Are there any natural pain medications?

[hillbilly_mom]

I have neuropathies, which is a nerve disorder. I have tried all the meds that is suppose to take the symptoms away. Nothing is working. Is there any natural pain medications that I can try to help relieve the pain? I have tingling, sparking, shooting stabbing pains, but the worst is the deep aching pains that get worse when there is a front going through. Since we have had 2 fronts go through this week I have been pretty much down and out this week. Is there any natural pain medications that will work to relieve symptoms?

[libertylover]

Marijuana is natural and so wonderful for pain.

[bookwormom]

with something like this I am sure you are grasping at straws. Not that I know anything about it, but have you tried Dolomite? It really is nothing but calcium and magnesium, but almost fourty years ago I learned that it soothes nerves and calms things down. when I go to the dentist and after the shot wears off you have pain from the drilling etc. the nerves are still screaming, well, Dolomite works like a charm for things like that. when I was a young woman I also took it for menstrual pain and it was wonderful for that too. took the edge off the crabbiness as well.
It won't hurt to try it, my mom has taken it for years as she has ostheoporosis and had bad backpains, she is painfree. B-vitamins are not for pain, but anything to pamper your nerves a little.
good luck to you.

[idris]

There are many such, but it all depends, upon the cause of the pain, as to what is either the alleviator or cure: do not just try anything: many an addict is the victim of self-medication. Best to go to a reputable practioner of alternative medicine, including an acupuncturist {with all the relevant details from your own quack} and see what advice they give; then pray about it, for guidance, and go for it. Pain is such a grab-you- and-won't- let-go thing, I know, but even the worst of it can be put aside, if only for a little while. That is done by breathing and isometrics. { I once had some yuppie twit try to kill me with a blow to the head: not a happy time} May God guide you through it.

[hillbilly_mom]

Thanks for your answers. I would love to do the mary jane, but have some parents that would love to turn me in to DHS. They're just looking for a reason. ::) I don't want to give them another reason.

I already take high doses of calcium and magnesium for another medical condition. I am also on high potassium, because mine level is so low. I take 1cc of B-12 shots twice a month also.

I do a deep breathing and relaxation technique that helps when my pain is at the 6 or 7 mark, but does nothing to touch it when the weather is bad.

[edward_4576]

Is your pain localized? If so how about electro-therepy?

[libertylover]

hill, you must be in education. If so, no you
can't have mj. And, it makes me very
angry because it's a medication which
helps with pain. I have a friend who has
MS. I risk getting busted because it
makes her feel so much better.

She and I tried the pills of mj that looks
like Vitamin E. Not strong enough. Dang
government just can't get anything right ;D

I know you must be in pain.

[hillbilly_mom]

I homeschool, which my parent HIGHLY disapprove of. Heck, they dissapprove of my whole lifestyle.

I've been SO tempted to get some. I have a neighbor who has some for his personal use. He told DH that he would give me some if I wanted it. I don't know if I could do it, with me telling the kids that I don't want them to do it. I could always go out and sneak a toke, but with the 17yo knowing what it smells like, since he was around his cousins who smoke it for the "high", it would sort of make me a hypocrite.

I am waiting for my new PCP to get on my insurance plan. My old doc passed away. I have been waiting to get a referral to a pain clinic. If I can't get some help from a pain clinic I may have to resort to it, because living with a pain level of 6 - 9+ just sucks. The 6 is when I wake up in the morning and the 9+ is when it is going to rain. Every night I have pain at about an 8, which is why I have to take sleeping pills. I took them over an hour ago and an STILL waiting for them to over ride the pain so I can get some sleep.

[hillbilly_mom]

Is your pain localized? If so how about electro-therepy?


I have the pain from my butt all the way to my feet, and out my toes. From my shoulder blades, down my arms to my finger tips. Without the meds I am on the pain and tingling goes all over my back and across my face and head also. The only place I don't have it is on my stomach. I think that is because I had so many surgeries that I have no nerve feelings left on my abdomen anyway. ::)

[libertylover]

hilly, the hardest part of Melva holding out
so long before using mj was the same reasons
you stated.

She tired some and hasn't looked back.
She doesn't take any narcotics any more.
She had many side effects from the narcotics.

