Pain Management for Autoimmune Diseases

Managing an autoimmune disease that may be causing chronic or severe pain is often a 
challenging undertaking. From basic resources like over the counter (OTC) medications 
or workout routines to advanced medical and surgical procedures, there are plenty of 
resources that could make real difference. The right pain-management strategy can 
help to improve both comfort and quality of life. 
 
 
1. Over-the-Counter Medications  
 
While there are many natural ways to help manage your autoimmune disease pain, it is 
worth nothing that there are some medications to help. You should always talk to your 
doctor about these options, even if you are trying to add more natural remedies to your 
pain management plan.

Pain killers that can be purchased without a prescription can often be an important 
resource for those who are struggling to manage the frequent pain and long-term 
discomfort caused by autoimmune diseases and other medical conditions. Most of 
these medications fall into a category known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 
(NSAID) and are generally known to produce little to no side effects. 

Although typically safe for general use, those who are interested in incorporating 
NSAIDs and other OTC medications into their pain-management strategy should first 
consult a doctor. Finding the best medications, fine-tuning the dosage and ensuring that 
OTC drugs are being taken safely are never concerns that should go overlooked. 

Speaking with a doctor before taking an OTC medication can be especially important for 
patients who suffer from drug allergies and those who may be taking other medications 
which cannot be safely combined.  
 
 
Prescription Drugs  
 
While OTC drugs like NSAIDs can often be very effective at reducing pain to a more 
manageable level, there are several autoimmune diseases which may call for stronger 
medications. Prescription-strength drugs are typically far more powerful than OTC 
medications, but these drugs require the approval of a doctor. 

There are many different categories of prescription-strength pain killers as well as other 
classes of drugs that may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms 
and general discomfort. 

Many prescription pain management medications can be habit forming, especially when 
taken regularly, and patients would be wise to work closely with their doctor or 
healthcare provider to ensure all drugs are taken safely and effectively. 
 
 
2. Diet and Nutrition  
 
Medication alone is not the only way for patients to manage their symptoms. Making 
dietary changes and learning how to create healthy eating habits can go a long way 
towards improving comfort. 

Diets that promote increased intake of fruits, vegetables and those that minimize dairy, 
red meat and processed foods that could create problems for those suffering from an 
autoimmune disorder can be a very effective tool for managing pain. 

Speaking with a doctor or consulting with a nutritionist or other healthcare provider 
regarding any dietary changes that may be of benefit can allow patients to learn a great 
deal. 

You may also want to try some specific diet plans for a short period of time, record your 
symptoms, and see if you noticed any changes. Some of these diet plans include:

Autoimmune protocol (AIP) 
Gluten-free 
Low FODMAP
 
 
3. Exercise and Fitness  
 
You may think that because of your autoimmune disease, you won’t get a lot of 
exercise, but the opposite is actually true. Staying fit and active is another way that 
sufferers may be able to minimize flare-ups and ensure that their other efforts to 
manage and reduce pain are able to be as effective as possible. 

Regular exercise can help to alleviate the inflammation which causes pain and the right 
workout routine can even allow suffers to train their body's natural pain response in 
order to further minimize discomfort. 

Yoga, swimming and other low-impact workout options can often be ideally suited to 
those who have medical conditions which may limit range of motion or leave sufferers 
unable to engage in certain types of activities. 

You of course should always listen to your body and not overdo it. If you are having a 
day with a lot of pain and fatigue, take it easy. But focus more on physical activity when 
you are having a good day. 
 
4. New Habits and Lifestyle Changes  
 
While proper diet and regular exercise are both essential to good health, there are other 
lifestyle changes that could have a positive impact on symptoms and comfort levels. 
Good sleeping habits can go a long way towards improving comfort, boosting energy 
levels and ensuring that efforts to reduce pain and manage symptoms are met with 
greater success. 

Even making an effort to drink more water can be of potential benefit, especially for 
conditions and medical issues which may be complicated by inadequate hydration. 
Finding ways to reduce and manage stress levels in order to promote greater relaxation 
can also be helpful. 
 
 
5. Alternative Treatments  
 
There are numerous care providers who may be able to offer a range of services to 
assist those who suffer from an autoimmune disorder. Chiropractic care can often make 
a real difference for those who suffer from arthritis or related conditions and treatment 
options like acupuncture could greatly improve the level of comfort that sufferers will be 
able to enjoy. 

While there are no treatments, alternative or otherwise, that can cure autoimmune 
disorders, regular visits to a masseuse or herbal remedies could end up being valuable 
tools for those who are seeking to create and implement a more effective pain-
management strategy. 
 
 
6. Combining Multiple Resources  
 
Pain management is an ongoing effort that may require patients to seek out and utilize 
many different resources. Finding the right combination of treatment options and 
lifestyle changes can help to amplify the effectiveness of all efforts and ensure that 
those who suffer from severe or chronic pain are able to enjoy a greater measure of 
relief. 

A NSAID regiment combined with dietary improvements could prove to be far more 
effective than either resource would be on their own. 

Patients and those who suffer from severe pain who come to rely too heavily on a single 
resource or a narrow range of options for improving their level of comfort could end up 
missing out on quite a lot. 


 
 
7. Formulating the Right Pain Management Strategy  
 
Every patient has different needs and medications and treatment options that may be of 
benefit for some autoimmune disorders may do little to alleviate the pain and discomfort 
of others. 

Formulating a pain-management strategy that has been tailored to specific needs of 
each patient should be looked upon as an ongoing effort, one that may need to draw 
upon a wide range of resources, options and treatment efforts in order to produce 
results. A little experimentation is often a critical component and patients should be 
prepared to fine-tune their efforts over time. 

From seeking out the care and treatment options of the right doctor or medical 
professional to the simple lifestyle changes that may be needed in order to improve 
comfort and make flare-ups and symptoms more easy to manage, creating and 
implementing the right strategy is always a concern which should be given top priority.

