
Finding the best pain relief therapy means creating a custom plan for your specific pain, lifestyle, and goals. If you're one of the 50 million Americans with chronic pain, you're right to look beyond medication-only approaches.
The opioid crisis, which has claimed over 70,000 lives in a single year, has pushed healthcare toward safer, holistic strategies. This means addressing the whole person, not just the symptoms. Pain can be acute (short-term), subacute (1-3 months), or chronic (3+ months), and understanding your type is the first step to relief.
Research shows that non-opioid therapies are often as effective as opioids without the risks. Today's options range from physical therapy and chiropractic care to innovative treatments like red light therapy and cryotherapy.
I'm Gannon Ward, a chiropractor with over 16 years of experience. At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness in Lehi, we combine evidence-based therapies to address the root causes of pain and improve your overall wellness.

Relevant articles related to Best pain relief therapy:
The type of pain you have determines the most effective treatment. A proper diagnosis is the first step toward finding the right solution.
Acute pain is your body's immediate alarm system, signaling a specific injury like a sprain or burn. It's sharp and sudden, typically fading as the body heals. Treatment focuses on immediate relief and supporting recovery.
Subacute pain lasts from one to three months. The initial injury may be healing, but the pain persists. This is a critical window where the right treatment can prevent a long-term problem.
Chronic pain persists for three months or longer and affects 50 million Americans. It can stem from conditions like arthritis or linger after an injury has healed. The focus shifts from healing to managing pain and improving quality of life.
Pain also has different sources:
Nociceptive pain results from tissue damage, such as a strained muscle or inflammation. It's often described as aching, throbbing, or sharp.
Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves are damaged or malfunctioning, causing burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. Sciatica and diabetic neuropathy are common examples.
Understanding your specific pain type is essential because treatment strategies differ dramatically. While acute pain may respond to rest and ice, chronic pain often requires a multi-modal approach. A professional diagnosis is the foundation for an effective treatment plan.
Non-opioid medications can be very effective for pain relief, especially when used under professional guidance. For many common pain types, they work as well as opioids without the significant risks.
Understanding Your Medication Choices
Common non-opioid pain relievers include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and COX-2 inhibitors. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) are best for pain involving inflammation, like sprains or arthritis, but long-term use can affect the stomach and kidneys. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is gentler on the stomach but doesn't reduce inflammation, and overuse can harm the liver. COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., celecoxib) are prescription NSAIDs designed to be easier on the stomach, but they still carry risks, including potential heart and kidney issues.
| Medication Type | Benefits | Risks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) | Reduce pain and inflammation by blocking COX enzymes. Effective for mild to moderate pain. | Can cause stomach pain, bleeding, ulcers, and kidney problems with long-term or high-dose use. Risks increase with age. | Mild to moderate pain with swelling, such as arthritis, muscle sprains, strains, back and neck injuries, menstrual cramps. |
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Generally safer than NSAIDs for stomach and kidneys. Reduces pain. | Liver damage if taken in excessive doses or with alcohol. Doesn't reduce inflammation at the site of injury. | Mild to moderate pain from skin injury, headaches, muscle/bone conditions, osteoarthritis, back pain. |
| COX-2 Inhibitors (e.g., Celecoxib) | Specifically block COX-2 enzyme, potentially reducing stomach side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs. | Can still cause headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and may increase risk of heart attack or stroke. | Arthritis and pain from muscle sprains, strains, back and neck injuries, or menstrual cramps, especially for those at risk of gastrointestinal issues with traditional NSAIDs. |
Beyond the Basics: Other Helpful Medications
Certain antidepressants (like SNRIs) can be powerful pain relievers for chronic nerve pain by changing how the brain processes pain signals. Similarly, anti-seizure medications (like gabapentin) are effective for conditions like fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy by calming overactive nerves.
The best pain relief therapy from a medication standpoint is highly individual. Your biology, pain cause, and medical history all matter. Partner with your healthcare team to weigh the benefits and risks, starting with the safest options. For more information, review these medication decisions from Mayo Clinic. Medication is just one tool in a comprehensive pain management plan.
Note: Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.
The landscape of pain management has evolved beyond the pill bottle. The best pain relief therapy is a holistic, non-pharmacologic approach that combines multiple treatments to address the root causes of pain. This integrated strategy, which puts you at the center of your healing, is what we practice at Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness.

