Painkillers vs Chocolate

This may prove to be a bit more rushed than I intended but its one in the morning and I’ve been distracted with writing and commenting on other issues. The result is that this may be a bit brief. In a sort of follow up to my last post I wanted to talk more about some of the alternatives to drugs that I use from time to time because I’m always on the look out for more. I’m thinking here about things like food or little practices that help alleviate pain rather than the herbal vs pharmaceutical debate.

Like a lot of people with chronic pain I find heat is frequently of help. It can get frustrating as a by and large prefer cooler temperatures but my joints like it hot. Heaven has become, more and more, a large tub of hot water, possibly involving jets.

My other great help is chocolate. Something, probably the dopamine, in chocolate has convinced my body that its an excellent solution to pain. Its reached the point that a chocolate craving has become one of my better indicators that my pain levels are on the rise.

Often these little boosts aren’t enough but its nice when I can do something other than turn to the pill bottle to manage my pain. I’m always on the lookout for other tricks and techniques that might help. Any day I can avoid drugs without having to endure more pain as the trade off is a big win in my book.