Chronic pain: Expert says turmeric may be 'worth a try'
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Chronic pain can greatly diminish quality of life, particularly if you have a condition that is incurable. Fibromyalgia is one such condition that can undermine quality of life. Fortunately, there are proven ways to alleviate chronic pain without getting to the root of the problem.
Speaking to Eamonn and Ruth on ITV’s This Morning, Dr Katy suggested supplementing with turmeric.
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow colour.
The Indian spice has been linked to a host of health benefits, which includes pain relief
Dr Katy explained: “Turmeric has been suggested in having an anti-inflammatory effect.”
She advised taking the spice with black pepper to make it more absorbable.
Dr Katy said: “Nutrition should underpin everything we do to lead a healthy life and reduce pain.”
While there are certain dietary items to avoid, turmeric is “worth giving it a go,” she said.
Bolstering the association, turmeric has been shown to alleviate arthritis pain.
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Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) were conducted to evaluate the strength of the research into turmeric as a reliable treatment.
Researchers performed literature searches on 12 electronic databases to draw a consistent conclusion.
In conclusion, the randomised clinical trials analysed provided scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of turmeric extract in the treatment of arthritis, the researchers wrote.
Other ways to alleviate chronic pain
The old-fashioned treatment for persistent pain, also known as chronic pain, was bed rest for weeks or months on end.
This advice has now been shown to actually make chronic pain worse.
As the NHS explains, exercise and continuing to work are key to recovery.
Lying in bed for long periods may make the pain last longer because inactivity makes you stiffen up and your muscles and bones get weaker, warns the health body.
What’s more, you don’t sleep well, you become lonely and depressed, and the pain feels worse, it says.
Different types of exercise offer specific benefits for combating chronic pain.
Good options include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Using an exercise bike
- Dancing, yoga or pilates
- Most daily activities and hobbies.
“Activity and stretching needs to become part of your lifestyle so you routinely do exercise a little and often,” adds the NHS.
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