Pain.

It’s something most of us experience from time to time.

However while much pain is acute, or short-term - a stubbed toe, burning your hand on the stove, or a bee sting, some people live with ongoing chronic pain which can affect their quality of life.

Today we will look at some osteopathic manual therapy treatments which can be used to help manage chronic pain.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is usually defined as any pain which lasts more than 12 weeks.

The definition of “chronic” is “persisting for a long time or constantly recurring”.

Although it may start because of an injury or trauma, it continues even after the initial cause has healed.

Acute pain on the other hand, is generally a response to a physical issue such as disease, inflammation or trauma, however it goes away once the initial cause has healed.

You often – but not always – know the cause of your acute pain, but chronic pain may be a mystery.

Causes Of Chronic Pain

There are a number of reasons someone could be experiencing chronic pain.

For some individuals the aging process and changes in the bones and joints can be the cause of chronic pain.

Depending on the location of the pain, there could be any number of causes - for instance chronic back pain may be caused by any one of the following factors, or a combination of:

● Poor posture
● Improper lifting technique
● Congenital conditions
● Pressure on the back and knees due to being overweight
● Wearing high heels
● Injury
● Sleeping on a poor mattress

Another source of chronic pain for could be chronic illness or disease, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or cancer.

In many cases the source can be difficult to pinpoint, and sometimes involves a combination of a number of potential causes.

Problems with Medical Treatment for Chronic Pain

So, someone has chronic pain.

Can’t their doctor just prescribe something to help with it?

There are certainly medications which can be effective, however these come with their own set of problems.

One of the first treatments many people think of for chronic pain are opioids, however these must be carefully managed in order to attempt to avoid addiction.

Opioid addiction occurs when an individual has a compulsion to continue using opioids even though they are no longer medically required.

Even when used correctly, and as-per prescription, opioids can be extremely addictive which can result in individuals attempting to find them through illicit means when they are no longer being prescribed the drugs.

Another issue with opioids is even though they may treat the pain itself, they don’t help with the source or cause of the pain.

Natural Treatments For Chronic Pain

There are a number of natural treatments which can be used to manage chronic pain.

It should be noted that these treatments are not a “one size fits all” however - the best treatment for any given ailment will depend on the nature and cause of the pain itself.

Let’s take a look at some common natural treatments for chronic pain and how they can be used.

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for some types of chronic pain.

These include pain due to fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and back injuries.

The exact mechanism by which acupuncture treats pain is unknown, however it could be because it blocks pain signals coming from nerves, or possibly triggers the brain to release pain-numbing chemicals.

2. Osteopathic Manual Manipulation

Osteopathy is a manipulation therapy which deals with the interconnectivity and relationships within the body.

Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT) involves your OMT Practitioner assessing the joints and movement of the body, and developing a treatment plan based on what is - and isn’t - moving.

3. Exercise

Regular physical activity can be beneficial for individuals with a variety of chronic conditions.

Physical activity can help to relieve chronic pain, as well as boost energy and mood.

It is always wise to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, and they may give you guidance on exercises to avoid, especially if you are new to exercising on a regular basis.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

A 2006 study in the journal of Surgical Neurology studied the use of Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory and as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - a class of drugs which includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

In a study of patients with non-surgical neck or back pain, 59% discontinued use of their prescription NSAID medications for pain, 60% stated their pain improved and 88% said they would continue to use fish oil.

Use of Omega-3s for pain means avoiding some of the side effects of NSAIDs such as risk of gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease, and adverse cardiovascular effects.

5. Capsaicin

A 2017 study in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looked at the use of topical capsaicin in high concentrations for chronic neuropathic pain in adults.

It showed study participants who used high-concentration topical capsaicin reported moderate or substantial levels of pain relief compared to those who used a placebo.

Along with improved pain relief, subject also experienced better sleep, less depression and overall better quality of life.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is getting a reputation as a powerful supplement these days.

This root, which is a part of the ginger family can be used to help reduce inflammation.

Use it to add spice and flavour to your meals, drink it as a tea, or if you aren’t a fan of the flavour it can be taken in capsule form.

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for a number of functions in the body, including bone strength, cell growth, and immune function.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to fibromyalgia, a condition which can cause chronic pain for those who suffer from in.

