2. Chronic PainChronic Pain  Chronic pain is caused by nervous system pain triggers that are consistent.  Normal acute pain sends signals and stops when the cause of pain is no longer present  Chronic pain persists for days, weeks, months and sometimes years.  Chronic pain can be caused by an old injury but is also common in those that haven’t had a previous injury.

3. Types of Chronic PainTypes of Chronic Pain  Chronic pain can come in many different forms and is most common is older adults although it can present itself in younger adults.  The most common forms of chronic pain are headaches, low back pain, cancer pain, arthritis pain, and neurogenic pain.  Most people that are subject to chronic pain endure just one condition, there are some that can experience two diagnosis.  “Such conditions can include chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial cystitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and vulvodynia” (NINDS Chronic Pain Information Page, n.d.).

4. Treatments for Chronic Pain  Treatments for chronic pain are still not very present in the health community, although there are a few.  Medications, Acupuncture, Brain and Electrical Stimulation, and in some serious cases, surgery.  Some believe that yoga has helped with chronic pain and others believe that yoga just helps to strengthen the mind so the patient has an easier time handling the chronic pain.

5. Herbs & Supplements Over the past few years, alternative therapies for health and healing are becoming more common in the health industry. These include, massage, yoga, acupuncture, supplements and herbs. I’m going to focus on different herbs and how they have helped to bring healing to those suffering from chronic pain.

6. Herbs for HealingHerbs for Healing  Herbs can bring healing and health for those that suffer from chronic pain.  Some herbs that help with that include:  White Willow Bark  Cat’s Claw  Devil’s Claw  Ginger  Turmeric

7. Herbs for Healing cont.Herbs for Healing cont.  Although these herbs have not been proved to completely heal someone, they have shown to help with chronic pain and those that suffer for long periods of time.  It’s important to inform your doctor if you begin to try one of these herbs and know if they will interact negatively with medications that you may already be on.

8. Summary  Chronic pain is a condition that is becoming more known and recognized in the medical community.  There are limited treatments for those that suffer from Chronic pain.  In addition to mainstream medication, there are herbs and supplements that assist with those the suffer from Chronic Pain.  Use of herbs has been shown to be effective and healthier than artificial medication.

9. References  NINDS Chronic Pain Information Page. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2016, from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chronic_pain/ch ronic_pain.htm http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chronic_pain/ch ronic_pain.htm  Chronic Pain Alternative Treatments: Chiropractic, Herbs, and More. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/pain- management/guide/different-treatments-chronic- pain?page=2http://www.webmd.com/pain- management/guide/different-treatments-chronic- pain?page=2