According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 24.3% of U.S. adults experienced chronic pain in 2023, and 8.5% of U.S. adults dealt with high-impact chronic pain that limited their daily or work activities.
For a long time, opioid use has been the go-to way to treat pain. However, due to its adverse and addictive nature and high rate of misuse, occupational therapists and other public health professionals are starting to recommend other pain management methods.
Many people now turn to alternatives like CBD, herbal supplements, anti-inflammatory nutrients, physical therapy, and mindfulness techniques.
In this article, you'll learn more about how these non-opioid treatment options help with various types of severe pain, including acute pain conditions, knee pain, chronic lower back pain, subacute pain, and other conditions.
CBD: A Popular Pain Management Alternative to Opioids
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound obtained from the cannabis plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, inflammation, sleep, and pain. Unlike THC, CBD doesn't produce a high.
CBD works by targeting receptors linked to pain pathways, including TRPV-1, 5-HT-1A, and CB1 receptors. This helps the body manage chronic pain, osteoarthritis, neuropathic and nerve pain, acute inflammatory pain, and autoimmune-related discomfort.
Read our complete guide on CBD and pain relief to learn more about how to treat pain with CBD.
Research on CBD and pain
Several studies have shown that CBD can be an effective nonopioid treatment option for pain.
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Of 11 human clinical trials where CBD alone was used to treat pain, seven confirmed that CBD-derived products had pain-reducing effects and helped address osteoarthritis, chronic and neuropathic pain, bruxism, arthritis, and atopic dermatitis.
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In one 2021 study with 878 participants, 72% of them reduced or stopped using opioids, gabapentinoids, and benzodiazepines. Instead, they switched to CBD because it had fewer side effects, and it led to improvements in pain, sleep, memory, and overall health.
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In a 2022 study of 428 participants with arthritis, 83% reported improvements in pain after using CBD. 60.5% of them reduced or stopped other pain medications, including opioids and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen.
Supplements That Support Pain Management
Nutritional supplements are another promising alternative for pain relief and inflammation.
Supplements are products taken in addition to your regular diet to provide nutrients, compounds, or other substances that may support health. These can include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and products containing herbs or other natural ingredients.
Research on supplements and pain
Research shows that the following supplements have proven to be effective for managing pain, making them potentially great additions to your treatment plan.
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Glucosamine. A systematic review demonstrated that glucosamine can help reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis, but its effectiveness depends on what it’s combined with. Pairing it with omega-3 supplements or ibuprofen produced the best results.
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Omega‑3 fatty acids. Omega‑3s help improve pain and inflammation by calming the chemicals that cause joint swelling and damage. They also protect cartilage and support tissue repair, which can improve mobility over time. Eating omega‑3‑rich foods or taking supplements like fish oil or krill oil can reduce stiffness and joint pain.
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Curcumin (from turmeric). Curcumin can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis. In a review of 12 clinical studies involving over 700 participants, those who used curcumin experienced noticeable improvements in pain levels and physical function compared to those taking a placebo.
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Ginger. Ginger has also been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in people with osteoarthritis. Across three clinical studies involving 166 patients, those who took ginger reported better pain relief than those given a placebo.
Other supplements that are effective against chronic pain conditions include Capsaicin and Devil’s Claw.
Additional Methods and Techniques for Relieving Pain
So far, the pain management approaches we've covered are focused on one form of substance or another. While these are indeed effective, they aren't the only options.
Here are lifestyle-focused strategies and physical activities that can help manage pain and improve one's quality of life.
Physical activity and exercise
Exercise and movement-based therapies can help people with chronic pain. Studies show that regular exercise therapy significantly lessens pain in people dealing with conditions like chronic lower back pain, fibromyalgia, and knee osteoarthritis.
Common forms of helpful exercise include:
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Strength training
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Aerobic activity
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Flexibility exercises
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Therapeutic movement programs
Researchers believe that these exercises help by modifying how the nervous system processes pain, which, in turn, reduces inflammation and releases endorphins (natural pain-relieving chemicals).
Mind‑body practices
Evidence is still emerging, but people are also turning to yoga, tai chi, and similar practices to find relief from pain. The gentle movement, controlled breathing, and focused attention involved in these practices could help calm the nervous system and reduce the intensity of chronic pain.
These methods don't replace other established means of dealing with pain. Instead, people use them to complement their standard pain management approaches. For example, someone might practice yoga or Tai Chi several times a week while still taking supplements or consuming CBD.
Conclusion
No one should have to struggle through life with constant pain. Thankfully, there are various nonopioid medications and approaches that help people manage chronic pain, including CBD products, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
If you're ready to explore CBD products that bring pain relief, we recommend the following products:
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Pain PM: Contains CBD and other botanicals that soothe pain and improve sleep quality.
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Pain AM: With this product, you get solid pain relief without feeling drowsy, allowing you to stay alert during the day.
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The Pain Collection: Ideal for full-day coverage (both day and nighttime).
FAQs
Can different pain management alternatives to opioids be used together?
Yes, multimodal pain management usually produces better results than relying on one method. For example, combining CBD with anti-inflammatory supplements or pairing exercise with mindfulness practices can help you address chronic conditions from different angles.
What alternative treatments can be used to manage pain?
Research is ongoing to validate just how effective these are, but many people believe and claim that the following approaches have been useful in their pain management plans:
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Acupuncture. Inserting needles at specific points on the body can help relieve pain. It has been used to manage pain for thousands of years, with origins dating back over 2,000 to 3,000 years in ancient China.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy helps you understand how your thoughts and feelings influence the way you experience pain. It also teaches you ways to feel more confident moving and using your body without worrying that it will worsen the pain.
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Physical therapy. A physical therapist works with you on exercises that strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
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Occupational therapy. This approach helps you improve your ability to do daily tasks despite pain or physical limitations. For example, a therapist can teach you how to get dressed or cook safely. They can also suggest adjustments in your home or work environment to make these activities easier and less painful.
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. With this technique, low-level electrical signals are delivered through the skin to alter pain perception.
Is CBD safe for long-term pain management?
Current research suggests CBD is generally well-tolerated over the long-term. Most people only experience minimal side effects; however, everyone reacts differently, so speak with a healthcare provider before adding CBD to your treatment regimen.
Can CBD replace pain medication?
Yes, in many cases, CBD can be a good replacement for pain medication. Some people can switch completely to CBD while others use CBD to complement their existing treatment.
If you plan to switch to CBD, it's important to get medical guidance before taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medications.