If your pain is linked to fibromyalgia, consider low vitamin D may be a factor, and supplements can act as an effective treatment.

Contact Annex Naturopathic

Do you suffer from chronic pain?

Are you worried about the side effects of over-the-counter pain relievers, or the potential addictive properties of opioids?

Perhaps you’ve tried everything else little or no relief and are ready to go a different route.

Annex Naturopathic can help.

Contact us today to set up your consultation and we’ll work together to put together a treatment plan, to help you live pain-free again.

If you’re curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marnie Luck, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic
572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1
-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

Find more information on health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: natural doctors

Winter is here.

For many people that means by February, it's time to go on a vacation somewhere warm and sunny.

But while you're out soaking up all the vitamin D you can manage, it's important to be wary of digestive issues which can arise from unknown food and water conditions while you travel.

Let's look at some key tips on how to stay healthy when travelling, so you can see the world - and not just the inside of your hotel room's washroom.

1. Be Mindful Of What You Eat And Drink

When travelling in developing countries, it's important to be careful of what you eat and drink.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease which is transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Fruits and vegetables should be cooked before you eat them, and bottled water is preferred over tap water - and double check that the bottles are sealed.

Additionally, skip the ice cubes in your drink unless you're sure they have been made from purified water.

2. Stay Hydrated

From the dry climate in the airplane, to the fun-in-the-sun time you've planned when you get to your destination, it can be easy to become dehydrated when travelling.

You want to drink enough that you're urinating the normal amount you would be back home, and if your urine is darker than usual it's a sign you need more water.

Alcohol and coffee don't count - they can dehydrate you, so if you are partaking in these beverages, be sure to drink more water to offset it.

When you're keeping step 1 in mind, it can sometimes be hard to be sure you're getting enough water, so be sure you've planned out where and when you can get enough water to keep you going.

3. Make Sure You're Getting Enough Sleep

With late nights partying, and early mornings to catch the sunrise, it can be very easy to become sleep deprived when on vacation.

Not only will sleep deprivation make your vacation less enjoyable, it also means you will become more susceptible to getting sick if exposed to a virus.

Tricks such as keeping your hotel room cool, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, and putting away your screens an hour before bed can help ensure you are getting enough sleep.

4. Use A Melatonin Supplement

Melatonin helps your body to regulate and rebalance your circadian rhythm.

If you are travelling in a different time-zone from the one in which you live, using a supplement such as melatonin can help you to fall asleep and adjust to a new schedule quicker, especially if “bedtime” in the new time-zone is widely different than what your body is used to.

5. Include Probiotics In Your Diet

Probiotics - in other words the “good bacteria” - which live in your gut are important for your overall health.

Keeping your gut healthy in unfamiliar places is important, as it will help counter any “surprises” that may be waiting in the food.

Even if you're being careful about which foods you consume when travelling, because food standards differ widely across the world, you never quite know what you're getting.

Ask a naturopathic doctor which probiotics can be effective and safe for you to take while on vacation to prevent intestinal ailments such as traveller's diarrhea.

6. Set An Alarm To Remember Your Supplements

Whether it's medication you need to take all the time, or any of the supplements listed here, the key to these substances working is consistency.

Setting a reminder to take your pills and supplements is easy to do if you have a smartphone, and is vital to making sure you don't forget them in all the excitement of travel.

If you have medication such as a birth control pill that needs to be taken at the same time every day, try to continue taking them at the same time as you would when at home, even when in different time-zones.

7. Protect Yourself In The Sun

From protecting yourself from sunburn in climates where the UV rays are stronger than at home, to avoiding more serious issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, sun protection when travelling is important.

A sun hat and keeping covered is the best way to stay protected from the sun's rays.

If you must expose your skin in order to get a nice tan, if you're too hot to stay covered, or when swimming, choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, and be sure to reapply often.

8. Be Mindful Of Local Risks

Each location you visit will have it's own set of local risks.

In some places you may want to bring extra bug spray and perhaps even mosquito netting if you are camping.

For others, there may be local outbreaks of disease to be conscious of and take precautions to avoid.

Wherever you are travelling, be sure to research the specific area(s) you are visiting to know exactly what the risks are, and how to take the appropriate precautions.

