Alternative Pain Treatment Directory

By: Cindy Perlin, LCSW Many people have been using vitamin C supplements for decades to boost immunity during cold and flu season or to treat viral infections. High doses of vitamin C have been used intravenously by many holistic healthcare practitioners to treat chronic and life-threatening diseases. Did you know it is also helpful for treating pain? Vitamin C and Pain   An excellent review of the research on vitamin C and the treatment of pain  was published in 2017 in the  Journal of Translational Medicine . Interestingly, the authors report that various stressors on the body, including having a viral illness, trauma, surgery or cancer, can deplete the body’s vitamin C levels and result in the development of, or increases in, pain. They report that lower serum concentrations of vitamin C are found in those with many pain conditions compared with healthy controls. These include those with neck and back pain, arthritis, CRPS, postherpetic neuralgia (pain after a shingl...

Minimize image Edit image Delete image In this season of giving, people living with chronic pain may feel that they have nothing to give. Pain, whether physical or emotional, can feel all-consuming, isolating, and overwhelming. When you’re in the throes of chronic discomfort, the last thing you might think about is stepping outside your world to help someone else. Yet, science and lived experiences increasingly reveal a surprising truth: helping others can ease your own pain. This phenomenon is rooted in psychology, neurology, and the power of human connection. Let’s explore how lending a hand, offering support, or even sharing a smile can create a ripple effect of relief and healing. The Science Behind Helping and Healing Activating the Brain’s Reward System Acts of kindness and generosity stimulate the brain’s reward system. Neuroimaging studies show that helping others activates areas of the brain associated with pleasure, social bonding, and trust. This release of “feel-good...