chronic pain management

Chronic Pain Management: Discover the Game-Changing Role of IV Vitamin Therapy

Hey there, health friend! Ever heard of IV vitamin therapy? If not, you’re about to! And if you have, well, prepare to get to know it even better. IV vitamin therapy is like the VIP lounge for your body – we’re talking direct access, high speed, and no waiting in line. It’s a super-efficient way to deliver vitamins and minerals right where they’re needed most: your bloodstream.

But why are we talking about this? Because there’s a buzz going around that this VIP treatment could be a real game-changer for chronic pain management. Yes, you heard that right. Pain management, that elusive, ever-crucial target for so many of us. We’re about to dive into how IV vitamin therapy might just be a key player in this arena.

Background on IV Vitamin Therapy

Alright, let’s back up a second. What’s this IV vitamin therapy all about? Imagine your favorite smoothie, packed with all kinds of nutrients, but instead of going through your stomach (where there is a cap to absorption), it goes straight into your bloodstream (where trillions of cells are wanting to be nourished). It’s like giving your cells first-class tickets to Nutrient City!
How does it work? Well, by injecting vitamins and minerals directly into your veins, IV therapy bypasses the digestive system, going straight to your blood stream, where they can then be absorbed by your cells. That means no more worrying about whether your gut absorbed all those goodies. They’re delivered direct to the source, ready for action.

But it’s not just a one-size-fits-all arrangement. There are different kinds of IV vitamin cocktails out there. One of the stars of the show is the Myers’ Cocktail. Sounds fancy, right? Named after Dr. John Myers, this mix includes heavy-hitters like magnesium, B vitamins, calcium, and vitamin C. It’s like a power-packed juice blend for your cells! *When it comes to the Myer’s cocktail, it’s very important for you to know how much Vitamin C you are receiving in the cocktail. It can range from 2g to 20g. At Higher Health, we start you at 5g and gradually increase to your optimal dosing. *For pain management, we are delivering 10-20g ideally.

Another popular option is high-dose Vitamin C therapy. We’re talking a lot more Vitamin C than in your morning orange juice. And don’t forget other blends packed with different vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients, all designed to give your body the top-notch treatment (and nourishment) it deserves.
In the next sections, we’ll explore how these therapies could be the next big thing in pain management. But remember, just like any other treatment, it’s crucial to talk it over with your healthcare provider. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Pain and Its Mechanisms

Have you ever thought about how peculiar pain is? I mean, it’s this thing that can sneak up on you out of nowhere like an unexpected guest or sometimes it just refuses to leave, like that telemarketer that keeps calling. Pain can be a real puzzle, but let’s try to decode it together.

First up, we’ve got acute pain. Think of this as your body’s alarm bell. It’s sharp, it’s sudden, and it’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right here!” It could be from a cut, a burn, or that stubbed toe from the corner of the bed you always forget about.

Then we have chronic pain. This is the stubborn type that hangs around for months, even when the original cause has packed up and left. Conditions like arthritis or back pain often fall into this category. It’s like that annoying song that gets stuck in your head, except it’s not a catchy tune but a constant high-pitched discomfort.

And let’s not forget about neuropathic pain. This one’s a real trickster. It’s when your body sends pain signals even when there’s no clear cause. Imagine getting prank calls but from your own nerves!

Now, how do we usually tackle chronic pain management? We have the usual suspects – over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, prescription drugs, physical therapy, or sometimes even surgery. But what if I told you nutrients could also play a role? Intrigued? Let’s dig deeper!

The Role of Nutrients in Pain Management

So, how can nutrients make a difference in chronic pain management? Well, it’s like giving your body the right tools to fight back. Certain nutrients have been found to help turn down the volume on pain and inflammation.

Take magnesium, for example. This wonder mineral acts like a tiny relaxation therapist for your muscles, helping to ease tension and spasms. Low levels of magnesium? That could lead to more muscle pain and headaches. Often the more pain and muscle tension you have, the more magnesium you need simply to manage.

B vitamins are another power team for chronic pain management. They’re like the energy generators of your body. And guess what? Some studies show that they might help soothe neuropathic pain too.

