Fight back against aches with my natural cures for pain!
Thanks to Sunbeam® Products, Inc for sponsoring this post and allowing me to share these useful and practical tips with you. All opinions are 100% my own. I appreciate your support of Running in a Skirt and allowing me to share posts like this with you.
Hi guys!
Thanks so much for your support on yesterdays post. Thank you for allowing me to be honest. Today I want to talk about another not so pleasant subject, that I'm sure many of us deal with... PAIN and natural cures for pain.
Pain comes in so many forms. Whether it's back pain, terrible cramps, lingering fitness or running injuries, I suspect that many of us end the day with some sort of tinge or ache. It can range from annoying to crippling but regardless of the intensity it can put a real damper on your day, mood and well-being. It's hard to be your healthiest when you are hurting!
One of my big sources of pain is back pain. If I have a really busy day that involves a lot of cooking, food photography or even gardening I'm usually feeling it by the end of the day. I sit down feeling like an old lady with my aching back. All of those tasks involve a lot of crouching over, so I'm pretty sure that's where it is coming from. Even though I know the source I can't seem to stop it from happening. It seems like once a week, I'm on the couch at 8PM not wanting to get up again. To fight back, I've found some simple and natural ways to calm it down in the evening without popping pills.
Here are some of my best natural cures for pain!
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Natural Cures for Pain
Heating Pad
When my back pain hits the first thing I turn to is heat therapy. It's the perfect way to effectively and safely relieve pain without having to rely on pain killers. I can't tell you how good it feels to get my aches on good ole heating pad. It's the ultimate natural cures for pain!
Heat therapy is fast, natural and effective. It helps increase blood flow to my back, therefore relieving pain. It totally gives me that ahh moment.
I'm a huge fan of Sunbeam® heat therapy. My Sunbeam® King Size XpressHeat™ Heating Pad is my go-to for pain relief. It heats up in just 30 seconds, has a microplush, fully washable pad and can be used for dry or moist heat.
It's also HUGE! It measures 12"x 24" making it perfect for all kind of aches and pains. They also have pads that are contoured for your back and neck and are even more personalized to your needs! Sunbeam® heat therapy products have an adjustable heat system, allowing you set the right amount of penetrating natural heat for soothing relief while the flexible pads and wraps comfortably conform to your body to provide heat and alleviate pain exactly where you need it.
It's perfect for muscle and joint pain relief.
The settings have come a LONG way since your Mom's heating pad. Sunbeam® Heat Therapy products even include an auto-off setting, which is really nice if you are as forgetful as I am.
The best part about Sunbeam® Heat Therapy products is they are of course drug-free, but also non-invasive and involves no sticky creams or patches. Because of that there are no side effects too.
Make sure to check out Sunbeam® Heat Therapy products and use the promo code SKIRT to get 20% off when buying! And keep reading for a chance to win your own heating pad.
Yoga
If aren't on the yoga train yet, get on board!
Yoga has helped me so much for chronic aches and pains that linger from being a runner. I firmly believe yoga keeps me in balance to keep running. Yoga and running go hand in hand for me.
Beyond running, yoga helps with more acute problems like back pain. Doing yoga regularly keeps my body limber so I don't have as much aches and just one natural cures for pain.
But when I do have back pain, I like to add a few evening poses to my routine to help with the more urgent problem. A simple 5 minute flow routine can really help calm my back down. It can also help relieve other types of pain like cramps or sore spots from running or fitness. If you aren't familiar with the basic moves there are some great DVD's out there to guide you through simple moves at home.
I recommend cat/cow, cross legged seated twist, cobra or even something as simple as legs up the wall.
Food & Herbal Remedies
What you eat can help or hurt your efforts to find natural cures for pain.
Consider adding anti-inflammatory agents like ginger, turmeric, beets or dark leafy greens to your morning smoothie!
I swear I feel like Wunder Woman after a nice kale smoothie!
Other surprising foods to add to your diet that are high in inflammatory antioxidants are bok choy, celery, broccoli, blueberries and even pineapple! My Pineapple, Kale and Ginger Smoothie might be just what the doctor ordered!