The CDC's recommendations for nonopioid therapies highlight that active patient participation in integrated plans delivers the best outcomes. This means building a personalized toolkit of therapies that work with your body's natural healing abilities.
Movement is crucial for healing. These therapies restore your body's natural patterns, strength, and balance.
Your brain has tremendous power over how you experience pain. These techniques help you regain control and calm your nervous system.
Your daily choices have a powerful impact on your pain levels.
While natural remedies offer hope, they require careful navigation. The FDA doesn't regulate all supplements, so quality and effectiveness can vary. It is essential to discuss any new supplement with your healthcare provider, as they can interact with medications or affect health conditions. For unbiased information, consider using the NCCIH HerbList App for supplement research.
Here are some promising options:
Topical remedies can also provide targeted relief:
Natural does not automatically mean safe. Work with a healthcare professional who understands your complete health picture to guide you through your options.
Finding the best pain relief therapy is a collaborative process. Lasting relief comes from a partnership between you and your healthcare team, working toward goals that matter to you.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness in Lehi, Utah, we work with you to create a personalized plan. This shared decision-making process starts with listening to your experiences and setting meaningful goals, whether that's hiking with family or sleeping through the night.
We conduct a thorough review of your medical history and physical limitations to ensure all therapies are safe and effective. The real magic happens when we integrate multiple therapies into your plan. A multimodal approach, combining treatments like chiropractic adjustments, red light therapy, massage, and mind-body techniques, delivers the best results by addressing pain from multiple angles.
This comprehensive strategy tackles not just symptoms, but the underlying causes and lifestyle factors contributing to your pain. Our unique model at Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness provides access to these innovative therapies under one roof, coordinated for your specific needs.
Ready to build your personalized strategy? Learn more about our approach to Pain Management Lehi Utah.
You should seek professional advice if your pain is severe, doesn't improve after about a week of self-care, or is getting worse. It's also crucial to get help if you experience any "red flag" symptoms, such as:
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new treatments, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking medication.
Yes, but you must get your surgeon's approval first. Your surgical team needs to know everything you are taking or doing to avoid interference with healing or prescribed medications. Once you have approval, therapies like acupuncture or TENS may be helpful. Open communication with your medical team is key to finding safe options.
Navigating the options can feel overwhelming. Here's a practical approach to finding the best pain relief therapy for you:
You don't have to accept a life limited by pain. The best pain relief therapy is a personalized combination of treatments addressing your unique pain, lifestyle, and goals. It involves understanding your pain type, using conventional and holistic therapies, and making supportive lifestyle choices.
Lasting relief comes when you become an active participant in your healing journey. This means asking questions, communicating with your healthcare team, and committing to changes that support your recovery.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness in Lehi, we make this process easier by bringing multiple evidence-based therapies under one roof. From chiropractic and massage to red light therapy and lifestyle guidance, we help you build a comprehensive plan that works.
You deserve a healthcare team that sees you as a whole person and provides safer, more effective paths to pain relief. If you're ready to take the next step, we're here to help.
Find our integrated massage and physical therapy services to build your personalized pain relief plan. Your path to a more comfortable, active life starts now.

Finding the best pain relief therapy means creating a custom plan for your specific pain, lifestyle, and goals. If you're one of the 50 million Americans with chronic pain, you're right to look beyond medication-only approaches.
The opioid crisis, which has claimed over 70,000 lives in a single year, has pushed healthcare toward safer, holistic strategies. This means addressing the whole person, not just the symptoms. Pain can be acute (short-term), subacute (1-3 months), or chronic (3+ months), and understanding your type is the first step to relief.
Research shows that non-opioid therapies are often as effective as opioids without the risks. Today's options range from physical therapy and chiropractic care to innovative treatments like red light therapy and cryotherapy.
I'm Gannon Ward, a chiropractor with over 16 years of experience. At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness in Lehi, we combine evidence-based therapies to address the root causes of pain and improve your overall wellness.

