Chronic pain is a ongoing, consistent type of pain that is defined by many medical professionals as any pain that lasts longer than three-six months. While acute pain from injuries can often be temporary, chronic pain can persist for months or even years, and can take a toll on your mental health and every-day enjoyment of life. Chronic pain can cause sleeplessness, irritability, lack of appetite, low energy, weakness and even depression. Chronic pain, as with all pain, affects the nervous system through pain sensors in the area of an injury. Upon healing, these pain sensors stop, but with chronic pain, the sensors continuously send messages to the brain that you are injured or hurt. Symptoms of chronic pain can range from mild to severe, and those who suffer may experience throbbing, soreness, shooting pain, stiffness, dull aches, burning and stinging.
Sometimes chronic pain is unexplained and not directly linked to a cause, but usually chronic pain is a result of some sort of health condition or injury. Some common causes of chronic pain include injuries or surgeries, migraine, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, back problems, nerve damage, illness and infection. Common treatments for chronic pain include pain relieving medication, shock therapy, nerve blocks and surgery. There are many alternative methods to treat chronic pain, such as acupuncture and essential oils. Essential oils are a great choice to alleviate symptoms of chronic pain on a daily basis, as they are natural, affordable and effective. There are many essential oils on the market which are used to deal with many types of pain. The best essential oils for pain often contain anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. The most common way to use essential oils for chronic pain is by massaging them directly onto the affected area. Because essential oils are very concentrated and potent, it’s important to always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil.
Wintergreen Essential Oil
Perhaps the most common essential oil for dealing with any type of pain is wintergreen essential oil. If you take a whiff from the bottle, you will notice a similar smell to typical over-the-counter pain rubs. This is because many muscle rubs use synthetic versions of wintergreen to relieve pain. Wintergreen is highly anti-inflammatory and also improves blood circulation. We recommend Young Living Wintergreen Essential Oil which can be purchased here.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Due to peppermint essential oil’s anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and menthol constituents, this essential oil provides cooling relief to pain, reduces bruising and alleviates head and muscle tension. Peppermint oil is also great for providing some extra energy if a person is fatigued. We recommend Doterra Peppermint Essential Oil which can be purchased here.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils on the market, mostly due to it’s sedative effects which can reduce anxiety and restlessness, two symptoms commonly associated with chronic pain. Lavender is also great for relieving tension as it helps the muscles to relax. We recommend Doterra Lavender Essential Oil, which can be purchased here.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for Chronic Pain
Roman chamomile is another great choice for chronic pain relief, due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to treat muscle and joint pain, and is also very soothing both physically and mentally. We recommend Young Living Roman Chamomile Essential Oil, which can be purchased here.
Chronic pain is something nobody wants to deal with, as it affects many aspects of everyday life, and often brings limitations of activities, mental exhaustion and stress, and many other symptoms. With so many treatments available, relief is within reach. Essential oils, especially used alongside other treatments, can provide effective and cost-efficient pain relief, as well as alleviating symptoms of the many side effects of chronic pain. If you are suffering with chronic pain, essential oils could be a helpful solution for you.