Alternative Pain Management for Seniors
In the wake of rising prescription drug prices and increasingly alarming sides effects of drugs, many seniors are turning to alternative therapies to manage pain. Some methods are legal, and some…not so much!
Massage. An oft-overlooked form of pain-management and therapy, massage is gaining more attention as a great way to relieve the body of stress, while promoting general health. It is highly recommended, as it doesn’t cause the body to “wear down” and there are no side effects.
Alternative drugs. Most noted is marijuana as a pain-reliever, previously used mainly by cancer-sufferers. Now marijuana is gaining acceptance as a legitimate drug. Users of marijuana typically have to order marijuana seeds and grow their own plants to avoid prosecution. Side effects are actually pleasant: a mild high (depending on the amount smoked).
Meditation. While it can be relaxing at worst, it can be therapeutic at best. It’s totally free. However, the investment of time and discipline is necessary for there to be any effectiveness.
With these and many other options besides popping pills, it’s no wonder seniors are abandoning “traditional” therapies – especially with the sad state of U.S. healthcare!