7 Supplements that Provide Natural Pain Relief

People suffering from acutely painful conditions including arthritis and chronic back pain have been looking at different forms of treatment, as they are not getting the required benefits from traditional treatments. Natural forms of treatment have been gaining ground in the last few years as more and more chronic pain patients have found relief by turning to natural remedies. There are a number of natural herbs that are present in flowers and plants, which can go a long way in providing natural pain relief. Among the different natural herbs available, there are eight herbs that have proven to be extremely beneficial when it comes to treating painful conditions.

1. Capsaicin

This is an herb that is present in Chile pepper and is extremely effective in providing pain relief. It provides relief from chronic pain by de-sensitizing the skin nerves present around the painful region. There are topical ointments that are available with Capsaicin as one of the major ingredients. Recent studies reveal that more than 50% of the patients suffering from arthritis have found immediate relief by using topical cream containing Capsaicin.

2. Arnica

This herb is present in flowers that grow in the European region. It has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce chronic pain conditions. Arnica has also proven to be effective in reducing the pain that occurs in knee and other joints post surgery. There are Arnica-based topical ointments that go a long way in reducing inflammation.

3. Red Seaweed

Red seaweed is an excellent source of calcium. It also reduces joint inflammation and increases the strength of the bones. Various studies have been conducted on measuring the effectiveness of red seaweed. Study results reveal that red seaweed supplements help in reducing chronic pain by 20% within a month of consuming it. There are capsules available containing red seaweed for consumption.

4. Fish Oil

Capsules containing fish oil as one of the major ingredients have proven to be extremely effective in reducing back and neck pain among the suffering patients. This has also proven to be effective in treating patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil releases a chemical called prostaglandins, which plays a major role in reducing the inflammation.

5. Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine is a naturally available compound that is used to treat broken cartilage. Similarly, Chondroitin is a compound that is present in shark cartilage and cow cartilage. Cartilage is the main part that breaks down when the person suffers from osteoarthritis. A recent study has indicated that the consumption of supplements rich in both Glucosamine and Chondroitin have helped in reducing the existing pain by 60%. Both of these natural pain relief substances have been able to reduce severe and medium knee pain in patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

6. Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme that is present in pineapple plant and is extremely useful in reducing the painful conditions caused by inflammation. Patients suffering from knee pain and osteoarthritis have found instant relief by taking capsules rich in Bromelain.

7. Zyflamend

This pain relief supplement contains ginger, turmeric, and holy basil oil as their major ingredients. All three ingredients have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have found great relief by consuming this supplement.

In conclusion, all of these natural herbs and supplements can provide pain relief for patients with chronic pain conditions. It is always important to talk with your health care provider before taking any new herbs or supplements.

6 Signs That You or a Loved One Has a Percocet Addiction

If you or a loved one has severe pain, you may have the option to take a very strong, commonly prescribed type of pain reliever called Percocet. This is typically described as a very strong pain medication and most people don’t consider it an addictive drug. However, if you abuse it by taking too many then you may suffer from symptoms of addiction. How do you know? Here are 6 signs that you or a loved one has a Percocet addiction.

1. One common clue that you or a loved one is abusing Percocet is the fact that you may need more of the drug to get the same relief that one pill use to give. For example, if you used to be able to take them as prescribed and you would remain pain free for the entire time between pills and now you feel pain half way between doses, it could mean you have a problem.
2. Do you or your loved one become moody and even violent between pills? If so, this could also be a clear indication of addiction.
3. Are you or your loved one willing to fake pain in order to get more of them? Would you consider changing doctors just because your current doctor won’t give you the pills that you need?

4. Are you willing to pay whatever it costs to get more of them? Do you get Percocet even if you have to pay for them over necessities such as food or bills?
5. Do you crush your Percocet pills or chew them in order to get faster relief? People who want to use it to quickly get ease from the pain commonly do this. However, this is very dangerous because it can result in an overdose, which could be fatal. Overdose symptoms include sweating, vomiting, extreme tiredness, difficulty breathing, lowered blood pressure, blue coloring of skin or fingernails, etc.

6. Do you feel any withdrawal symptoms if you happen to miss a pill? These symptoms may include fevers and other flu like symptoms, stomachache, nervousness, nausea, sweating, etc.

When taken the right way and for the right reasons, Percocet can be a beneficial pain reliever for you to take if you are in severe pain. It combines both oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is derived from the same source as heroin or morphine. Acetaminophen is commonly found in Tylenol and strengthens the effects of the Oxycodone. It is because of the two combined that there are risks if you take too much, too often, or in the wrong ways. It affects the brain and central nervous system in a way that blocks the normal perception of pain.
There has been a drastic increase in addiction to pain relieving pills, regardless of age or race. However, the biggest group of people is teenagers using various pills and abusing them to get high. Often these teens are getting their pain relieving pills from adults who have been to the doctor and aren’t using them. It is important to seek help immediately if you know someone who is showing any signs of addiction or abuse to any prescribed medication.

