Aches and pains throughout the body is a frustration that most people go through at some point in their lives. Injury, stress, pinched nerves or disease can all bring acute or chronic pain, and as we get older these problems tend to increase. Finding the proper method of pain relief is important for health and wellbeing. Whether it’s back pain or joint pain, migraines or headaches, or a host of other bodily pains, without the right attention to pain relief our lives can take a turn for the worse.

The most effective way to keep the body in good health is to maintain top physical condition. Vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients can help prevent and relieve many types of aches and pains. Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapple that reduces swelling, promotes blood circulation, speeds recovery and relieves pain. White willow bark and ginger are herbs that act on prostaglandins, compounds that cause inflammation and pain.

One of the most common sources of pain that many people deal with is joint and cartilage pain. Wear and tear on the joints can cause stiffness and pain, and the erosion of the protective cartilage around joints can lead to arthritis, osteoarthritis and the debilitating inflammation of surrounding tissues associated with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder. Glucosamine has had success in treating arthritis pain, and also builds cartilage. Niacinamide can also help with arthritis, particularly in the knees.

Antioxidants are nutrients that have a central function in combating cell damage. Antioxidants can be found in sources like vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc. Essential fatty acids like fish oils and evening primrose oil can decrease inflammation.

Back pain, together with joint pain, is perhaps the most common area that requires pain relief. Many factors can lead to back pain, such as poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, injury and other factors. Addressing these issues is possible with vitamins C and D, calcium, magnesium and manganese, nutrients that strengthen bones and cartilage and help with the pain. Glucosamine is a substance that builds the tissue that supports spinal disks, and flaxseed oil, an omega-3 fatty acid, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with back pain.

Tension, vascular, or migraine related headaches can severely restrict a person’s ability to focus and function properly. Eye strain, jaw alignment, weather changes, sinusitis, stress, hormonal fluctuations, head injury, sleeplessness, and food sensitivity can all cause intense migraines which can severely hinder a person’s ability to focus and function properly. Maintaining a proper level of calcium and magnesium, along with vitamins C and B can significantly reduce headaches and migraines. The frequency and severity of migraines can be controlled with 5-HTP, a building block of the neurotransmitter serotonin, low levels of which can cause migraine headaches.