Are You Addicted To Pain?
How do you know if you are addicted to pain? Is pain real? Does one person’s pain differ from another? An estimated one hundred million Americans suffer from chronic pain. When pain is persistent, even daily activities like driving a car, sitting at a desk, or going to the supermarket can become daunting—or even impossible—tasks.
Are You Addicted To Pain?
The most common solution, prescribed painkillers, can have devastating consequences that vary from dependency to addiction, from increased pain to overdose.
Is Pain Really Your Friend?
In this scene from G. I. Jane, starring Demi Moore, Master Chief Urgayle explains the benefits of pain in this memorable scene.
Master Chief John Urgayle: Pain is your friend, your ally, it will tell you when you are seriously injured, it will keep you awake and angry, and remind you to finish the job and get the hell home. But you know the best thing about pain?
Lt. Jordan O’Neil: Don’t know!
Master Chief John Urgayle: It lets you know you’re not dead yet!
The Benefits Of A Sinus Cleanse
Neti pots, which look like small tea pots, have become a popular alternative to pharmaceuticals for treating congested sinuses due to the common cold, flu, allergies, etc., as well as to alleviate the dryness of nasal passages after exposure to high temperature, dry, indoor air.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, the most important item needed for a nasal cleanse is high quality, clean water. “Tap water that is not filtered, treated, or processed in specific ways is not safe for use as a nasal rinse. Some tap water contains low levels of organisms, such as bacteria and protozoa, including amoebas, which may be safe to swallow because stomach acid kills them. But these “bugs” can stay alive in nasal passages and cause potentially serious infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”
Saline Rinse Recipe:
Recipe For Nasal Cleanse from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
Ingredients
1. Pickling or canning salt-containing no iodide, anti-caking agents or preservatives (these can be irritating to the nasal lining)
2. Baking soda
3. 8 ounces (1 cup) of lukewarm distilled or boiled water
In a clean container, mix 3 heaping teaspoons of iodide-free salt with 1 rounded teaspoon of baking soda and store in a small airtight container. Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 8 ounces (1 cup) of lukewarm distilled or boiled water.
Use less dry ingredients to make a weaker solution if burning or stinging is experienced. For children, use a half-teaspoon with 4 ounces of water.
Using a soft rubber ear bulb syringe, infant nasal bulb or a commercial nasal saline rinse product from your drug store, use the rinse by following these steps:
Saline sinus rinses can bring relief to patients with chronic sinus or rhinitis problems without the use of medication.
1. Draw up saline into the bulb. Tilt your head downward over a sink (or in the shower) and rotate to the left. Squeeze approximately 4 ounces of solution gently into the right (top) nostril. Breathe normally through your mouth. In a few seconds the solution should come out through your left nostril. Rotate your head and repeat the process on the left side.
2. Adjust your head position as needed so the solution does not go down the back of your throat or into your ears.
3. Blow your nose very gently to prevent the solution from going into your ear and causing discomfort.
4. After using the rinse, you may continue using your prescribed nasal medications as normal. You may notice that they work better.
Do not use sinus rinses if your nasal passageway is severely blocked. As with any medical product, be sure to speak to your doctor about using sinus rinses and stop using if you experience pain, nosebleeds or other problems.
An allergist / immunologist has specialized training and experience to accurately diagnose your condition and provide a treatment plan to help you feel better.
Listen To The Interview
In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host June Stoyer talks to Dr. Mel Pohl author of The Pain Antidote, The Proven Program to Help You Stop Suffering from Chronic Pain, Avoid Addiction to Painkillers—and Reclaim Your Life. The book guides chronic pain sufferers on a step-by-step journey to leading a healthier and more vibrant life. Mel Pohl, MD, is a board-certified family physician who specializes in treating chronic pain and co-occurring addiction. He is the medical director of the Las Vegas Recovery Center. To listen to the interview, press play on the video