Can Peppermint Oil Help With Postoperative Pain?

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

In recent years, hospitals around the world have resorted to unconventional and novel methods to reduce the use of opioids by patients recovering from surgery. 

Some use “harp therapy” to help patients relax and forget about their postoperative pain while listening to live music played on a harp.  Others use virtual reality games to help distract patients.  And some German hospitals even played a recording of “positive suggestions” to surgery patients while they were under general anesthesia.

Aromatherapy may soon be added to the growing list of alternative treatments for postoperative pain. A small study in Iran suggests that aromatherapy with peppermint oil can reduce pain and improve sleep in patients recovering from surgery.    

Aromatherapy with concentrated extracts from plants – known as essential oils -- has been used for thousands of years to help reduce stress and treat infections. Peppermint essential oil is particularly useful because it has a pleasant smell, binds easily to nasal mucous, and enters the bloodstream quickly, where it promotes the release of endorphins that ease pain and improve mood.

Iranian researchers wanted to know if peppermint oil could also help patients recovering from open heart surgery, a major invasive procedure that requires breaking through the breastbone (sternum), as well as mechanical ventilation to help breathing. Patients waking up in intensive care following heart surgery often have high levels of pain, stress and difficulty sleeping.

“Among complementary medicine treatments, particular attention should be given to essential oils, which are both pleasant and inexpensive and can be quite useful,” wrote lead author Dr. Ismail Azizi-Fini, MD, Kashan University of Medical Sciences. “There is some clinical scientific evidence in favour of using aromatherapy with essential oils in various phases of preoperative and postoperative treatment.”

For the study, 59 adults undergoing cardiac surgery were randomly divided into two groups. One group received a diluted solution of essential peppermint oil for 30 minutes before their breathing tube was removed, and six times afterward through a nebulizer, a small machine that turns liquids into a mist than can be easily inhaled. The control group breathed a placebo mist of distilled water.  

After 2 days of treatment, the average on a zero-to10 pain score was 3.22 in the aromatherapy group and 4.56 in the control group, a statistically significant difference. Average sleep scores were also better in the aromatherapy group, which used fewer opioid analgesics (morphine and fentanyl) than the control group.  

“The results show that inhalation of peppermint essential oil can reduce the pain intensity of patients after open heart surgery and consequently reduce the use of pain relievers by patients,” researchers reported in the journal BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.

“Also, the use of this herbal product can improve the sleep quality of patients in the first nights after surgery and bring them more comfort. Considering the effect of peppermint essential oil inhalation on pain and sleep quality of patients after open-heart surgery, it can be concluded that this herbal product can be safely used as a complementary treatment in relieving pain and making patients comfortable after heart surgery.” 

It’s rare for a patient to become addicted or develop a dependence on opioids after surgery. One study finding that less than one percent of seniors were still taking opioids a year after major elective surgery.

A 2021 survey found that nearly 8 out of 10 U.S. adults believe opioids are sometimes necessary to manage postoperative pain. Most people are more worried about treating surgical pain than they are about becoming addicted.

9 Holistic Approaches to Relieve Joint Pain

By Nicole Noel, Guest Columnist

Whatever your ailment may be, holistic medicine has an answer.

A therapeutic method that dates back to early civilizations, holistic medicine takes into account the mind, body, emotions and spirit -- with the aim of helping patients achieve or restore proper balance in life and prevent or heal a range of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain. Holistic treatments offer a ray of hope for many patients suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and other conditions that cause joint pain.

Not all alternative medicine is created equal, and some natural healing methods will produce better and quicker results. If you want to treat arthritis and other joint aches with holistic treatments, here are a few natural pain relievers you can try.

1. Tai Chi

A low-impact activity that can increase range of motion and strengthen joints and surrounding muscle tissue, tai chi is an ancient physical and spiritual practice that can help arthritis patients soldier through their pain.

According to a 2013 study, tai chi can relieve pain, stiffness, and other side-effects of osteoarthritis. In addition to pain relief, tai chi can help improve range of motion and alleviate joint pain for people living with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Yoga

Another ancient technique which promotes natural healing, yoga is perfect for individuals suffering from lower back and joint pain. Gentle stretches and poses opening the joints can help prevent and alleviate chronic soreness in the shoulders, hips, and knees.