18 Oxycodone Addiction Symptoms

Oxycodone (also sold as oxycontin, oxycocet, and several other names) is prescription drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain immediately in patients. It is also an opioid class narcotic drug that is highly addictive. It is often prescribed for dental pain when a tooth is removed, for post-operative pain, and for those involved in a recent physical trauma such as a car accident or motorcycle accident. If a patient is prescribed enough of this drug for pain, they can become accidentally addicted. This often happens when a patient is on oxycodone long enough that they develop a tolerance for the initial dosage so that it no longer helps with the pain. When this occurs, the patient may complain to their doctor who prescribes a stronger dosage. Also, oxycodone is often sold on the black market as a street drug, being one of the most commonly stolen drugs from pharmacies.

The oxycodone addiction signs and symptoms are very similar to what you will observe in those addicted to heroin because it is a closely related drug. Below, you will find 18 oxycodone addiction signs.

Behavioral oxycodone addiction signs include:

1. Obsessively thinking about taking the drug
2. Feeling phantom pain that isn’t really there as an excuse to take more
3. Going to different doctors to obtain more than one prescription without telling the other doctors
4. Being secretive about taking it – not telling family or friends
5. Keeping the drug hidden away from the other occupants of the house including roommates and family
6. Scattered thoughts and/or feeling restless
7. Impaired judgement such as deciding to drive while taking oxycodone, a known danger
8. Euphoric feelings
9. Sudden mood swings between highs and lows
10. Loss of appetite and/or losing the desire to eat healthy food

Physical oxycodone addiction signs include:

1. Sleepiness and yawning, sometimes to the point of nodding off
2. Constricted pupils or dilated pupils
3. Lightheaded or dizzy
4. Vomiting or nausea
5. Headaches
6. Lower than normal blood pressure
7. Dry mouth
8. Respiratory issues

Once addicted, oxycodone can be so difficult to get off of, it is best to check into a good rehab center for help in this process. Rehab centers have doctors and other medical staff available 24/7 that are able to monitor a patient and treat the oxycodone withdrawal symptoms as they occur. This will increase the success rate of getting off of this highly addictive drug.

The withdrawal symptoms of oxycodone include:

1. Unusual amount of sweating
2. Hot flashes and chills, sometimes alternating with both
3. Agitation and being cross with others
4. Depression
5. Restless with trouble sleeping
6. Upset stomach and vomiting
7. Suicidal thoughts in extreme cases

Opiate addiction is very common and oxycodone is one of the most common opiates that people get addicted to. Medline Plus reports that nine percent of all Americans will become addicted to opiates at one point in their life. If you feel that you or a loved one is addicted to oxycodone, it is important that you seek professional help. If you try to quit taking oxycodone once addicted without professional help, your chance of success is very low. Having supportive family and friends can increase your chances of success. However, it is best if they are not the primary caregivers during this process.

Photo courtesy of: Be.FutureProof

The Percocet Primer

Americans consume 80 percent of the world’s supply of opiate painkillers. Among the most popular for doctors and dealers is Percocet. Percocet combines the narcotic oxycodone and Acetaminophen or paracetamol for pain management. Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic, opioid manufactured from the same chemical found in opium which is derived from poppy plants. Acetominophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol.

Because of its effectiveness in minimizing short term and chronic pain, the drug is widely prescribed by doctors often following surgery. From 2002-2012 use of the drug surged 600 percent. But the drug is also among the most heavily abused, either crushed and snorted, chewed or dissolved and injected to accelerate the drug’s absorption. Percocet contains narcotics that gives users a mood-altering, euphoric feeling. Percocet is also used to counter the withdrawal symptoms of morphine.

Drug Use

Prescription painkillers have outpaced deaths from illegal drugs over the past few years. Percs, happy pills, or hillbilly heroin as they’re known on the street have killed more people than heroin and cocaine combined during the past two years. Teen abusers reportedly take the drug at “pharm parties” where the meds are placed in bowls or baggies and the “trail mix,” as it’s called, ingested by the handful. Death rates were largest amongst non-Hispanic whites and American Indians, people ages 35-54, and those in rural counties, who were about twice as likely to overdose on prescription painkillers.

Percocet Addiction

If used per a doctor’s instructions, Percocet is unlikely to be addictive. However, if the medication is abused mental or physical dependence can occur. Some common symptoms of Percocet addiction include behavior changes (becoming agitated or hostile between doses), high tolerance of the medication, and dependence.

FDA Ban

But it wasn’t Percocet’s reputation for misuse and dependency that resulted in a federal panel of expert’s advice to the FDA to ban the drug in 2009. The drug’s risk for liver damage was the primary reason for the recommendation. In high doses, the acetaminophen in the drug was the leading cause of liver failure from 1998-2003 and tied to almost half of accidental overdoses. Acetaminophen is a very common component in many generic and name brand over-the-counter pain relievers, none of which have been banned. The drug was subsequently not banned, but the acetaminophen content was limited to 325 milligrams from 500.

Side Effects

Other side effects of regular Percocet use are chronic constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, and respiratory issues. Psychological side effects can include hallucinations, anxiety, and psychosis. Percocet use can result in death for heavy drinkers and cirrhosis suffers.

Conclusion

Some might say Percocet got the job done, but it wasn’t without side effects. Percocet is no longer available in the United States. The good news is that there are natural alternatives to Percocet that you can take.

Photo courtesy of Gaturto