7 pill free ways to beat pain

From tennis elbow to long-term back pain, here are some drug-free suggestions to help you

Pain affects us all at some time. A cut, bruise, sting or break are all dealt with by the body’s self-repair mechanisms. But chronic pain is in another dimension, and how you manage it is, to a very large extent, up to you. There are ways to approach pain positively and, the more you understand it, the more you’ll be able to modify and, hopefully, eliminate it for good.

1 Try an ice pack…

These can be used for sprains and recent injuries, joint swelling, bites, headaches and toothache. Avoid using ice for an acute bladder infection, as it can aggravate the pain, or on the chest if you have asthma. Wrap a bag of frozen peas or crushed ice in a tea towel, wrapped in a plastic bag.

2 ...or a warming compress

It’s ideal for painful joints, mastitis, a sore throat and backache. Wring out a cotton cloth in cold water (so it’s damp, not dripping) and wrap around the affected area, allowing the ends to overlap. Then wrap an outer material – wool or flannel is ideal – around this firmly and secure with safety pins. As the cold cloth slowly warms, the effect is deeply relaxing.to beat pa

3 Adjust your sleeping position