Hot Bath
I started taking hot baths when I was training for the Chicago Marathon and never stopped.
To get the perfect hot bath, grab a book, rubber ducky and put a cup or two of epsom salts in the tub. A nice bath is relaxing, good for your mind. It can help with inflammation, relieve stress and ease your pains!
Massage
When all else fails, get a massage. It may seem like an indulgence but it can really balance out the tension in your body and allow you to move more freely. If you are on a budget, check around to more budget chains or support a local massage school. You can sometimes find deals for less than $50! It's not something I do often, but if I can't seem to get the tension out on my own I will go and feel a lot better.
I've also gone to a Chiropractor on a few occasions when my alignment has gotten really off, although I haven't had to go near as often since I started doing yoga!
These natural cures for pain are sure to help you find more balance in life!
Giveaway
Don't forget to check out Sunbeam® Heat Therapy products to get that fast, quick relief! I love their heating pads and I know you will too! If you suffer from chronic pain, make sure to check out this inspiring Buzzfeed article.
One of you will have a chance to win your own Sunbeam® Heat Therapy heating pad! Woop! You'll just LOVE the great sizes and soft cover.
Follow the prompts below to enter! Contest rules are HERE. Good luck!
And don't forget if you don't win, use the promo code SKIRT to get 20% off Sunbeam® Heat Therapy products for the next three weeks. This cozy heating pads would even make a good Christmas gift... just sayin!
Like this? I'd love it if you could pin this to your favorite Pinterest board!
Note: I am not a doctor nor am I your doctor. These tips are ones that have worked from my extensive personal experience that I stand behind, however please use common sense and see a doctor over any serious pain issues!
Got pain? Here's 5 Natural, Drug Free Ways to fight back. #pain #naturalliving #FindYourAhh AD Share on XThanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow's recipe is Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potato Bites. So delish. See you then.
I’m linking this post with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, Coaches Corner, and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Your turn!
What kind of pain do you have?
Do you have any natural cures for pain you use?
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kimmythevegan says
These are great tips! This is something I normally avoid fortunately, but these are great for when I do have some pain. I'm not a pill popper, so I'm always looking for different ways to help with pain management. The bath is my favourite =) I've been adding ginger & turmeric to my smoothies too, that is really great!
JulieWunder says
It is so nice to find ways to help that aren't pills!
Jerry E. Lindsay says
Hi Julie,
Wao that was really an informative post. My sister was blessed with a baby girl last week. She complains of a terrible lower back pain these days. We visited her gynaecologist who has prescribed her some pain killers but in vain.
But your advice of gettinga a heating pad seems quite effective to me. Also, we were also planning to visit a chiropractor as he is skilled to deal with all the spine realated issues.
Do you have any idea as to how many sessions will he take in order to get my sister's lower back pain cured completely?
Regards,
Jerry
JulieWunder says
Hi Jerry! Sorry for the delayed response. I usually felt relief after one or two visits. You have to try the heating pad too!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
I am all for natural remedies and all of these are perfect!
Oddly enough, earlier this year I discovered how great acupuncture is for injuries! I had an achilles injury as a result of overstretching (who says yoga is low impact, haha!) and saw an acupuncturist for something else and she treated my achilles whilst I was there and it totally fixed it!
JulieWunder says
I've never tried that, but heard great things! Thanks for the suggestion and addition to the list!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
Great advice! I have never used a heating pad but I definitely need to invest in one! I love Epsom salt baths and what beats getting a personal massage? I try to stay away from using painkillers as much as possible!
JulieWunder says
As much as you run, you'd LOVE it!!!
Taylor Kiser says
Love these ideas! Will keep these in mind!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Taylor!
Alaina @ The Simple Peach says
I am a firm believer in all of these. It's amazing how much better your body can feel with you help it recover properly. So many of these are wonderful for marathon training and peak mileage weeks, but also when everyday tasks leave you feeling fatigued. I don't have a heating pad, but might think of investing in one especially with the winter months ahead.
JulieWunder says
Oh yes! It is so nice and cozy! Hope you enjoy it.
Crystal says
I have trouble with my jaw, and heat is the best way for me to keep pain more manageable naturally. That heating pad looks like a great way to administer heat easily.
JulieWunder says
Yes! So easy! Hope it helps you! Make sure to enter!
Giselle Rochford says
I injured my tailbone when I was a teen and every few years it flares up again and the pain can be so intense! Definitely need to invest in a heating pad and maybe try a few of these home remedies.
JulieWunder says
Oh no! That does sound painful!! I bet it would help!
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
I used to always use a heating pad for pain and it really does work wonders! Now I do a lot of yoga and take epsom salt baths. I feel ya with the back pain though, whether you're standing or sitting all day it seems to always happen.
JulieWunder says
Oh I know! It gets me every time! Thanks Patricia!
Emily says
Ooh wow, a hot epsom salts bath sounds really nice right now, and I really think I do need to have some gentle workout days with some stretching and such... I think that would help me not feel so stiff all the time. Also that heating pad looks like the perfect heating pad; it looks really convenient to just put on the couch when you're reading or doing something else in the evening after a long day. I definitely feel those days of cooking all day too.
JulieWunder says
It is sooo cozy! Thanks Emily!
Chrissy says
I really need to do more yoga because I get a lot of back pain too. I'm pretty sure yoga would help. Or a hot bath or a massage. I think I'd love a weekly massage!
JulieWunder says
All of them!! Thanks Chrissy!
Abbey says
Epsom salt baths are my favourite!! Esp after a tough workout!
JulieWunder says
Yes! The best. Thanks Abbey!
Rebecca | NOURISHED. the blog says
I wouldn't make it without my heating pad! This sunbeam pad looks awesome - I have an old-school pad, which is pretty hilarious compared to the new models. Love your yoga and smoothie tips too. I always forget how beneficial a good yoga session can be and how awesome I feel after a good green smoothie. Thanks for sharing, Julie!
JulieWunder says
Oh I know! I had an ancient one that broke right before I got the e-mail about Sunbeam. I was shocked how much better they are these days. Get one!!!!!
michelle mink says
My chiropractor has been recommending a heating pad so I will have to check this one out. I wish that I had a big enough bath tub to take a relaxing bath but mine is tiny so I never use it.
JulieWunder says
It really is the best! Thanks Michelle!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
Love a relaxing bath. My heating pad is broken, still looking for a new one. Just and heads up still getting an error to enter for date of birth.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Sarah! It should be fixed now. Mind letting me know if you could enter? I'd love for you to get it!! xoxo
Annette says
Chronic back pain sufferer here. I went through a couple of heating pads and keep forgetting to pick up another one. My massage therapist was always fussing at me, because I had burn marks for pads. LOL They did go away, but it looked like a weird suntan.
I really like using an inexpensive TENS unit; it surprised me that it was as effective as the expensive machine that my chiropractor uses. And when it gets really bad I take Ibuprofen (which I use as a last resort).
JulieWunder says
Hi Annette! I have a friend that has one of those too and likes it! This one is great because of the great pad and turn off feature!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
Thees are really great suggestions! I am forever looking for non-medical ways to treat pain because I am breastfeeding!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Chelley! I bet these will help!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
I love this post! I don't like take any medication, so I always try the natural ways first,,,great tips!
JulieWunder says
That's great! These ways will help!
Neely Moldovan says
Heating pads, baths, and green smoothies are my go to. However I have really missed baths while pregnant!
JulieWunder says
I can only imagine! Those are one of my favs.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
That looks like a great big sized heating pad! I also like the epsom salts after a nice long run.
JulieWunder says
It is! LOVE the jumbo size!
Michelle @ Fruition Fitness says
Such great tips! It's really important to take care of ourselves and not just deal with pain. Great strategies to ease it!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Michelle! Hope these help!
maria @closeothome says
After my hysterectomy this fall I used a heating pad all the time My husband now uses it for some shoulder pain
JulieWunder says
It is the best! Thanks Maria!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Fantastic tips. I sweat by Epsom salt baths during marathon training, which be a pity if I try to train for another since we no longer have a bath! My husband has a massage chair, and the heat setting MUST be on!