And we can’t forget about our long time friend, Vitamin C. Not just good for staving off colds or supporting skin health, this vitamin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In other words, it’s like your body’s personal superhero, fighting off damage and inflammation that can lead to pain, while also repairing cells!
Intrigued? Buckle up because we’re just getting started on how these nutrients, when delivered straight to your bloodstream, could help unlock a new level of chronic pain management. Ready? Let’s roll!

IV Drip bag
Holding an IV Therapy drip bag

IV Vitamin Therapy and Pain Management

Ready for some exciting stuff? We’re now delving into how IV vitamin therapy might play a significant role in chronic pain management. Now, this is relatively new territory, but some early studies and patient experiences have been pretty encouraging.

Take, for instance, the Myers’ Cocktail we talked about earlier. Some people who’ve tried this have reported a decrease in their chronic pain, feeling like they’ve got a new lease on life. How amazing is that?

And it’s not just anecdotal evidence; there’s some science to back this up. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that patients with fibromyalgia experienced less pain after receiving the Myers’ Cocktail. Similarly, high-dose vitamin C infusions have shown promise in managing pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. *Remember, it’s important to get the right dose of Vitamin C; much more than 2g!

But you might be thinking, how does this work? Well, it’s actually a straightforward process. You sit back in a comfy chair while a skilled professional inserts a small tube, called a catheter, into your vein. They then attach this to a bag containing the nutrient cocktail which drips slowly into your bloodstream. It’s a bit like getting a regular IV drip at the hospital, but instead of just fluids, you’re getting a supercharged nutrient mix!

Now, this doesn’t mean it’s a magic potion. Everyone’s experience is different, and it might not work for everyone. But the idea that it could provide relief for some is certainly promising!

Benefits and Limitations of IV Vitamin Therapy in Pain Management

Like any other treatment, IV vitamin therapy has its ups and downs. On the bright side, it could offer a whole new approach to chronic pain management. By delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream, IV therapy ensures that these nutrients are readily available for your body to use. This could potentially lead to a quicker and more effective response to pain, while also healing and repairing damage.

Also, because IV therapy bypasses the digestive system, it might be a helpful alternative for those who struggle with digestive issues or nutrient absorption. PLUS, there’s the potential added bonus of increased energy, improved immune function, and an enhanced sense of wellbeing.

But hold up, before you start seeing everything through rose-colored glasses, let’s talk about the limitations. For starters, more research is needed to fully understand how effective this therapy is for pain management. Also, while IV vitamin therapy is generally safe, there are risks involved, such as infections or vein inflammation, but incredibly rare. We manage these variables and use our training to prevent these circumstances.

And it’s important to remember that this isn’t a cure-all. It should be considered part of a broader chronic pain management plan, alongside other treatments and lifestyle changes. It’s like adding a turbo boost to your car; it can help you go faster, but you still need to steer, change gears, and hit the brakes when needed.
The bottom line? It’s crucial to have a chat with your healthcare provider to figure out if this could be the right path for you. Remember, the journey to pain management is a marathon, not a sprint, and every step counts!

The Future of IV Vitamin Therapy in Pain Management

Okay, folks, let’s put on our future-goggles and take a peek at what lies ahead. IV vitamin therapy, even with its limitations, is stirring up some serious excitement. The world of science never sleeps, and researchers are working round-the-clock to explore the full potential of this innovative therapy.
For instance, there’s ongoing research into how different nutrient combinations could help manage various types of pain. It’s like creating custom-tailored cocktails for specific pain conditions. Personalized pain management? Yes, please!

Moreover, experts are buzzing about the possibility of integrating IV vitamin therapy into a holistic approach to chronic pain management. Imagine if, alongside exercise, anti-inflammatory nutrition, targeted medications, and other therapies, IV vitamin therapy could provide that extra push your body needs to keep pain in check.

But as with any scientific journey, it’s a winding path with lots of twists and turns. Sure, there’s optimism, but there’s also a need for caution and rigorous testing. Scientists and doctors alike agree that we need more studies to nail down the effectiveness, ideal dosages, and potential side effects. But the future sure looks promising!

Conclusion

Wow, what a ride, right? We’ve journeyed through the world of IV vitamin therapy, discovering how it could play a role in chronic pain management. We talked about different types of pain, the potential pain-soothing power of nutrients, and how IV therapy delivers these directly to your bloodstream.