A form of yoga called mudras utilizes a series of hand gestures to increase energy, and improve mood and concentration.

3. Massage

An invigorating massage with warm essential oil can help many conditions, and joint pain is one of them.

By enhancing blood flow, relaxing the muscle tissue and soothing inflammation, a well-timed massage can ease joint stiffness and increase range of motion in individuals suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis.

4. Acupuncture

A 2013 review of medical studies has shown that acupuncture can help relieve musculoskeletal pain caused by fibromyalgia. By activating the body’s natural pain relief system and stimulating the nerves, muscles and connective tissue, acupuncture can relieve joint aches for people who are resistant to other holistic pain relief techniques.

A 2010 study found that acupuncture can also be a beneficial for peripheral joint osteoarthritis.

5. Diet Changes

An apple a day may or may not keep the doctor away, but a custom-tailored diet can help you with joint pain. Nutritional tweaks can begin with increased intake of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and Omega 3 fatty acids, which can reduce joint pain in arthritis and osteoporosis patients.

To ease joint problems, your pantry should be stocked with foods that promote healing and reduce inflammation, such as onions, carrots, and flaxseed. Herbs and spices such as turmeric (curcumin) and cayenne pepper can also help with pain relief.

6. Aromatherapy

If you think pain relief can’t smell good, you’re mistaken. Studies have shown that peppermint and eucalyptus oil can reduce swelling, pain and discomfort in patients with inflamed joints. For joint soreness and stiffness caused by arthritis, aromatherapy experts recommend regular application of myrrh, turmeric, orange, or frankincense oil to ease inflammation and pain, and to increase range of motion.

You can also combine aromatherapy with heat and cold treatments.  Be sure to keep the tender joints elevated during treatment to reduce swelling.

7. Spa Treatments

Few things can beat the appeal of a full-scale spa experience. If you’re suffering from knee, hip, shoulder or elbow pain and other holistic methods haven’t helped, try balneotherapy, which combines aqua massage with deep soaks in heated mineral water and medicinal mud baths.

One study found that balneotherapy significantly reduced knee and back pain in older adults.

8. Aquatic Sports

If you don’t want to immerse yourself in mud, you can supplement your holistic pain therapy with water aerobics, swimming, aqua jogging or aqua spinning. According to a 2014 study, water exercises can ease pain and improve joint function for osteoarthritis patients.

Additionally, a 2015 study found that aquatic circuit training can help relieve knee pain in cases of progressed osteoarthritis.

9. Capsaicin cream

Another natural treatment for joint pain and stiffness is homemade capsaicin cream, which can help reduce swelling and increase range of motion. To stay on the safe side, you should be careful when handling hot peppers when preparing the cream, and avoid using it on sensitive and damaged skin.

As our bodies age, joint pain can become a chronic. If you don’t want to take your chances with conventional pharmaceuticals, you can always turn to holistic medicine for answers and help. When musculoskeletal pain hits home, one or more of these holistic treatments can help.

Nicole Noel is a lifestyle blogger who is passionate about yoga and healthy living. She enjoys sharing her experiences and ideas on how to lead a happy and healthy life. If you want to read more from Nicole, you can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represent the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.

The 4 A’s That Can Help Relieve Chronic Pain

By Barby Ingle, Columnist  

I often hear from pain patients who say that they have tried everything to help lower or relieve their pain levels. Many times what they mean is that their healthcare provider did all they could, and they got minimal or no relief and gave up.

We must realize that providers don’t have all the answers, insurance doesn’t cover all the options that may help, and there are new treatments and therapies that may lower your pain. Many of these treatment modalities are not covered by insurance – so providers may not even offer them. Access to them is limited unless you know your options and create a plan to get them.

Many of these treatment modalities are not covered by insurance – so providers may not even offer them. Access to them is limited unless you know your options and create a plan to get them.

In my next few columns I’m going to focus on some of these treatments, starting with the 4 A’s: acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy and art therapy.  

Acupressure

When it comes to acupressure, you can go to a practitioner or you can learn to do the techniques on yourself at home for free. The practitioner works with your pressure points, which are known as meridians. Putting pressure on these meridian points can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. All can help lower pain levels.

They are also said to work on your body’s energy field, mind, emotions and spirit. A session with a practitioner lasts about an hour, but you can learn the techniques and do them on your own or with a caregiver.

During the session, you’ll usually lay on a flat comfortable massage table or bed. Some of the pressure points in your hands can be treated while sitting and watching a movie or TV show.

The pressure point that works best for me to calm my mind, improve memory, relieve stress, lower fatigue, and reduce my migraines and insomnia is known as the Third Eye Acupressure point.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a little more invasive than acupressure. Due to having a small nerve fiber disease, it is not the best option for me, but I know others who love it.

Acupuncture practitioners insert very small needles through your skin at acupuncture/meridian points. Some potential side effects can be temporary soreness, minor bleeding or bruising at the needle sites. If the needle is pushed in too deeply, it can damage muscles and organs. These are rare complication, but make sure you use an experienced practitioner.

Lower back pain is the number one reason people seek this form of treatment, and there are hundreds of clinical studies that show acupuncture can be beneficial for musculoskeletal issues like back and neck pain.

It can also help with nausea, migraines, depression, anxiety and insomnia, all challenges we can face as pain patients. There is promising evidence acupuncture helps with arthritis, spinal stenosis and inflammation.

Although relief is typically short-term for acupuncture and many other treatments, it can still give the patient back some quality of life.

Aromatherapy

Have you ever smelled something that took you back to a time and place when good things happened in your life? Like apple pie reminding you of July 4th celebrations as a child? Or pumpkin pie bringing back memories of Thanksgiving dinner? Or good times raking up the leaves in the yard?

Aromatherapy can help you get in a good mood for meditation. I use it for migraines and taking the edge off my pain levels. You can use essential oils that help with specific challenges you are facing. You just massage them into your skin or put a dab on your temples. I also use a scented light in my house to keep positive vibes flowing.

This type of therapy has been around for many years, but started to become popular in the 1980’s. Lotions, candles, oils and teas can fill your house with good smells and memories to take the edge off your pain levels. Some promote physical healing, emotional healing, relaxation, and calming properties.

When using a practitioner who combines massage with aromatherapy, the session lasts about an hour and usually involves essential oils. This way your skin absorbs the oils and you also breathe their aroma at the same time. Plus, you experience the physical therapy of the massage itself.

Evidence as to how aromatherapy works is not entirely clear. But it provides relief for many different conditions, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer pain, headaches, itching, insomnia, constipation, anxiety, and agitation. Studies have shown that chronic pain patients require fewer pain medications when they use aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy products can be inexpensive and are more attainable for low income and underinsured patients.

Art Therapy

There are many forms of art therapy, from music, dancing and writing to painting, sculpting and even just watching someone else perform. One of my favorites for dystonia is working on impossible puzzles.

Art therapy can enhance one’s mood, improve emotions, and reduce stress and depression. If we can get these challenges under control, then the stress hormones and chemicals they produce in our body that aggravate pain can be lessened.

Art therapy can also help heal emotional injuries. Think of it as a form of mindfulness where we develop our capacity for self-reflection, which can alter behavior and negative thinking patterns. These forms of expression can be done at home, while on a car ride, in a quiet place during a trip or even at a rock concert as you dance and sway to the beat of the music.

Like aromatherapy, music can help bring back positive memories and get our minds off pain. I believe music is the most accessible and productive art therapy for lowering pain levels.

These techniques may be strange to you, but remember to keep an open mind and realize that there is more you can do in between doctors’ appointments to make your days better and more purposeful.

Whether you choose any of these four treatment modalities or find another that is right for you, keep looking for those things in your life that you have control over and have access to. Find ways to make the most out of life despite the physical and mental pain you may be experiencing.

Barby Ingle lives with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), migralepsy and endometriosis. Barby is a chronic pain educator, patient advocate, and president of the International Pain Foundation. She is also a motivational speaker and best-selling author on pain topics. More information about Barby can be found at her website. 

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represents the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.