ADVERTISING: Advertorial — How to conquer pain without drugs

We are a nation of pain! Three out of 10 U.S. adults suffer from chronic back or neck pain, and one in four report severe arthritic joint pain. One in six Americans complain of chronic migraines. The top medications used in the U.S. target pain relief, including NSAIDS like Tylenol or Ibuprofen and opioid medication like Vicodin. While we are grateful to have access to these meds when we need them, there is a significant downside to taking them over extended periods.

Studies show aspirin and NSAIDS quickly lower inflammation in the short-term, but actually increase it in the long-term! In addition, NSAIDS are known to increase the risk of stroke and clotting disorders. The side effects of opioids are well-known, including constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness, hallucinations and addiction.

Fortunately, there are better and more natural ways to treat our pain, especially when we understand that the source of all pain is inflammation. In a healthy inflammatory response, white blood cells are dispatched to the affected area, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain. This response to harmful stimuli enables the body to clear out dead and injured cells and initiate tissue repair.

The problem arises with prolonged stresses when the inflammatory response starts to self-perpetuate. Too much “runaway” inflammation is associated with many and varied diseases, from periodontal disease to atherosclerosis to osteoarthritis. Are there ways to turn off inflammation running amok in our body, without the damaging, unwanted side effects of medication?

Yes! One powerful method is acupuncture. The Vagus nerve stretches from your brain through your spine and entire digestive tract. Strong clinical evidence shows that vagal nerve stimulation inhibits pain signals in the brain and helps release natural pain-relieving opioids — flipping that “runaway” inflammatory switch back off again. A 2017 research study involving over 20,000 participants looked at treating pain with acupuncture and found it to be not only effective but with long lasting results.

Diet is critical; not many understand that a great deal of inflammation is driven by processes in our gut. Clinically, I cannot count how many patients I have seen dramatically reduce or eliminate their joint or other body pain through diet changes. Sugar and alcohol act like wildfire in an inflamed body, but any potential food allergy or sensitivity can unleash a torrent of inflammation. Certain foods like tomatoes and potatoes are also known to worsen joint pain.

Suffering from chronic pain? Dependent on NSAIDS or other pain meds to get through the day? At Vital Health we dig deep to uncover the sources of your inflammation. Then we use acupuncture, dietary recommendations, and supplements to help you regain a pain-free life again.

Learn more by attending our upcoming health class, "Powerful Ways to Conquer Pain without Drugs," 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 at Vital Health in Coeur d'Alene. Fee: $15. Attend in-person or online via Zoom. To register, call 208-765-1994 or go to vitalhealthcda.com/health-classes/

Want to hear more from Vital Health? Check out our podcast. Search for VitalHealth4You on your favorite podcast listening app or go to vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/

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Darcy Greenwald holds a master’s degree in Oriental Medicine, and is a Licensed Acupuncturist. She is additionally certified in Western Herbalism and massage therapy. She has more than 20 years of experience in natural medicine. Greenwald is a “Health Detective,” she looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. Greenwald is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene.

Visit our website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Greenwald, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Greenwald can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.