More than one in every five American adults, or 20.5 percent of the population, suffers from chronic pain every day or most days. That means 50.2 million people in the U.S. These were the findings of a study published by the International Association for the Study of Pain in February 2022. The most common areas of pain were the back, hip, knee, and foot.
These results coincide with the 2016 findings of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that 20.4 percent of American adults have chronic pain. It seems like the percentage even increased.
That is why treatments for chronic pain are popular. Nowadays, people seek effective alternatives to support their medication when increasing dosages does not help alleviate their suffering.
What is naturopathic healing?
Naturopathic healing is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on using natural remedies to treat various conditions. It is based on the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself.
Naturopathic treatment centers include chiropractic clinics. Chiropractic treatments are mainly manual and aim to correct musculoskeletal imbalances, relieve pain, and improve nerve function.
Technology is also maximized for pain relief in naturopathic healing and has come a long way in recent years. There are now many devices that can provide relief from chronic pain.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Relieve Pain?
Cold laser therapy is a type of low-level laser therapy used to treat various conditions, including pain. The therapy involves using a low-level laser to stimulate the cells in the body and promote healing.
The laser energy from the device is absorbed by the cells in the body and converted into ATP, which is used for cell metabolism. The increased production of ATP leads to an increase in cell proliferation and repair, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Among the conditions that cold laser therapy can help are:
- chronic and acute pain
- back pain
- arthritis
- fibromyalgia
- tendonitis
- bursitis
- tennis elbow
- soft tissue injury
- muscle strain
- ligament sprain
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- wound healing
How Does Electrical Muscle Stimulation Relieve Pain?
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a type of therapy that uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and nerves. The electrical impulses cause the muscles to contract and relax, which can help to reduce pain.
EMS has been found to be effective for a number of conditions, including:
- chronic pain
- arthritis
- muscle spasms
- fibromyalgia
- nerve pain
How Does Interferential Current Therapy Relieve Pain?
Interferential current therapy (IFC) is a type of electrical stimulation that uses low-frequency electrical currents to stimulate the nerves. The electrical impulses interfere with the pain signals that are being sent to the brain, which can help to reduce pain.
IFC has been found to be effective for a number of conditions, including:
- arthritis pain
- back pain
- neck pain
- fibromyalgia
- nerve pain
IFC is typically used for short-term pain relief, and it is usually not recommended for long-term use. Side effects of IFC are rare, but they can include skin irritation, muscle twitching, and dizziness.
How Does Microcurrent Therapy Relieve Pain?
Microcurrent therapy is a type of electrical stimulation that uses very low-frequency electrical currents to stimulate the nerves. The electrical impulses interfere with the pain signals that are being sent to the brain, which can help to reduce pain.
Microcurrent therapy has been found to be effective for a number of conditions, including:
- arthritis
- chronic pain
- fibromyalgia
- muscle spasms
- neuropathic pain
- sports injuries
Microcurrent therapy is a relatively new treatment, and more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness. However, many people who have tried microcurrent therapy say that it has helped to relieve their pain.
How Does Therapeutic Ultrasound Relieve Pain?
Therapeutic ultrasound waves are a type of energy that travels through the body and penetrates deep into tissues. They cause a vibration of the tissue cells, which in turn increases the temperature of the tissue and helps to reduce pain.
Ultrasound waves are often used in conjunction with other modalities such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and massage. When used together, these modalities can provide greater pain relief than one modality used alone.
Therapeutic ultrasound is a safe and effective way to relieve pain associated with many conditions, including:
- arthritis
- bursitis
- tendonitis
- myofascial pain syndrome
- chronic back pain
- neck pain
- sports injuries
Therapeutic ultrasound is usually applied for three to five minutes at a time. The number of treatments required depends on the condition being treated, but most conditions improve with three to five treatments.
Side effects from therapeutic ultrasound are rare but can include skin irritation, burns, and blistering. If you experience any side effects, you should report them to your naturopathic doctor or other health care provider immediately.
Stop Your Suffering from Pain
Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. Technologies such as cold laser therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, interferential current therapy, microcurrent therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound are effective ways to relieve pain and improve function. If you’re looking for pain relief, whether it’s chronic back pain, arthritis, or a sports injury, talk to your naturopathic doctor about which modality may be right for you.