9. Make Sure You're In Good Health Before You Leave

No one wants to get sick on vacation.

And a great preventative measure is to ensure you are in the best possible health before you set foot on an airplane.

Annex Naturopathic can help with that - contact us now to find out how you can maintain your health during your travels.

If you're curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marnie Luck, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic

572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1

-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

Discover more tips about health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopathic doctors Toronto

Winter is here.

For many people that means by February, it's time to go on a vacation somewhere warm and sunny.

But while you're out soaking up all the vitamin D you can manage, it's important to be wary of digestive issues which can arise from unknown food and water conditions while you travel.

Let's look at some key tips on how to stay healthy when travelling, so you can see the world - and not just the inside of your hotel room's washroom.

1. Be Mindful Of What You Eat And Drink

When travelling in developing countries, it's important to be careful of what you eat and drink.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease which is transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Fruits and vegetables should be cooked before you eat them, and bottled water is preferred over tap water - and double check that the bottles are sealed.

Additionally, skip the ice cubes in your drink unless you're sure they have been made from purified water.

2. Stay Hydrated

From the dry climate in the airplane, to the fun-in-the-sun time you've planned when you get to your destination, it can be easy to become dehydrated when travelling.

You want to drink enough that you're urinating the normal amount you would be back home, and if your urine is darker than usual it's a sign you need more water.

Alcohol and coffee don't count - they can dehydrate you, so if you are partaking in these beverages, be sure to drink more water to offset it.

When you're keeping step 1 in mind, it can sometimes be hard to be sure you're getting enough water, so be sure you've planned out where and when you can get enough water to keep you going.

3. Make Sure You're Getting Enough Sleep

With late nights partying, and early mornings to catch the sunrise, it can be very easy to become sleep deprived when on vacation.

Not only will sleep deprivation make your vacation less enjoyable, it also means you will become more susceptible to getting sick if exposed to a virus.

Tricks such as keeping your hotel room cool, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, and putting away your screens an hour before bed can help ensure you are getting enough sleep.

4. Use A Melatonin Supplement

Melatonin helps your body to regulate and rebalance your circadian rhythm.

If you are travelling in a different time-zone from the one in which you live, using a supplement such as melatonin can help you to fall asleep and adjust to a new schedule quicker, especially if “bedtime” in the new time-zone is widely different than what your body is used to.

5. Include Probiotics In Your Diet

Probiotics - in other words the “good bacteria” - which live in your gut are important for your overall health.

Keeping your gut healthy in unfamiliar places is important, as it will help counter any “surprises” that may be waiting in the food.

Even if you're being careful about which foods you consume when travelling, because food standards differ widely across the world, you never quite know what you're getting.

Ask a naturopathic doctor which probiotics can be effective and safe for you to take while on vacation to prevent intestinal ailments such as traveller's diarrhea.

6. Set An Alarm To Remember Your Supplements

Whether it's medication you need to take all the time, or any of the supplements listed here, the key to these substances working is consistency.

Setting a reminder to take your pills and supplements is easy to do if you have a smartphone, and is vital to making sure you don't forget them in all the excitement of travel.

If you have medication such as a birth control pill that needs to be taken at the same time every day, try to continue taking them at the same time as you would when at home, even when in different time-zones.

7. Protect Yourself In The Sun

From protecting yourself from sunburn in climates where the UV rays are stronger than at home, to avoiding more serious issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, sun protection when travelling is important.

A sun hat and keeping covered is the best way to stay protected from the sun's rays.

If you must expose your skin in order to get a nice tan, if you're too hot to stay covered, or when swimming, choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, and be sure to reapply often.

8. Be Mindful Of Local Risks

Each location you visit will have it's own set of local risks.

In some places you may want to bring extra bug spray and perhaps even mosquito netting if you are camping.

For others, there may be local outbreaks of disease to be conscious of and take precautions to avoid.

Wherever you are travelling, be sure to research the specific area(s) you are visiting to know exactly what the risks are, and how to take the appropriate precautions.

9. Make Sure You're In Good Health Before You Leave

No one wants to get sick on vacation.

And a great preventative measure is to ensure you are in the best possible health before you set foot on an airplane.

Annex Naturopathic can help with that - contact us now to find out how you can maintain your health during your travels.