We also touched on the benefits and limitations, underlining that while IV vitamin therapy could be an exciting new chapter in pain management, it’s not a standalone solution. It’s a potential team player in a comprehensive, personalized approach to keeping pain in check.

But maybe you’re still left with questions, curiosity buzzing like a bee in your bonnet. If so, we’ve got good news for you! Why not book a free consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors? They’d be more than happy to discuss IV therapy, chronic pain management, or any other health queries you might have.

Remember, navigating the world of pain management is like being the captain of a ship. You need a good crew, the right tools, and a clear course. And we’re here to help you steer that ship. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us be part of your journey to better health. Here’s to smooth sailing, my friends!

Next Steps

And now, it’s time for action! If you’re ready to take the first step towards a more energetic and vibrant life, book your free IV Vitamin Therapy consultation today.
This is your opportunity to ask questions with an IV certified Naturopathic doctor, discuss your specific needs, and explore how IV Vitamin Therapy can help you get back to feeling your best. Don’t wait – take charge of your health and book your consultation now!

Click here to Book Your Free Consultation.

Resources:
Gaby, A. R. (2002). Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: The “Myers’ Cocktail”. Alternative Medicine Review, 7(5), 389-403.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12410623/

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA): Offers peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain and their families. Website: https://www.theacpa.org/

Mayo Clinic – Chronic Pain Management: A comprehensive overview of chronic pain management, including causes, diagnosis, treatments, and coping strategies. Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/chronic-pain

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) – Pain Management: Offers information on different types of pain and various treatment options. Website: https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/pain-management/

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): Provides extensive research-based information about pain, including chronic pain. Website: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Pain-Back-Sheet

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Chronic Pain: Offers resources for managing chronic pain, including guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. Website: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/chronic-pain.htm

The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM): Provides resources for patients, including information on various pain conditions and treatment options. Website: http://www.painmed.org/

Pain Management Research Institute (PMRI): Offers resources for pain management, including pain education classes and online resources. Website: https://sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/our-research/research-centres/pain-management-research-institute.html

 

 

chronic-pain

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a frustrating, often lonely condition that can leave people with little to no hope of having a ‘normal’ life again.
Often, people with chronic pain are told that their treatment options are limited, and that they may never live pain free again. It can be hard to stay positive when no hope is given.

As a naturopathic doctor with a focus on chronic pain, I’m here to tell you there is hope and I’m going to share the same tips I give my clients.
Tips you can do at home, without making massive changes to your lifestyle.

These tips are focused on helping to reduce pain, making the unbearable, bearable again, so you can do things like your shopping, go for a walk, even sit without being constantly reminded of the pain.

My goal is to share these with the hope it can offer relief from the pain and frustration and improve your quality of life.

In this article I’m going to share:

  • How chronic pain is defined
  • What causes chronic pain
  • Treatment goals for chronic pain
  • Natural treatments that have shown to reduce pain
  • The top 5 things you can do now to help with chronic pain

Disclaimer: The information shared in this post is for informational use only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or any other information.

Chronic pain is caused by a variety of reasons and health conditions, so it is important that you seek medical care prior to implementing any recommendations. Some of these treatments may or may not be suitable for you, which is why we must individualize your treatment plan and ensure it is safe and effective for you.
If you wish to discuss how a naturopathic doctor can help with chronic pain, you can book a free call with Dr. Madeleine by clicking here.

How Is Chronic Pain Defined?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that remains constant or comes and goes for a time period of 3 months or greater. This can be experienced anywhere in the body, and often interferes with activities of daily living. Pain is subjective, meaning only the individual experiencing it can describe what it feels like.

Chronic pain is often difficult to diagnose, and typically requires a team of healthcare providers for both diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When we ask patients to describe what their pain feels like, common words we hear are: aching, shooting, burning, stiff, throbbing, squeezing, and more.

What causes chronic pain?

A variety of conditions can cause chronic pain. Some examples include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Headaches/Migraines
• Post-Traumatic Pain (due to physical, mental, emotional trauma)
• Cancer
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Endometriosis
• Interstitial Cystitis
• Vulvodynia
• Lupus
• Multiple Sclerosis
*Note: This is not an exhaustive list of conditions that can cause chronic pain.

