Pain Management, No Laughing Matter… Or Is It?

With out a doubt, pain management has become the hot topic in today’s health care arena. It is estimated that over 85 million Americans suffer from some type of chronic pain. Pharmaceutical companies have developed powerful drugs to bring “relief” to those suffering with chronic pain. The problem is these powerful narcotics merely “mask” the symptoms and once the effect wears off, the pain returns. Is it any wonder that people suffering from debilitating pain would become addicted to these drugs?

Oxycontin, a highly addictive narcotic (opiate) “pain killer,” has captured the tabloids with countless stories of celebrity addictions, sting operations, prominent doctors being arrested for “back door” illegal drug sales and the closing of several pain clinics in Florida and other states.

As a “natural” health advocate, my heart breaks for anyone experiencing pain or disease. However, I am in favor of a non-narcotic, non-steroidal approach to pain management with the emphasis on finding a cure instead of a crutch. The following supplements have all shown promise in alleviating chronic pain at a fraction of the cost of prescription drugs.

• Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Methylsulfonylmethane
• Nopal Cactus
• Diatomaceous Earth (Organic Silica)
• Collagen Type 2
• Coral calcium
• Guggul

Along with supplementation, there are some tried and true methods of therapy that I highly recommend:

• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Cupping
• Hydro Therapy
• Infared Sauna

By this time you may be thinking, “I’ve tried every one of these suggestions and I don’t feel any different.” Well, read on. I have a couple more methods up my sleeve that won’t fail!

MUSIC THERAPY

As a professional musician and songwriter, I have first hand experienced of the powerful effect music has upon the soul (thought, will and emotions). One single note can bring someone to tears or provoke them to anger.

Since the beginning of recorded history, music has been an integral part of culture. From wars to worship, we find music playing a major role in history. Truth be told, you would be hard pressed to find to many places without it!

Music sings in elevators and fills the ears of procrastinators. Face it, whether you are a hacker, a slacker or a Green Bay packer, music is the soundtrack of your life.

Music is so important to us that once Apple (thanks, Steve Jobs) created the iPod, it quickly became the best selling device of all time. Why the popularity?

Convenience. People want to have a world of entertainment in a hand held device.  When polled, what did Americans say was most important to them? Their music!

I have seen people completely healed after being exposed to music. I am happy to report that doctors and health care practitioners alike are beginning to sing the praises of music therapy.

When I did my research, I realized that some practitioners used music as the sole modality for healing, while others combined it with other types of treatment. Here are just a few of the benefits practitioners saw when music therapy was applied: