"I had to lie down in bed all the time," Nancy Bruce, a back pain sufferer told Action News.
"I would compare it to the pain women tell me they feel at childbirth," Tom Connelnn, a shoulder pain sufferer told Action News.
Licensed naturopathic physician, Doctor Kirti Kalidas says you can fight pain without prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
"There are plenty of anti-inflammatory [options] out there," Dr. Kalidas told Action News.
Willow bark contains salicin acid. In a study of nearly 200 people with lower back pain, those who received willow bark experienced a significant improvement in pain compared to those who received a placebo. You should boil one to two leaves and make a tea when pain sets in.
Another way to end the aches? Curcumin. Used for hundreds of years, the antioxidant, which is a component of turmeric, can be found in curry. A study shows if used regularly curcumin could change DNA regulation to help kill cancer.
For joint pain, look to the sea. Research published in Nutrition Journal found the red seaweed supplement aquamin, reduced osteoathritis pain in study participants by 20-percent in one month. For headaches, use the stuff that makes peppers hot: capsaicin.
"It's basically used to get rid of acute pain because it controls the signaling process on the nerves and you can use it in the topical fashion," Dr. Kalidas said.
A study found migraine patients who applied capsaicin cream inside their nostrils decreased their pain by almost half. The doctor says these natural remedies are great short term solutions for your pain, but if it persists, you should talk to your doctor.
"We have to look at the root cause," Dr. Kalidas concluded.
If you want to avoid painful needles at the doctor's office try counting backwards from 100 out loud. A Japanese study shows patients who did just that experienced less pain.
For more information, contact:
Brunilda Lopez
Executive Assistant
The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine
(407) 355-9246 Extension 308
bruni@drkalidas.com
www.drkalidas.com
