Controlling Pain & Inflammation Without NSAIDS

On the trail, pain & inflammation managed.

This is a follow-up to the post I did last week on Vitamin I(buprofen), cause pain and inflammation sucks.  From sore backs to tension headaches, nothing puts you down harder or faster than uncontrolled pain.  So how the heck do you deal with it when you can't- or don't want to - take NSAIDS?  Unsurprisingly, there's a bunch of methods to deal with inflammation and pain, you just have to find what works for you!  Below are some of the tricks I, personally, use.  

Anti-Inflammatory Support

• An anti-inflammatory diet - I cut out white sugar and flour - and the effects have been dramatic.  I follow Trim Healthy Mama.  The name is awful, and it can be weird at times, so I ignore what doesn't work for me.  I prefer to follow it for the health benefits, not the weight loss.  
• CBD Oil - I take CBD oil once a day.  I have done a LOT of personal research on CBD oil, and the good stuff can be pricey.  I use LabCanna's Products, because it's grown in the U.S. and you don't have to worry about other junk in it.  Note that if you get the full-spectrum, it does have *very* small trace amount of THC and can make you fail a drug test.  Keep in mind it takes about a month of use to really kick in. 
• Turmeric - You want the Turmeric with Curcumin for the best effects, and get the kind with pepper added for better absorption. I use one with Glucosamine and Chondroitin as well.  It increases the anti-inflammatory effects. 
• Collagen - in my coffee every morning!  I use Trim Healthy Mama's Integral Collagen.  It's the cheapest, purest, and best acting I've found. 
• I also try to add some apple cider vinegar (get Braggs, it has the "Mother" in it), ginger, and lemon juice to my water/diet ginger ale.  All three have big time anti-inflammatory properties. ​

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Correct sitting posture, DM for Pic Credit.

Honorable Mentions for Area Specific Issues

• Tension Headaches - I used to get tension headaches regularly, which I thought was muscle related due to my back injury.  It wasn't.  Turns out that I'm on my computer...a LOT...and I was looking down at my screen.  In other words, my posture was shit.  Here's a pic of correct computer posture, but the big thing is be sure your looking at the top third of your computer screen when typing.  Just doing this eliminated 85% of my tension headaches.  I eliminated another 10% by not carrying a heavy purse/workbag on one shoulder, which was pulling my muscles/spine out of alignment. 
• Think Symmetry - I'm constantly considering how I'm sitting, standing, etc.  Am I leaning more to one side? Are my legs crossed? Is one shoulder higher? One area of one shoe worn more? All these can have an effect on pain/inflammation, because they affect spinal/hip alignment and the muscles in those areas 
• Ice and heat - I've found that icing particularly sore spots, from back to knee, after a hike has a significant impact in my recovery.  I also use heat in the mornings on my lower back.  Use what feels best, in moderation (10-15 minutes) - literally everyone I went to had a different opinion on when to use ice vs. heat. Ugh. 
• Pain Medication, Muscle Relaxers, etc. - when used appropriately under the guidance of a doctor, they can be incredibly effective.  Don't feel bad if you have to take them, I do.  It's not a failure. 
• Sometimes, I wear Lily Trotter's compression socks, to help keep leg/ankle/foot swelling down on longer hikes, and KT tape for added support on longer hikes. 
• Body-part specific stretches before, during, and after hikes/long walks

This is just what I've come across that has worked for me.  I'm not a doctor or medical provider, and I do recommend you speak with them before starting any kind of supplement or making any significant change.  And don't be afraid to do your own research!

Most importantly, know there's nothing wrong with you.  You haven't failed and you are deserving of whatever adventure you want to chase. 

How do you deal with pain/inflammation without NSAIDS?  Comment below or email me here! 

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