Chronic Pain Products for People on a Budget
I’ve been getting frustrated with articles about chronic pain products and services. Often it’s the same 5 products for $200 each or services that are only offered in LA. I’m sure it’s not as intentional as it seems to be this inaccessible to people with smaller budgets.
I tend to run on the motto “if you can’t find what you want, create it”. So this list is chronic pain products I love as a midwestern person on a budget.
Background on my pain
Over the last few years my unexplainable chronic back pain keeps elevating to new heights. This year I reached a peak that took me out for months. 4 different disc in my low back had “significant” bulges pressing up on my spinal cord. I have been in pain everyday of this year so far.
Everyone that cares for me has been offering up advice and suggestions on products. Honestly, shifting through all these suggestions plus what the internet suggests has been like finding a needle in a haystack. But I have found some things that works for me.
Pain relief (external)
Comfytemp large gel filled ice pack ($14) : I have 2 so one can always be frozen. Ice helps with inflammation and the large ones wrap around my back.
Heating pad ( $20) : My heating pad is old and the brand has rubbed off but here are some shopping tips. I like the ones that plug in because they automatically shut off after 30 mins. I tend to fall asleep on it so this function prevents me from being burned.
Arnicare gel ($6): This is a a drug store brand of topical pain relief. I like it best because it has no scent and light weight. Arnica the plant is known for having pain relief properties.
Pain relief ( internal)
Gabapentin is a prescription drug I have for the nerve pain. I don’t think it would be fair not to mention that before talking about other things I take.
Bayer back and body 500 mg ($16): I have the larger bottle at the higher price. This one otc pain reliever doesn’t hurt my stomach like others do.
Trillium Moon Reiki mushroom elixir 2 oz ($20): specifically I take Chaga for the anti-inflammatory properties of the mushroom. I also take her Reishi and Lion’s mane elixir in my coffee in morning.
Vitamin C ($5) I can’t explain why this helps, it just feels like it does.
Comfort Items
Cane : when cane shopping I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to make sure it is comfortable in your hand. My first cane was borrowed from a friend. I also found out through the same friend that anyone can borrow mobility devices from the local VFW at no cost.
Travel cane ($18): travel canes can fold up and fit into a bag. This safety net is a necessity when you never know when your back might give out.
Expansion Wellness Seat cushions ($25) I bought a 2 pack of memory foam tailbone supportive seat cushions. I have one in the house and one in the car. It makes sitting for more than 10 minutes a less painful/ irritating experience.
None of the above mentioned were the magic bullet to cure my chronic pain. These products along side stretching, exercises and other practical practices relieved some of my pain without breaking the bank. Pain relief should be easier to access.
Community care
It feel irresponsible to talk about relieving chronic pain without talking about the systems that encourage pain.
People without financial security are the largest demographic in pain. Without universal healthcare small problems become chronic. Without paid time off, they can’t rest when hurt/sick. Without housing security, they can’t sleep in a way that supports natural healing in the body. If we had more community care in our country, maybe we would need less products.
We have to change the systems that create more pain than healing. In the meantime, these products can help keep us going. If you have anymore suggestions for chronic pain relief let me know in the comments below.