If you're curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marnie Luck, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic

572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1

-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

Read more information about health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: natural doctors

Winter is here.

For many people that means by February, it's time to go on a vacation somewhere warm and sunny.

But while you're out soaking up all the vitamin D you can manage, it's important to be wary of digestive issues which can arise from unknown food and water conditions while you travel.

Let's look at some key tips on how to stay healthy when travelling, so you can see the world - and not just the inside of your hotel room's washroom.

1. Be Mindful Of What You Eat And Drink

When travelling in developing countries, it's important to be careful of what you eat and drink.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease which is transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Fruits and vegetables should be cooked before you eat them, and bottled water is preferred over tap water - and double check that the bottles are sealed.

Additionally, skip the ice cubes in your drink unless you're sure they have been made from purified water.

2. Stay Hydrated

From the dry climate in the airplane, to the fun-in-the-sun time you've planned when you get to your destination, it can be easy to become dehydrated when travelling.

You want to drink enough that you're urinating the normal amount you would be back home, and if your urine is darker than usual it's a sign you need more water.

Alcohol and coffee don't count - they can dehydrate you, so if you are partaking in these beverages, be sure to drink more water to offset it.

When you're keeping step 1 in mind, it can sometimes be hard to be sure you're getting enough water, so be sure you've planned out where and when you can get enough water to keep you going.

3. Make Sure You're Getting Enough Sleep

With late nights partying, and early mornings to catch the sunrise, it can be very easy to become sleep deprived when on vacation.

Not only will sleep deprivation make your vacation less enjoyable, it also means you will become more susceptible to getting sick if exposed to a virus.

Tricks such as keeping your hotel room cool, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, and putting away your screens an hour before bed can help ensure you are getting enough sleep.

4. Use A Melatonin Supplement

Melatonin helps your body to regulate and rebalance your circadian rhythm.

If you are travelling in a different time-zone from the one in which you live, using a supplement such as melatonin can help you to fall asleep and adjust to a new schedule quicker, especially if “bedtime” in the new time-zone is widely different than what your body is used to.

5. Include Probiotics In Your Diet

Probiotics - in other words the “good bacteria” - which live in your gut are important for your overall health.

Keeping your gut healthy in unfamiliar places is important, as it will help counter any “surprises” that may be waiting in the food.

Even if you're being careful about which foods you consume when travelling, because food standards differ widely across the world, you never quite know what you're getting.

Ask a naturopathic doctor which probiotics can be effective and safe for you to take while on vacation to prevent intestinal ailments such as traveller's diarrhea.

6. Set An Alarm To Remember Your Supplements

Whether it's medication you need to take all the time, or any of the supplements listed here, the key to these substances working is consistency.

Setting a reminder to take your pills and supplements is easy to do if you have a smartphone, and is vital to making sure you don't forget them in all the excitement of travel.

If you have medication such as a birth control pill that needs to be taken at the same time every day, try to continue taking them at the same time as you would when at home, even when in different time-zones.

7. Protect Yourself In The Sun

From protecting yourself from sunburn in climates where the UV rays are stronger than at home, to avoiding more serious issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, sun protection when travelling is important.

A sun hat and keeping covered is the best way to stay protected from the sun's rays.

If you must expose your skin in order to get a nice tan, if you're too hot to stay covered, or when swimming, choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, and be sure to reapply often.

8. Be Mindful Of Local Risks

Each location you visit will have it's own set of local risks.

In some places you may want to bring extra bug spray and perhaps even mosquito netting if you are camping.

For others, there may be local outbreaks of disease to be conscious of and take precautions to avoid.

Wherever you are travelling, be sure to research the specific area(s) you are visiting to know exactly what the risks are, and how to take the appropriate precautions.

9. Make Sure You're In Good Health Before You Leave

No one wants to get sick on vacation.

And a great preventative measure is to ensure you are in the best possible health before you set foot on an airplane.

Annex Naturopathic can help with that - contact us now to find out how you can maintain your health during your travels.

If you're curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marnie Luck, N.D

Annex Naturopathic Clinic

572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1

-https://goo.gl/maps/uVRBvcyoUa62

Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions from Drs. Marnie Luck, ND, and Tanya Lee, ND

Read more information about health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: natural doctors