Relevant articles related to Best pain relief therapy:
The type of pain you have determines the most effective treatment. A proper diagnosis is the first step toward finding the right solution.
Acute pain is your body's immediate alarm system, signaling a specific injury like a sprain or burn. It's sharp and sudden, typically fading as the body heals. Treatment focuses on immediate relief and supporting recovery.
Subacute pain lasts from one to three months. The initial injury may be healing, but the pain persists. This is a critical window where the right treatment can prevent a long-term problem.
Chronic pain persists for three months or longer and affects 50 million Americans. It can stem from conditions like arthritis or linger after an injury has healed. The focus shifts from healing to managing pain and improving quality of life.
Pain also has different sources:
Nociceptive pain results from tissue damage, such as a strained muscle or inflammation. It's often described as aching, throbbing, or sharp.
Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves are damaged or malfunctioning, causing burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. Sciatica and diabetic neuropathy are common examples.
Understanding your specific pain type is essential because treatment strategies differ dramatically. While acute pain may respond to rest and ice, chronic pain often requires a multi-modal approach. A professional diagnosis is the foundation for an effective treatment plan.
Non-opioid medications can be very effective for pain relief, especially when used under professional guidance. For many common pain types, they work as well as opioids without the significant risks.
Understanding Your Medication Choices
Common non-opioid pain relievers include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and COX-2 inhibitors. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) are best for pain involving inflammation, like sprains or arthritis, but long-term use can affect the stomach and kidneys. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is gentler on the stomach but doesn't reduce inflammation, and overuse can harm the liver. COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., celecoxib) are prescription NSAIDs designed to be easier on the stomach, but they still carry risks, including potential heart and kidney issues.
| Medication Type | Benefits | Risks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) | Reduce pain and inflammation by blocking COX enzymes. Effective for mild to moderate pain. | Can cause stomach pain, bleeding, ulcers, and kidney problems with long-term or high-dose use. Risks increase with age. | Mild to moderate pain with swelling, such as arthritis, muscle sprains, strains, back and neck injuries, menstrual cramps. |
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Generally safer than NSAIDs for stomach and kidneys. Reduces pain. | Liver damage if taken in excessive doses or with alcohol. Doesn't reduce inflammation at the site of injury. | Mild to moderate pain from skin injury, headaches, muscle/bone conditions, osteoarthritis, back pain. |
| COX-2 Inhibitors (e.g., Celecoxib) | Specifically block COX-2 enzyme, potentially reducing stomach side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs. | Can still cause headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and may increase risk of heart attack or stroke. | Arthritis and pain from muscle sprains, strains, back and neck injuries, or menstrual cramps, especially for those at risk of gastrointestinal issues with traditional NSAIDs. |
Beyond the Basics: Other Helpful Medications
Certain antidepressants (like SNRIs) can be powerful pain relievers for chronic nerve pain by changing how the brain processes pain signals. Similarly, anti-seizure medications (like gabapentin) are effective for conditions like fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy by calming overactive nerves.
The best pain relief therapy from a medication standpoint is highly individual. Your biology, pain cause, and medical history all matter. Partner with your healthcare team to weigh the benefits and risks, starting with the safest options. For more information, review these medication decisions from Mayo Clinic. Medication is just one tool in a comprehensive pain management plan.
Note: Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.
The landscape of pain management has evolved beyond the pill bottle. The best pain relief therapy is a holistic, non-pharmacologic approach that combines multiple treatments to address the root causes of pain. This integrated strategy, which puts you at the center of your healing, is what we practice at Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness.

The CDC's recommendations for nonopioid therapies highlight that active patient participation in integrated plans delivers the best outcomes. This means building a personalized toolkit of therapies that work with your body's natural healing abilities.
Movement is crucial for healing. These therapies restore your body's natural patterns, strength, and balance.
Your brain has tremendous power over how you experience pain. These techniques help you regain control and calm your nervous system.
Your daily choices have a powerful impact on your pain levels.
While natural remedies offer hope, they require careful navigation. The FDA doesn't regulate all supplements, so quality and effectiveness can vary. It is essential to discuss any new supplement with your healthcare provider, as they can interact with medications or affect health conditions. For unbiased information, consider using the NCCIH HerbList App for supplement research.
Here are some promising options:
Topical remedies can also provide targeted relief:
Natural does not automatically mean safe. Work with a healthcare professional who understands your complete health picture to guide you through your options.
Finding the best pain relief therapy is a collaborative process. Lasting relief comes from a partnership between you and your healthcare team, working toward goals that matter to you.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness in Lehi, Utah, we work with you to create a personalized plan. This shared decision-making process starts with listening to your experiences and setting meaningful goals, whether that's hiking with family or sleeping through the night.
We conduct a thorough review of your medical history and physical limitations to ensure all therapies are safe and effective. The real magic happens when we integrate multiple therapies into your plan. A multimodal approach, combining treatments like chiropractic adjustments, red light therapy, massage, and mind-body techniques, delivers the best results by addressing pain from multiple angles.
This comprehensive strategy tackles not just symptoms, but the underlying causes and lifestyle factors contributing to your pain. Our unique model at Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness provides access to these innovative therapies under one roof, coordinated for your specific needs.
Ready to build your personalized strategy? Learn more about our approach to Pain Management Lehi Utah.
You should seek professional advice if your pain is severe, doesn't improve after about a week of self-care, or is getting worse. It's also crucial to get help if you experience any "red flag" symptoms, such as:
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new treatments, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking medication.
Yes, but you must get your surgeon's approval first. Your surgical team needs to know everything you are taking or doing to avoid interference with healing or prescribed medications. Once you have approval, therapies like acupuncture or TENS may be helpful. Open communication with your medical team is key to finding safe options.
Navigating the options can feel overwhelming. Here's a practical approach to finding the best pain relief therapy for you:
You don't have to accept a life limited by pain. The best pain relief therapy is a personalized combination of treatments addressing your unique pain, lifestyle, and goals. It involves understanding your pain type, using conventional and holistic therapies, and making supportive lifestyle choices.
Lasting relief comes when you become an active participant in your healing journey. This means asking questions, communicating with your healthcare team, and committing to changes that support your recovery.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness in Lehi, we make this process easier by bringing multiple evidence-based therapies under one roof. From chiropractic and massage to red light therapy and lifestyle guidance, we help you build a comprehensive plan that works.
You deserve a healthcare team that sees you as a whole person and provides safer, more effective paths to pain relief. If you're ready to take the next step, we're here to help.
Find our integrated massage and physical therapy services to build your personalized pain relief plan. Your path to a more comfortable, active life starts now.

