Americans are the highest consumers of pain medications in the world. Market reports estimate that Americans consume around 44% of the world's pain medications. That's ridiculously high considering that we only make up 5% of the world population! These statistics are staggering.
The U.S. leads the world in pain medication use—yet millions aren’t getting any relief. They are still in pain, because over time our bodies develop tolerance to pain medications. Plus these meds don't treat the root cause.
Even worse many become addicted to pain medications, some after only taking them for just a few days after an injury. They live a life of hell trying to taper off. I know two such people personally. They were both teens when given these pain meds. One had suffered from muscle pain, and the other from a football injury. Why would doctors give these drugs to teens? Years of addiction, terrible pain and suffering for both them and their families ensued.
Side effects of taking these medications are debilitating and they include: liver damage, kidney damage, weakened immune system, heart problems, fractures, breathing problems during sleep, hyperalgesia, digestive disorders, chronic constipation, bowel obstruction, myocardial infarction, tooth decay, and death.
Understanding chronic pain—whether due to injury, inflammation, stress, or chronic conditions—requires looking at the whole person. Pain is deeply interwoven with physical, emotional, and mental health.
As prescription rates soar, it’s clear: sustainable relief from pain will only come from a more holistic outlook.
What Makes you More Likely to Experience Chronic Pain?
- If you suffer from Depression- 40% of people with chronic pain have depression
- If you suffer from Anxiety
- Poor Sleep
- Bad Diet
- Lack of Movement
We Can Manufacture our own Pain Meds: The Endogenous Opioid System: Nature’s Pain Regulator Within Us
The human body manufactures its own opioids using the Endogenous Opioid System. Synthetic Opioids actually mimic what our bodies are capable of doing naturally.
Dr Sanjay Gupta, a leading neurosurgeon, is a big proponent of the belief that "All Pain is in the Brain". Meaning that often people get stuck in a memory loop that causes physical pain. Past emotional trauma, past injury, all of these things can contribute to debilitating pain that is real, because the brain makes it real, but might not actually have a physical cause.
In Dr Gupta's words "90% of the time surgery is probably not the right answer for many things", and he is a surgeon!
For example with back pain, 90% of the patients that enter his clinic, don't actually have a structural problem causing the pain. There is nothing physically wrong.
Our pain center is actually in the mind. And this can be a good thing.
We can achieve pain relief by activating our Endogenous Opioid System without the side effects of opioid medications. This is why when we experience happiness and relaxation pain levels automatically go down. It's our Endogenous Opioid System at work.
This is also how the placebo effect works. The expectation that something is going to help up is usually just as effective if not more so than prescription drugs in most instances, without the side effects.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the effects of prescription opioids versus the natural opioids produced by our bodies.
The effects of Prescription Opioids:
Effects of Prescription Opioids:
Reduce the sensation of pain
Intensify the memory of the painful experience
Lower overall mood and emotional well-being
Effects of the Endogenous Opioid System:
Alleviates pain naturally
Enhances mood and emotional balance
Suppresses the formation of painful memories
Since pain is controlled by the brain, it becomes clear how we can manage pain.
What Makes you More Likely to Experience Chronic Pain?
What Makes you More Likely to Experience Chronic Pain?
- If you suffer from Depression- 40% of people with chronic pain have depression
- If you suffer from Anxiety
- Poor Sleep
- Bad Diet
- Lack of Movement
Natural Pain Management: Proven Strategies for Lasting Relief
1) Movement/Walking
It might seem hard or even impossible to take walks when you're in pain. Regular movement may seem an impossible feat when you’re hurting, but even gentle exercise is one of the most effective natural pain relievers. Physical activity releases endorphins—your brain’s own pain-fighting chemicals—while improving flexibility, strength, and circulation.