Goals of treatment for chronic pain:

• Improvement of symptoms, daily functioning, and quality of life
• Working proactively to prevent any worsening of symptoms
• Providing emotional support throughout the journey
• Prevention of new associated symptoms that can arise

The Top 5 Things You Can Do Now To Help Relieve Pain!

1. Increase anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.

In many cases, chronic pain can be caused by high levels of systemic inflammation. This means that trying your best to increase anti-inflammatory foods and decrease inflammatory foods in your diet is very important.

Anti-inflammatory foods to INCREASE:

• Fatty fish (meaning high in omega-3s) including salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, trout
• Raw olive oil
• Nuts/seeds (walnuts, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds)
• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, Swiss chard, bok choy, broccoli, collard greens)
• Berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries)
• Spices and herbs (turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic)
Inflammatory foods to AVOID:
• Artificial sugars (soft drinks, fruit juices with added sugars)
• Refined grains (white bread, pasta, cereals, pastries)
• Fried foods
• Processed meats (bacon, lunch meats, cured meats)
• Alcohol

It can be hard to know what to cook or eat when dealing with chronic pain. Cooking can take a lot of time and exhaust you even further.
When working with Dr. Madeleine, she will create a customized nutrition plan for you, that is both manageable and sustainable for you and your needs.

2. Optimize your sleep by practicing sleep hygiene techniques.

The relationship between sleep and chronic pain is a complicated one. This is because chronic pain often causes sleep issues, while a lack of sleep leads to worsening of pain.

Studies have shown that a lack of sufficient sleep and poor sleep quality are risk factors for developing chronic pain. Why? Several mechanisms have been considered, one being the effects of sleep deprivation on the opioid system (our pain regulation system). It has been shown that sleep disruption impairs our body’s ability to turn off pain signals.

Where can we get started?

Sleep hygiene, a fancy way of saying healthy sleep habits, is very important to ensure our bodies are resting and recovering over night. Research has shown that daily pain intensity is correlated to the quality and duration of sleep from the night before.
It is so important to ensure you are getting a good night’s rest, and as Naturopathic Doctors, there is a lot we can do to help you optimize sleep. Try starting with this.

Sleep hygiene techniques:

• Set up a sleep routine: consistent bedtime and wake time every day of the week, consistent length of naps if needed
• Create a comfortable sleep environment: a dark and quiet room with a pleasant temperature, mattress and pillow that are comfortable for you
• Calming habits before bed: reading a book, listening to relaxing music, practicing yoga/meditation, taking a warm bath, journaling, etc.
• Use bedroom for sleep and intimacy only. Ideally, your office and social spaces should be separate from your bedroom.
• Avoid before bed: caffeine, alcohol, large meals, simulating activities (watching TV, using your phone/computer, all of which use blue-light which negatively impacts our sleep)

3. Manage your stress levels as best as you can.

Stress has a profound effect on chronic pain, and high levels of persistent stress have been associated with worsening of pain levels. This is in part due to our stress hormone, cortisol, that when released for prolonged periods causes inflammation and heightens our stress response – the opposite of what we want it to do. We want it to regulate our stress response in a balanced way. When our bodies go through this chronic stress response, the pain we experience is significantly worsened.

Managing your stress can be tricky, as experiencing chronic pain often significantly adds to stress levels. It makes sense. When we’re not feeling great, we typically experience some worry and stress around it. On top of that, things that we can’t control come our way and can add an extra layer of overwhelm.
Be patient with yourself and try to start somewhere.

The best place to start is with your BREATH. Here is a simple breathing technique that can help calm your nervous system and allow you to reset your thought patterns.
4-7-8 Breathing:
Breathe in for 4 counts, hold the breath in for 7 counts, and exhale the breath for 8 counts. Do this around 3-5 times.
This technique can significantly reduce symptoms of acute stress and anxiety.

4. Try to get your body moving every day.
Physical movement with chronic pain is so important, as it maintains the body’s mobility and range of motion, and can help to prevent worsening of symptoms.
With chronic pain, there is a tendency to avoid and be skeptical of physical movement. However, keeping the body moving helps to prevent pain levels being worsened by immobility and stiffness.

