Home » Pain Management » Support Supplements for Pain Management

Support Supplements for Pain Management

By Kamau Kokayi, MD

A variety of supplements have been found effective in our integrative approach to pain management. Oftentimes inflammation is seen as a primary component in the origins of chronic pain. Effective natural anti-inflammatory supplements address inflammation with fewer of the common side effects of conventional pharmaceutical remedies. Our list of recommended supplements for pain management includes some combinations long used in Chinese medicine, while others are derived from Ayurvedic, European, Native American or other global practices. Increasingly validated by clinical and evidence-based studies, many are plant-based remedies used for millennia, and contain botanical active compounds at standardized therapeutic values.

At Patients Medical we draw on this vast cross-cultural, time-honored compendium, exclusively selecting only rigorously certified products using independent quality-control assays to verify dosage and purity. The following is a representative selection of the supplements we recommend for pain management at Patients Medical.

AR-Encap

A combination supplement used to promote joint health and pain relief, AR-Encap contains 5 major active ingredients: glucosamine sulphate, a useful disease-modifying/delaying agent for degenerative joint conditions; methylsufonylmethane (MSM), an organic sulfur-containing compound with natural anti-inflammatory properties which occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables, and grains; turmeric (Curcuma longa root extract) for its detoxification and anti-inflammatory properties; Boswellia serrata (frankincense) from the Ayurvedic tradition, used to relieve muscle pain and reduce inflammation; and devil's claw root extract (Harpagophytrum procumbens),recognized for its anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Chase Wind Penetrate Bone (Zhui Feng Tou Gu Wan)

This Chinese herbal medicine comprising 22 synergistic ingredients is used to address both acute and chronic joint pain, stiffness, and swelling by improving energy (qi) circulation and addressing the influences affecting qi in the body.

Castor Oil Packs

The application of castor oil packs involves saturating a piece of wool or soft cotton flannel in pure castor oil, then positioning it on the body along together with a protective liner sheet and a source of gentle heat for 20–30 minutes. Castor oil packs are used to enhance the body's lymphatic circulation and natural detoxification abilities, relieve pain, and reduce swelling. One of the main constituents of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory substance used to relieve pain and inflammation in lung cancer patients, pelvic inflammatory disease, and on skin graft donation sites.

Drynaria 12

This traditional Chinese formulation features the rhizome of the tropical fern Drynaria fortunei, which is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and contains naringin from which naringenin is derived, a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immuno-modulator properties. The name for Drynaria in Mandarin is Gu Sui Bu, translated as "herb that tonifies damaged bones." The combination formula is used in Chinese medicine for its analgesic qualities and to support bone repair and joint health.

Inflavonoid/Inflavonoid Intensive Care

Combining the anti-inflammatory benefits of Boswellia (frankincense) gum extract, turmeric (Cucurma longa rhizome extract), and ginger rhizome extract, with the free radical-scavenging activities of the antioxidants quercetin and lemon bioflavonoids, these combination supplements have been formulated to promote healthy eicosanoid synthesis and connective tissue regeneration, for relief of acute or chronic muscle and joint pain.

Inflamma-bLOX

This proprietary formulation contains three major ingredients to support the reduction of inflammation in injuries, inflammatory bowel conditions, prostatitis, and chronic inflammation. The active components include the ancient medicinal spice turmeric, or curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties; skullkap root, long valued in Chinese medicine for its antioxidant properties and for modulating the immune response by inhibiting prostaglandins, making it useful for treating allergies and inflammation; and bee propolis, which contains flavonoids, particularly caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-enhancing properties.

Kaprex/Kaprex AI

This unique anti-inflammatory supplement contains selective kinase response modulators (SKRMs) in the form of a patented THIAA acid complex derived from hops (Humulus lupulus L.), in combination with oleanolic acid derived from olive leaf extract (Olea europaea), rosemary leaf extract (Rosmarinus officinalis), and other natural ingredients, to provide relief from chronic or acute joint pain without the damaging side effects to the GI system common to conventional pain medications.

NorLOX

This formuation supports healthy brain function and mood regulation through calming abnormal immune activation. It combines the anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellia serrata extract; mitochondrial and neuron support with acetyl-L-carnitine HCl; and healthy serotonin production through Griffonia simplicifolia extract (5-HTP).

Traumeel Gel

This soothing gel features a combination of 14 standardized homeopathic constituents that work to provide relief of muscular pain, joint pain, bruising, and swelling in sports-related injuries, while promoting healing of microdamaged tissues. A pilot clinical trial demonstrated efficacy in helping to control post-operative pain with this formulation.

Begin Your Journey to Wellness with Patients Medical

The effects of chronic pain can range from simple annoyance to debilitating and life-changing. Regardless of where you might find yourself on this spectrum of pain, the practitioners at Patients Medical offer a broad range of pain management therapies derived from modern and ancient traditions in the healing arts. Our integrative approach tackles your pain problem holistically, addressing the mind-body-spirit components of pain to help you manage your pain and live a full, satisfying life.

Begin Your Healing with Patients Medical

request your personal pain management consultation

First name:

Last name:

Postal code:

Phone number:

E-mail address:

Comments or questions:

1. Complete Form

Complete this simple form so that we can contact you to learn how Patients Medical can help you on your health and wellness journey.

2. Meet and Partner With Your Physician

Spend quality time partnering with a highly-trained integrative Patients Medical physician who specializes in the holistic management of pain. You and your physician will engage in a detailed consultation, physician examination, and diagnostic testing.

3. Follow-Up Consultation

At a follow-up visit, meet with your Patients Medical physician to discuss your test results and learn of your customized pain management plan developed specifically for you. Your physician will evaluate your progress during each follow-up visit, modifying the plan to help you attain maximum health.

Security and protection of your personal health information is important to Patients Medical. We do not rent or sell your information to anyone. By clicking the submit button, you agree to be contacted by telephone and email and to receive our health newsletter. Opting out of our newsletter is quick and easy should you decide later that is not relevant to you.

Support Supplements for Pain Management—Citations and Further Reading

Date of Publication: 09/05/2005

Article Last Updated: 11/17/2011