Menopausal Mother

Many people my age claim to have sudden, mysterious body aches that seem to come out of nowhere. Inflammation, joint pain, sore muscles, and arthritis are common complaints. Fortunately, there are natural pain relievers and anti-inflammatory creams on the market to help with these uncomfortable conditions. 

My husband has suffered from back pain for several years now, mostly due to his outdoor job in landscaping and property maintenance. He used over-the-counter medications for his pain and has even been to chiropractors, but the pain never quite disappeared. Lately, he has been considering acupuncture or  massage therapy But this can get expensive, so now he is mostly interested in natural pain relievers such as turmeric and anti-inflammatory creams. These have offered a certain amount of relief for his back pain and are far more cost-effective. He prefers products with natural ingredients that do not contain carcinogens/poisons and ones that have not been tested on animals. 

Although I don't have the same degree of inflammation or joint pain that my husband experiences, there have been times after my cardio workouts when I feel soreness in my knees or upper arms. If my muscles start to hurt, I simply soak in a warm bath or apply anti-inflammatory cream to the areas that bother me. 

Of course, there are other options that help relieve pain that include relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, and meditation There are also pain management programs available if the pain is chronic. My advice would be to get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and incorporate gentle exercises into your daily routine. It's also a good idea to distract yourself with activities you enjoy, whether it's knitting, cooking, journaling or reading, etc. 

The idea here is to begin with natural alternatives to reduce pain and inflammation without the use of prescription medication---if possible. But first, do your research and consult with your physician to find out what pain relief method is best for you!

***Disclaimer: This blog post is in partnership with Responsival.