Now she takes 400mg of the Neuroten and
her mj and she feels so much better.

In the long run, just coming to terms with
using mj, getting relief from your pain and
moving on in living a more quality life with
your family.

I don't know if you would even consider it
but this is what Melva did.

Melva and her dh sat the older chlldren down
and discussed her pain. Her pain affected the
whole family. They are suffered.

They discussed there was a drug that might
help Melva with her pain. They explained it was
illegal. They, as a family, got on the web and
read patient stories who used mj to relieve
their pain. They explained that Melva wanted
to try it.

The children read the stories and both told
dh and Melva she should try it. They just
see it as their mother's medicine.

[Mark_and_Nicole]

You should decide which route you choose to go before seeing a pain specialist. The first thing a pain specialist does before even taking you on as a patient is drug test you. He will also drug test you at random during treatment to make sure you are not taking anything other than what has been prescibed for you. He will refuse to see you if you test positive for any illegal substances. Just my two cents.

Nicole

[hillbilly_mom]

You should decide which route you choose to go before seeing a pain specialist. The first thing a pain specialist does before even taking you on as a patient is drug test you. He will also drug test you at random during treatment to make sure you are not taking anything other than what has been prescibed for you. He will refuse to see you if you test positive for any illegal substances. Just my two cents.

Nicole


This is why I wanted to give the pain clinic a try, so I could do something "legal" before I had to resort to doing something illegal to relieve my pain. I'm not sure where you are, but my bro over abuses his hydrocodone (SP?) and smokes pot (like a train :o) because he likes the high. He sees 3 doctors to get prescriptions to the hydrocodone and he takes them all every month. Yet he still gets the doctors to write him prescriptions every month. I think this is another reason why I want to try a legal way first. Seeing how my bro acts, because he wants to get high, he hs turned down many options to relieve his pain that wouldn't cause a "high". I had heard of a patch that does relieve some of the pain, without the high feeling. That is what I would really like. That or learn biofeedback so that I could focus the pain inward and not feel it any more. I want something that will lessen the pain. I know that it will never go away completely. But if I could get it down to a 4 or 5 I would be doing good.

I was discussing this thread with DH and my silent walking DS snuck up behind us. He thought we were talking about his Christmas presents and wanted to hear. ::) He told me that if I needed to smoke "that stuff" to not hurt he doesn't care. That he knows I would never smoke it to get high. Especially after I have preached against them doing drugs their whole lives. :( He sees how much pain I am in every day and tells me that if he could take my pain he would. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. Well, maybe my bro, but that is a whole other story. ;D

[nancy1340]

*He sees how much pain I am in every day and tells me that if he could take my pain he would.


Awwwww how sweet.

I am so sorry you are going though so much. Wish I could help. :'(

[Mark_and_Nicole]

What your brother is doing is called "doctor shopping". I'm pretty sure he is seeing each doctor without one knowing about the other. He is probably paying for it all or most by cash, so his insurance doesn't find out, either. It's a common thing for addicts to do. Hydrocodone is extremely addictive.
I got a box of patches for my back after my car accident. I cracked a vertebra in my back . They are Lidocaine, the same thing you are given a shot of when you get surface stitches. I wear one at night when it really gets sore, but it's almost healed up now. They work well for localized pain, not so well for all over pain. There are also Fentanyl patches, which are for severe pain, usually given to cancer patients. It's the same stuff they give to put animals to sleep, so it's much stronger, but I'm still thinking those are also for localized pain.
If you have so many people watching for you to make a mistake, I'd really think about seeing a specialist first. He could recommend a non addictive, legal way to go with first.

Nicole

[hillbilly_mom]

The Fentanyl patches are what was recommended to me on a neuropathy site. Many of the other PN (peripheral neuropathy) people have the pain also. It helps some, some it doesn't. My PN is idiopathic, so they will never find a cause (or cure) for it. They just get to "try" to deal with the symptoms. The neurologists have already tried me on all but 3 PN meds and I can't take those because of the medication I am on for my Crohn's disease. So I am up a creek without a paddle, so to speak. ::) I heard that the patches lower the PN pain enough to make it seem like you don't even have it (for us who have had it so long) without the high feeling. The high or fuzzy headed feeling is what I want to stay away from. I want a pain medication that will help lower my pain and still be able to homeschool my kids, drive my pick up, or cook a meal without forgetting there is something on the burner.

