lessen the intensity of pain.
One effective way of managing stress is meditation. Taking just a few minutes to rechannel your energy and eliminate or quiet the madness going on in your mind can help to reduce cortisol levels, thus relieving stress. When you feel the pain becoming too intense to deal with, try finding a quiet space. Remove all distractions (phone, television, kids, etc) and just focus on your breathing. Deeply breathe in and out repeatedly until you start to feel at ease.
Whether long or short-term, chronic pain is no joke. It alters every aspect of your life making it difficult to do much of anything. Finding relief from chronic diseases for most Latinos, especially for those living in underdeveloped countries isn't always as simple as getting a prescription filled at the doctor. For those who have prescription painkillers as a solution, the fear of becoming addicted prevents them from using medications as prescribed. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions and therapies such as those described above that can help those suffering with chronic pain to find relief and reclaim their lives.
