8 Pain Relief Therapies I Can't Live Without
It's funny- when you live in pain, you spend a lot of time thinking about (and trying) different ways to think less about your pain. Like, if you could just find the magic combo, something effective and consistent, it's as if you have stumbled upon the treasure under the rainbow.
Sometimes, you may wish you could just forget this adventure and call it quits. However, at the end of the day, you're still left with the pain and the reminder that you have to keep trying to think less about the pain.
8 pain-relief therapies I can't live without
It's a terrible situation to find yourself, but it happens to a lot of us living with RA. You quickly learn what type of reliable therapies are necessary to keep in your pain-relief toolkit. It's a lot of trial and error. Each and everyone's kit may be different, but it's helpful to get ideas when you find yourself wanting to throw in the pain towel. Here are my 8 pain-relief therapies I can't live without!
1. Heated mattress pad
A few years back, my husband bought me a dual-sided heated mattress pad from Costco that helps so much with aches and pains during bedtime that I consider it a life saver. I preheat my bed before hopping in, and it definitely takes the edge off so that I am able to relax and fall asleep. Costco really has the best stuff!
2. Salonpas pain patches
Everyone has their opinion on which over-the-counter hot/cold pain patches work the best. My vote is for Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch. The combo of camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate create a strong enough burn that helps lighten the pain sensation. They aren't super, duper long-lasting but they help me for a few hours at least.
3. Tylenol, ibuprofen and caffeine combo
Sometimes over-the-counter pain relievers just don't cut it, especially if you are having a really bad day. One of the most effective pain reliefs is called "the triple combo" as I affectionately refer to it– Tylenol, ibuprofen, and a cup of coffee. There is some research that backs up the claim adding caffeine to pain relievers helps magnify the analgesic effect in various acute pain.1,2 No specific studies have been done on chronic RA pain. However, in my experience it's an effective method. Obviously, ask your doctor what's best before trying any over-the-counter pain relief.
4. Hot bath
Oh my, oh my, I would live in a bath if I could. That's how much I appreciate the environment of a hot bath on my aching joints. A hot bath really does wonders in the realm of pain relief and I highly suggest you try it if you mistakenly believe you are not a "bath person". It will be worth it!
5. Sleep aids
Desperate times call for desperate measures–and that's how I see sleep aids in my pain relief kit. Sometimes you have the best intentions at heart, but you still can't get comfortable enough to fall asleep. It is so frustrating when this happens. This is when I will take something such as ZzzQuil or Ibuprofen PM to help me nod off.
6. Splinting
In the past year, I have dabbled into the world of wrist splints after noticing my wrists were heavily affected by my mom duties. It's made a big difference when I have aching wrists but can't just stop using them. Sometimes immobilizing the joint and giving it time to rest overnight in a neutral position,
7. Steroids
My mom’s oncologist always refers to steroids as the “nectar of the gods”. I always laugh because as someone with RA, I know exactly how true that comment is. Personally, nothing clears up pain from a flare up as quickly as a round of steroids. I am very thankful steroids are an option I have in my pain-relief tool kit.
8. Compression
I’m not too sure about the science behind compression, but I realized almost by accident that compression on my hands and wrists is a pretty effective pain relief option. Personally, I don’t have compression gloves or anything fancy like that. I usually just slide my hands under my husband’s pillow or body when he is sleeping and they instantly feel better. (It was really funny to type that sentence.) I realize that does sound a bit odd, but don’t knock it until you try it!
These tools aren't "one-size-fits-all"
I hope that explaining the different (and sometimes weird) ways I find a little pain relief here and there gives you some hope if you’re feeling a bit defeated in your RA journey right now. I know it’s not easy or one way fits all answers, but keep your head up and keep building your pain relief tool kit. You are worthy of comfort!
What therapies would be included in your pain relief toolkit? Share with us below!
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