Another problem is that I am alergic to so many medications. I can't take codiene, or any of the man made ones. I can't take Darvocet, Talwin, any like that. I don't like the effects of Morphine. HATE IT!!!! I heard about smoking catnip to relieve pain in a magazine, because it was to take away pain with the fuzzy headedness only lasting 10 minutes. I decided to not try that until I saw a pain doc. ;) I'm even allergic to pepcid, bengay cream, icy hot cream, and things that could possibly be rubbed onto the skin to help. I break out in welts and rashes. I have a horrible immune system and have since I was diagnosed with the Crohn's.

I keep telling DH it would be easier to take me out to he back forty and putting me down like a sick horse, but he tells me that he would starve if he did that. ;D He probably would too. The kids would live on PB&J sandwiches. :P

So we deal with it day by day. I get to call the doctor tomorrow to see if she is finally on my insurance. Cross your fingers!! If she is then I can go see her and get a referal to the pain clinic and finally see what they can try to do with this old body of mine. I refuse to give up the fight.

[Boldylocks]

I'm wondering if a warm bath with Epsom Salts will help you. Epsom Salts contain Magnesium--which easily gets absorbed into the body and bloodstream through the pores.

I've taken my first Epsom Salt baths last year , and let me tell you-- you feel like you had a soothing body massage--and can easily fall asleep after one of these baths.

A regular bath using typical bubblebath liquid won't work-- and can even be toxic-

[Boldylocks]

forgot to mention

Valerian Root. You can buy Valerian teas in your healthfood stores too--- It is a relaxant, promotes sleep, eases nerves , relaxes stomach cramps, etc..


After only one large cup of this, I fall asleep at my computer -- It really does work.

Melatonin Tea also soothes pain as well as promotes calmness.

Willow Bark is a natural painkiller. I would avoid asperin though-- and just get the herb--which has more
Willow Bark in it than manufactured asperins.

MSM (a natural nutrient found in raw fruits/veggies to some extent but more potent in supplement form) also is a good natural pain killer.


I just found this too-about Pineapple:

"This new breakthrough is actually an old remedy used by locals on the tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean. Early explorers visiting these islands were amazed to notice that the locals had an unusual treatment for muscle aches and joint pains. The treatment was pineapple. Drinking the juice of crushed pineapple, or applying the mashed fruit directly onto a sore limb, had a miraculous effect: the pain and inflammation improved, and the joint was able to move freely again.

Pineapple is still used by the locals today, but scientists who are aware of the potential benefits of pineapple have extracted the key ingredient – bromelain – and it’s now a very well accepted natural remedy used to reduce joint stiffness, muscular aches and strains, bruising, and knee pain in particular. "

copied from http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/article/3434/bromelain.html

[sprite]

Crampbark...American Cranberry Tree
Use the bark of new growth,where there are no berry brackets, peel bark off until you get down to the white pithy center.
dry bark, use 1 tablespoon to a mug of hot water, steep for 15 min., covered.
take 1 mug a day for 3 days then..
2 mugs for 3 days then
3 mugs for 3 days
then continue 3 mugs 3 times daily

[ByExample]

White Willow is a medicinal plant that contains salicin. This is almost identical to the active ingredient in aspirin. White willow releives pain and inflammation.

If your pain is realted to inflamed muscles, then teumeric can help too. It is not a pain reliever per say, but helps muscle tissue to rejuvenate and heal faster, providing pain relief over the long haul. Small regular doses have been quite effective in relieving my husband's pain. He used to have pain shooting from his shoulders down his back and arms, through his lower back and into his legs. After a month of alternative medicinal treatment he can move around again and more importantly, stand at the sink to do dishes. Anyway here are things that we did:

Medicinal grade tumeric prepared at home in "00" capsules. Taken 3 to 4 times a day.

Included pineapple in our diet everyday. Pinapple juice and canned chunks. Pinapple relieves arthritis pain.