Despite the initial discomfort it will actually help you long term! When I had chronic lower back, tailbone pain from an injury, dance classes slowly healed me. I started really slowly, only dancing for 15-20 minutes (out of a 1 hour class). People probably wondered why I danced slowly and left after 20 minutes, but I didn't care. Slowly I increased to 30 minutes, then 40 minutes, then the full hour. I started going twice a week and increased to 3-4 times per week. On days when I couldn't go I would take long walks on the beach. Over the next few months the pain decreased to the point where I was able to dance without discomfort. A few months after that I was completely pain free.
Movement creates blood flow, blood flow creates healing. Start slow and build up. Engage in physical activities that you enjoy and you will start to feel better, physically and emotionally..
- Low-impact workouts: Activities like swimming, walking, tai chi are easy on the joints but effective at reducing pain.
- Consistency matters: Even 10-20 minutes daily can yield benefits over time.
Exercise helps reduce inflammation, improves mood, and can break the cycle of inactivity and pain.
2) Stress Relief: The Missing Link
Chronic stress amplifies pain. When you’re anxious or tense, your muscles tighten, inflammation rises, and sensitivity increases. Managing stress is an essential part of pain management—and one that’s often overlooked in pill-based approaches.
Simple Ways to Lower Stress
- Deep breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose, exhale gently through your mouth. Repeat, focusing on each breath.
- Nature breaks: Spend time outdoors, even if it’s just a walk in the park or your backyard.
- Journaling: Writing about your experiences can help process difficult emotions and reduces stress.
Herbs for Stress Relief- there are Herbs that are incredibly effective at reducing stress. For the best stress relieving herbs check out Calm & Tranquil from Joseph's Organic Bakery
3) Eliminate Processed Foods and Animal Protein
Eliminate all Pro-inflammatory processed foods like sugar, refined grains (choose wholegrains), trans fatty oils. Plus eliminate fish, chicken, and meat from the diet for at least 2 weeks and see if pain has lessened. Sometimes it takes longer to see results. These foods promote inflammation and pain.
Replace these foods with plety of vegetables, fruits, and wholegrain ancient grain.
4) Boost Herbal Supplement:
High Cortisol levels raise prolactin levels, which can cause pain such as backaches and muscle pain. Excessive cortisol could also spur migraines. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands. High stress levels and various health conditions can cause Adrenal Fatigue, leading to widespread pain and low energy levels. Our Boost Supplement replenishes the adrenal glands helping the body reduce cortisol levels thus eliminating pain at its source.
Learn more about Boost here
Our boost works best in conjunction with our Immune Pro herbal Supplement (see below).
5) Herbs for Stress Relief- there are Herbs that are incredibly effective at reducing stress. For the best stress relieving herbs check out Calm & Tranquil from Joseph's Organic Bakery
6) Cistus Tea
Cistus tea or Cistus incanus tea is one of the most ancient teas, brewed for centuries in the Mediterranean regions. It was prized for its medicinal properties and a pleasant aroma.
Cistus tea was valued due to its ability to heal wounds , inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and help restore health. For these reasons, it was considered very beneficial in traditional medicine.
The plant is indeed rich in protective anti-aging antioxidants and can fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. So, what you get is a pleasant tasting and fragrant cup of hot tea, full of health benefits.
Learn more here about the best quality Cistus Tea
Lifestyle Adjustments: Building a Foundation for Lasting Comfort
Beyond immediate management, lifestyle choices influence how your body copes with and recovers from pain. Small daily adjustments can deliver profound benefits, empowering you to regain control of your wellbeing.
- Nutritious eating: Anti-inflammatory foods, like berries, leafy greens help reduce chronic discomfort.
- Hydration: Dehydration can exacerbate pain, especially headaches and joint stiffness.
- Sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent bedtime routine, limit blue light exposure, and create a comfortable sleep environment.
- Social support: Isolation worsens the experience of pain. Connect regularly with friends, family, or support groups.
A holistic approach acknowledges that pain isn’t just a physical sensation. When you nurture every dimension of your life, recovery and relief become a reality without the side effects of opioid medications or other pain relievers.