JulieWunder says
Oh man! No bath! I don't know how I'd get by!!
Meme says
Love this!! I am obsessed with taking baths, but I bet that heating pad would be a dream for those pesky lower back pains 🙂
JulieWunder says
Oh yes! It helps so much! Thanks Meme!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
Such great ideas Julie! I suffer from back pain a lot and the heating pad and yoga work well. I need a nice bath and massage!
JulieWunder says
Oh yes! Give it a try!
Kerri McGrail says
Food is the number one way that I combat pain! So many great anti inflammatory foods out there! All the veggies, turmeric, ginger, and garlic for me!
JulieWunder says
Isn't food amazing!!! All such great tips!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Heating pads are amazing!! I haven't had a really nice bath in forever because my tub in Brooklyn wasn't suited for them. Hopefully my new place in Austin will have a good tub!
JulieWunder says
They are amazing! Hope you get an awesome bath in Austin! Going to check your instagram now to see how you did in the race!!!
Andrea on Vacation says
Massages are always the best- for pain, stress relief, and tired muscles. I love them! Yoga is super helpful but I haven't been doing that as much as I should these days. Right now I have toe pain because I ran into something and broke my 4th toe. ugh
JulieWunder says
Oh good grief! That sounds super painful!! UGH! Hope it heels quickly!
Susan Mary Malone says
Great ideas! As I've gotten older, the arthritis has reared up. And I refuse pain meds. I've found that the foods and herbals you mentioned really work! That, and Classical Stretch. Has made all the difference.
JulieWunder says
That's so wonderful to hear! I'm so glad you've been able to get by without the meds. Thanks for stopping by today.
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
I turn to my heating pad for all sorts of aches and pain. This one from Sunbeam looks pretty amazing!
JulieWunder says
Yes! So much better than they used to be!
Ilka says
I never tried a heating pad so far! I always try to turn to natural ways to relieve pain!
JulieWunder says
Ohhh you'd really like it! Such a great way to sooth aches without meds.
GiGi Eats says
I really want a HOT bath and then to wrap myself in that heated blanket .... Mmmmm! Sounds like what I might do this evening, hahaha!
JulieWunder says
Now that's a good night!! Thanks Gigi 🙂
Liz says
What a great post! I seriously have the worst back pain so I am going to need to look into this heating pad- sounds like a dream come true! I too love a great bath however the drought in CA has really dampered those lol!
JulieWunder says
Hi Liz! I'm sure it would help! AND... it doesn't waste the water!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
That's great that yoga has helped back pain so much. I can definitely see why. You need to move when you have back pain, it seems counter intuitive but it works.
JulieWunder says
It does! Isn't it crazy how it help! Thanks so much, Jen!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I've got my feet on the heating pad as we speak! As my feet are the one body part that really trouble me, I start every morning warming up my feet. I think it really helps loosen them up.
JulieWunder says
Ohh! What a good idea! Do you think it helps with you PF?
Annmarie says
Heating pads are my jam! I am also in the process of putting a soaker tub in my bathroom...going to be putting that to good use to ease my aches 🙂
JulieWunder says
Ohhhh! What an awesome addition. I have a jetted tub and ADORE it!
Anita Anderson says
I love all of your tips especially the hot bath. I love to soak in the tub with Epsom salt, essential oils and just sit and relax.
JulieWunder says
That really is the best! Thanks Anita.
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
My lower back has been sore since yesterday AM's workout. Those deadlifts did me in! I was just thinking how nice a heating pad would feel on my lower back!
JulieWunder says
Ohhh isn't it the best! Thanks so much Kayla!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I love taking hot Epsom salt bath after a long run. Something I really look forward to. I even have a jacuzzi tub....score! I like that heating pad. While I was reading about that I thought well that is a really nice one and surely doesn't look like the one I use. and then you said how they have come a long way. It is definitely the older style, a basic white square. Maybe I will update that soon.