Eliminated foods from the nightshade family - potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, green tomatoes, eggplant. Sweet potatoes/yams are not in the nightshade family and have made an excellent replacement.

Alos, we have begun to drink multi mint teas. All mints are antioxidants and help your body heal faster.

It's been more of a lifestyle change than anything.
Hope you feel better!

[CarolAnn]

Hillbilly Mom,
If you have pain with weather changes, it's likely that it is due to some arthritis. I am in agony when the barometer goes either up or down to quickly! (If I find a place on the planet where the weather never changes, I think I'll move there!) *:P

For your pain, a small amount of aspirin will be helpful. The idea is to keep the inflammation from getting hold - and if you do keep a small amount of aspirin in your blood, it will help. Keep in mind it also thins your blood and too much can cause you to bruise easily - and worse, if you need to be able to clot!

If you have other pains, look up Fibromyalgia - chronic pain. Here's one link: http://www.fibroandfatigue.com/doyousuffer.php

Beware, though - that this is a hard to diagnose condition, and that most places giving information are trying to sell you something. (So maybe it helps and maybe it doesn't, but the best, trustworthy info is by a NON-seller!)

Also, someone mentioned acupuncture. I've had it from a Chinese guy - and it was the most pain-free state I ever experienced. I was SO pain free that he told me to be careful not to hurt myself. It was fabulous, and lasted about three days for one treatment. I also had acupuncture from a chiropractor, and not only did it not work, the needles he used hurt like crazy! So if you try that, make sure it's someone that knows what the heck they're dong.

[bookwormom]

dear Hill

not that I am qualified. my heart goes out to you and you are going on my prayerlist.
Here is a quote from a friend of mine whose boyfriend cured himself of cancer: MUCH HELPS MUCH
so try everything.

from my limited experience with chronic pain I would say, try to find a Cranial Sacral therapist. He/she can loosen blockages you have no idea of having. It just may help. It cleared up a chronic pain in my pelvis that I got from giving birth. He she just might discover the source of your pain.
If you can find a Dorn therapist I would recommend that also. I could barely walk anymore and the Dr. told me I would need surgery for my knee. I went to a physical therapist for 6 months, no avail. I went to a Dorn therapist one time. No more pain. I can walk and work all day. I learned a very simple exercise that I am supposed to keep doing. I am so thankful.

[rAcErRicK]

Hillbilly Mom, do you by chance use artificial sweeteners ? Drink diet soda ?

And as someone mentioned the weather changes, I suffered with arthur for many years, refusing to take pain killers, and I hate pills in general. I mentioned several years ago while using hand tools with a friend, that my fingers didn't want to move. He told me to get liquid glucosamine with condrontin. I tried the pills earlier, no help. But the liquid did wonders for my joints. I used to wake up and could not even close my hands for hours, or soaking them in hot water, and with the glucosamine, all my joints are better. I even still doubt it once and awhile, and leave it off just to re-prove it to myself, and in a couple of days I'm right back where I was, so I start taking it again.
It may be worth a try for you too. I'm not a W-M salesman, but thats where I get mine. I love to tinker and repair things with my hands, and it has given me my hands back. Shoulder, knees, elbows, wrists as well.

[crowweaver]

I know that this is a very old post but ...

I'm no doctor, nor have I ever played one on TV. You should always check with your Care Provider first. Anything can have adverse effects and anything can become addictive.

some natural pain relievers are

White Willow Bark - it's very bitter but can be mixed with honey. It's essentially aspirin but works much better in tea or liquid form. You can also make a compress and use it on aching joints. it has anti-inflammatory properties as well. The caution is that it can cause stomach upset.


Chamomile is a very mild pain reliever but many people find that it helps them greatly simply because it's rarely used for that purpose. it's generally very safe to use and rarely interacts badly with other herbs or

St. Johns Wort is also a pain reliever that's often over looked for that purpose. It works well for many people especially those with nerve pain. However, when taking St. Johns you should take care about being in the sun because it causes sun sensitivity.

Birch Bark works well for many people and is fairly safe and easy to use. You can simply peel some bark and boil it for tea. It's also a mild diuretic tho, so take it with care.