It can be challenging to get up and moving depending on the severity of your pain. If you need some relief prior to getting moving, using a heat application can really help. Applying heat to the locations of chronic pain increases blood flow to those areas and relaxes the musculature. This can help reduce pain and stiffness acutely to help you get up and moving.

When we say physical movement, we don’t necessarily mean vigorous exercise. We mean generally getting your body moving, if possible. That being said, if it hurts too much to move right now, don’t worry about this tip. We can work together to get you there.

It is important that your physical activity needs are properly assessed prior to implementing any major changes. As Naturopathic Doctors, we can help determine what type of physical movement is best for you and your needs.

Examples of physical movement for chronic pain:
• Short, regular walks
• Avoid sitting for extended periods of time and try to move every 30-60 minutes
• Gentle stretching, yoga, and/or Pilates
• Swimming or water aerobics, to allow for movement that doesn’t impact joints
• Light weight lifting

5. Anti-inflammatory supplementation, nutrients and/or herbs.

Supplements, nutrients, and herbs that have shown effectiveness for chronic pain include omega-3 fish oil, natural eggshell membrane (NEM), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), magnesium, vitamin C, curcumin, boswellia… and the list goes on!

There are a couple of basic mechanisms that can explain how these products help with chronic pain. In many cases, pain is caused by systemic inflammation, and some of these supplements and/or herbs are known to be strong natural anti-inflammatories. Additionally, a couple of these supplements relieve joint pain and stiffness by adding lubrication to the joint capsule… kind of like adding oil to a stiff door hinge!

We recommend that you work with a Naturopathic Doctor to determine which products are best suited for you, in terms of safety and effectiveness. Depending on your case, some supplements and/or herbs may be better suited for you than others. That’s where we come in with our clinical experience and decide what will help you the most.

Chronic pain can be a challenging thing to live with. Thankfully, there are ways we can help you manage the severity, and our hope is to help improve your quality of life.

The 5 tips above are ways you can get started today. If you are looking for more individualized care with a treatment plan that is customized to your specific needs, book a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Madeleine, one of our Naturopathic Doctors. She is passionate about helping individuals with chronic pain feel relief and hope for their futures.

Click here to book a free consultation with Dr. Madeleine.

FAQ about Chronic Pain:

What is better for chronic pain relief, hot or cold applications?
With pain that is chronic in nature, we see relief with hot applications as they improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the pain site. Hot applications also relax the local muscles and reduce joint stiffness. In terms of cold applications, they are typically recommended for pain or injuries that are acute in nature. This is because acute injuries involve high levels of local inflammation, and cold applications help reduce that inflammation quickly.

Does cold and/or damp weather worsen chronic pain?
We typically notice that cold and/or damp weather leads to worsening of symptoms with chronic pain. This is usually the case for arthritic and inflammatory causes of pain. Cold damp weather causes muscle and joint stiffness which can significantly worsen pain. Keeping your body moving to prevent stiffness is one of the best ways to ease this weather-related pain.

Do vitamin B12 injections help with chronic pain?
There is research to support that vitamin B12 injections are beneficial for neuropathic pain specifically, especially in individuals who are deficient in the vitamin. Vitamin B12 supports nerve repair and has shown to inhibit some pain-signalling pathways. We can test your vitamin B12 through blood work to assess if you have adequate levels, and this will help determine if an injection or supplementation is needed.

What are the most commonly prescribed medications for chronic pain and what are the downsides of taking them?

The medications we commonly see prescribed to patients are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and opioids including oxycodone (OxyContin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin).

Long-term use of NSAIDs has been associated with gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, liver and kidney injury, and more. Opioids are stronger pain medications and are highly addictive. Over time, our bodies get used to taking opioids, causing us to need more and more to get the same relief. High doses can cause serious side effects, which is why they are typically prescribed as a last resort compared to other pain medications.

As Naturopathic Doctors, we use an integrative approach where we work alongside the pharmaceutical medications our patients are taking, while ensuring they are aware of the benefits and risks. We work with our patients to determine what their wants and needs are for pain relief and create a realistic plan unique to them.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4795524/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24290442/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4046588/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5391567/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7494084/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5094513/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5822842/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6879497/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25035267/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30700078/