We Don’t Have to Ignore the Pain: Dr. Paul Stallone highlights alternative therapies that can help all types of pain.

Pain management is not limited to narcotics or over-the-counter pain relievers and pain pills are a short-term answer to a long-term problem. Ignoring pain may seem like an option, but chronic pain can lead to behavioral changes like depression and irritability. Many people might feel like these are the only options available; however, there are numerous therapies that help address pain and even eliminate it. Alternative pain management can help all types of chronic pain, which is not limited to Grandpa's sore knees; it can also affect a senior in high school suffering from migraines. Each patient will require an individualized approach, but that will only help the patient achieve a pain-free life.

Some pain will need to be evaluated to establish the cause, while other patients can start treatment fairly quickly. The migraine sufferer would benefit greatly from lab work to determine if the condition is being caused from a hormonal imbalance or even a food sensitivity. Treatment with a confirmed diagnosis is more likely to result in full recovery.  

Different types of joint pain do not necessarily need a cause established. Just knowing there was an injury is enough, although some patients should obtain some kind of imagery to establish the extent of the damage. Most cases of joint pain are caused by an injury that has not healed completely. To address this and eliminate the pain, the joint needs to repair itself. That is why joint injections have such a high success rate.

Prolozone, prolotherapy and regenerative joint therapy are injections of specific natural substances, nutrients and ozone into the joint capsules. This may create an intentional, but temporary inflammation. The body increases blood flow to this joint which contains the building blocks for the body to heal itself. Nutrients that are selected for that specific patient will help facilitate this healing process, as well. These therapies have helped thousands of patients avoid joint replacement surgery.

Another joint therapy involves using the patient's own biological matter to help repair and rebuild supportive tissue. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) utilizes the patient's own growth factors from their blood. This in-office treatment requires a small collection of blood from the patient which is prepared so that just the plasma can be injected into the compromised joint. Patients often report significant improvement after just one treatment.

Stem cell therapy offers chronic pain sufferers the ability to use specialized stem cells. These cells are extremely important, as they have the unique capability of transforming into other cells, like cartilage. Stem cells have been used for decades for advanced healing because they can replicate bone, organ or muscle cells that have sustained damage. Injecting these powerful cells directly into a joint is one of the most potent therapies available for joint regeneration.

Many types of pain will respond to a tailored supplement approach. Anything from bowel pain/discomfort to back spasms can be addressed with professional-strength supplements that have been customized for that individual. With thousands of brands available, patients may be likely to purchase nutrients from questionable sellers online or take doses that are too weak or too strong. Many people end up taking supplements that are a waste of time and money because they have no guidance from a knowledgeable physician. Supplements can be very powerful and can change a person's life, but only if taken properly.

Any chronic pain sufferer should consult a naturopathic physician on the many therapies and nutrients to eliminate their pain. Some people may fear a long-term commitment in order for their pain to be permanently eliminated, but most patients experience a considerable reduction in their pain within the first month of treatment; some even sooner. Scheduling a consultation could provide information that changes a patient's life.

Paul Stallone, NMD, founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located at 8144 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 820, in Scottsdale. Dr. Stallone combines natural/alternative/conventional treatments to best fit and benefit each individual patient’s needs. For more information visit DrStallone.com or phone at 480-214-3922.