Also Valerian can work in the same way Marijuana works for pain, Neither are actually pain killers but both work to dull the nerve receptors. They both also relax you and when you're relaxed you hurt less.

Good luck and much healing for anyone who needs it.

[Mike_Forrest]

Whiskey was used for pain for many years and it's still legal and works... bad side effects though (mostly dehydration) but I have used it as a pain reliever and it works.
Just make sure your going to stay put for a while and drink 8oz of water with 1tsp of salt and 1TBSP of sugar to help combat dehydration.

[buck1842]

Why not move away from your parents you are an adult.
nobody tells me how to live my life family or not.I would dissappear if my folks were that bad.Ive been using mj for 20 years daily and i run 10 miles a day have a great job,family and am no way an unproductive citizen.the only reason its illegal in the first place is because of the Drug companies.

[MelleeRN]

As someone said, B12 is not a pain reliever. However, not having enough B12 will cause neuropathy pain, increase back pain, and increase carpal tunnel pain. Your nerves and myelin shealth, which is the conductor for your nerves need the vit. A daily supplement does wonders after an estimated 2 weeks of getting it into your system. as a warning too much B12 will also lead to nerve pain.

[sillymom]

We had a Dr suggest to us to try Marijuana for pain but not to get caught...lol

[alma]

Try Cox2 Inhibiters. I posted about it a while back and also some other post about dr dean orlish. love,alma

[annabella1]

I use MSM for pain. My doctor first recommended it and the capsules were very expensive, Then I got the cheap powder msm from the feed store (it's for horses), and put it in my own capsules. Works great.

[firegirl969]

hillbilly mom,

I can feel for you. I have bilateral diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities. I am on 1200 mg neurotin daily, 900 at night and 300 when waking up. Ultram during the day for pain. The doc offered me 1200 mg 3 times a day if I want to take that much (but it makes me drowsy). I am not able to work due to being required to prop my feet up in a reclining position most of the day. I have facet disease and arthritis in my lower back, so I take muscle relaxers also. I can tell when storms are coming also. I just went to pain management doc this week. He diagnosed me with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). He gave me metadome (sp) 2 X a day. It is synthetic morphine. It is helping some, but I can't drive when taking it. Maybe you need to read up on CRPS. It sounds lots like what you are describing. Hope some of this helps. If you just need to vent, PM me anytime. I can be your shoulder to cry on. The pain doc is trying to get insurance clearance to put a pain stimulator in. If that does not work, I am going to talk to him about medical mariguana. They do prescribe it for neropathies (so webmd magazine said). If you get a script, your family can't do a thing about it. Blessings and Hugs, firegirl

[Dame]

Random bits on various kinds of pain management based on past experiences of pain.

Magnesium and calcium do not work well unless taken with Vit D, an acid (vinegar, glutamic acid, etc) and an oil all at the same time.

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for proper nerve function. Fish, cod liver oil, flax oil and a few other things.

Bioavailable boron is useful for arthritic/rumatic pain and the herbal source is devil's claw.

Massive dosages of Vit D have been reported as useful in MS recently, and need to be taken under a doctors care, I would think, given the dosages required to be effective.

And just recently I read a postscript on a posting on the Weston Price site that the over the counter expectorant found in Robetusen (sp?) is often effective for fibermyaga. Apparently a recent finding.

Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon or more) can often relieve the spasm that develops from prolonged pain.

Bio feedback needs to be learned when pain levels are fairly low and is not very usefull even when you know how if the pain breaks through and becomes severe (7 or greater). It also requires extra rest and nutrition to maintain the energy levels required.

Praying and asking for prayer certainly won't hurt unless you object.

[annabella1]

My doctor recommended the MSM I took 10 capsules a day for 10 days and the pain was gone. I take it only as needed now. I also avoid the nightshade vegetables this helps prevent the inflammation that causes the pain

[momma_to_seven_chi]

I have neuropathies, which is a nerve disorder.

I had another thought. Have you tried magnets? They work for some people with diabetic neuropathy of the feet. Just glue(or bandage) the N pole to the sole of your foot if you have a pad. If you don't have a magnetic pad, then get a couple of those cheap magnetic bracelets from WM or somewhere else and wear them on that ankle.