Pain Relief – Naturally

If you feel like aches and pains are holding you back from enjoying life fully, just cutting back on exercise is not the answer, as that comes at a high cost. As a naturopathic physician I love helping people to keep their bodies strong, vital and flexible as they age, so they can stay active and engaged. I aim to help my patients activate their bodies’ own healing mechanisms with a healthy lifestyle, natural medicines and physical therapy. One physical treatment that integrates with this philosophy is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy.

This non-invasive and gentle approach utilizes the power of light, concentrated by lasers, to stimulate cellular activity and promote tissue repair. The treatments are painless and lasting results are often seen after only a few weeks of treatment. Laser therapy is unique in that it helps to promote healing of damaged tissue including cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. It can penetrate deeply into joints like knees and hips and can get right inside the spine to help with the disc issue and arthritis that can cause pinched nerves. 

Hundreds of scientific studies have shed light on the effectiveness of LLLT across various conditions including a groundbreaking meta-analysis published in 2024 which looked at 14 high quality studies using laser therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee. The review showed that laser therapy significantly reduced pain and increased range of motion, a result I have witnessed many times in my clinical practice. Additionally, a meta-analysis of many studies on laser therapy and neck pain showed significant benefit compared to placebo treatments. These results showcase laser therapy’s ability to ramp up the body’s regenerative processes even in chronic, degenerative conditions like arthritis. 

The gentle, non-invasive nature of LLLT makes it an appealing option for those seeking natural approaches for conditions such as acute and chronic back pain, arthritis, neck pain, rotator cuff issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, pinched nerves, tendonitis and more. In the 17 years I have used this treatment in my clinic, I have helped countless people to reduce pain, reduce pain medication, and increase their enjoyment of life. I have many patients who rely on laser therapy to keep their various aches and pain in check so they can work and play to their full potential. 

Once the injured and painful areas are on the path to healing, then treatments that restore optimal alignment and strength are important to prevent reinjury. In addition, naturopathic physicians coach their patients on how to create a healthy environment for the body to heal itself by optimizing diet, digestion, sleep and movement. We also utilize natural medicines that can help with pain management like Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and natural anti-inflammatory medications like curcumin (from turmeric). For some people with nerve pain or autoimmune diseases, I can prescribe a prescription drug called Low Dose Naltrexone that can reduce pain and inflammation as well as balance the immune system. So as nature invites us to get outside this spring, consider utilizing Low-Level Laser Therapy and other naturopathic strategies to help you overcome any aches and pains that might limit your activity. To learn more click here. 

Effective and Safer Pain Management

Chronic pain affects the lives of over eight million Canadians. While opiates were once considered a humane choice for pain relief, their addictive potential has contributed to the opiate crisis, leading to a decline in their use as a solution. In my naturopathic medical practice, I often encounter patients suffering from chronic pain who are seeking alternatives that won’t harm their bodies or lead to addiction. Treating the Root Cause of Pain: The primary goal of pain management is to address the underlying cause. At our clinic, we offer laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment that accelerates the healing process for arthritis, injuries, back pain, and more. Additionally, there are many treatments and home programs that can provide relief. However, supplemental pain management is crucial during the healing process and for individuals who don’t respond sufficiently to other therapies. In this article, we will explore safer options for treating pain. Exploring Safer Alternatives:
  1. PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide): PEA is a natural medicine that shows promising results in pain management. It possesses pain-blocking effects and reduces neural inflammation, which is a common feature of many chronic pain conditions. From post-concussion syndrome and long-COVID to chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, sciatic nerve pain, and peripheral neuropathy, PEA has demonstrated effectiveness. Importantly, this naturally occurring fat extract rarely causes side effects. A review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology concluded that PEA reduces pain and is considered very safe. In my experience, I have successfully used PEA to help patients dealing with complex chronic pain issues.
  2. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): As a naturopathic physician, I find LDN particularly intriguing because it helps balance the immune system and promote nervous system healing. Moreover, it is a relatively safe and cost-effective pharmaceutical medication. LDN has shown promising results in pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, low back pain, and rheumatoid arthritis. I customize the prescription according to each patient’s needs, and many individuals consider it a significant part of their wellness plan.
  3. CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, is extensively used for pain management in Canada. However, the lack of human clinical trials has hindered our understanding of its efficacy and appropriate dosages. With the recent legalization of cannabis, more studies are underway. The Canadian Arthritis Society is actively funding research in this area but has not yet endorsed CBD as a treatment. Nevertheless, one study revealed that CBD use allowed patients attending a chronic pain clinic to reduce their opioid medication intake.
  4. Natural Anti-inflammatory Agents: Use of natural anti-inflammatory agents can reduce the need for more toxic over-the-counter drugs. Curcumin, an extract of turmeric, has been proven to be more effective than ibuprofen in a five-month study on human osteoarthritis knee pain, with fewer side effects. It lowers inflammatory chemicals in the body, benefiting various disease processes. Additionally, fish oil high in EPA content possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and Boswellia, another herb, has shown anti-inflammatory effects as well. Your naturopathic physician is trained as an herbalist and can tailor herbal formulas to suit your needs and ensure they align with any existing prescriptions. They can also assist you in creating a lifestyle plan that reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
    5. Helping people live fuller lives with less pain is incredibly rewarding. Effective pain management strategies can be implemented using solutions that offer side benefits instead of side effects.

Finding Relief from Headaches

Headaches are a common experience for many and effect all sexes, genders, and ages around the world.  Globally, it is estimated that 20% of people at any particular moment have a tension-type headache.  Migraines, which can feel quite severe, effect up to 12% of people.  25% of Canadian households experience migraines.  There are many types of headaches but migraines and tension-type are two of the most common and often treated with medications.

In naturopathic medicine, we aim to identify both the type of headache and the root cause so that we can provide optimal relief.  One’s physical alignment and posture, for instance, can play a role.  So can dehydration, skipping meals, stress, and tension.  For women, menstrual headaches and associated hormone changes can lead to headaches.  Other aspects, like digestion and liver health, allergies, and food triggers can all cause or worsen headaches.  All of these can help naturopathic doctors determine connections and get to the root cause.  In this way, we may help lessen your need for medication and afford some relief.

Tension-type headaches often have a stress component.  Stress can lead to muscle tension and postural changes.  Stress can cause us to skip lunch when we are busy or reach for another cup of coffee.  All of these are aspects to consider when suspecting a headache is linked to stress.  In these cases, Rest and Relaxation (R&R) techniques can help.  It could be listening to music or pursuing creative endeavours, like painting or writing.  It could be a warm bath or massage.  For others, laughing with friends, doing yoga, or physical affection with pets or loved ones can help.  There are a multitude of options to relieve stress.  These and other options such as herbal medicines, nutrients, supplements, and mindfulness techniques, are all what naturopathic doctors are trained to provide.

Migraine headaches have a number of potential food triggers, from common everyday foods to artificial sweeteners like aspartame.  Working to determine which foods are triggers for you can help prevent your migraines in the future.  Analyzing diet and digestion can also provide clues to bring relief.  While we explore the root causes, we can attempt pain relief in the moment using nutrients, herbs, and supplements.

All of these aspects and more can unlock the clues to pain relief from headaches.

 

Dr. Shawn Peters, ND is a naturopathic doctor practicing in downtown Courtenay.

Contact Dr. Peters for a free “meet the doctor” visit to see if naturopathic medicine is right for you.