Usually, when people experience pain through normal issues such as headaches, they seek relief from over the counter, OTC pain relief drugs.
However, for chronic pain, it may not very advisable to take OTC drugs since the pain will persist for extended periods. In this case, a more potent solution to the symptoms of pain is required, before the underlying issue is completely addressed.
Having an underlying condition that causes chronic pain does not mean a lifetime condemnation to the incessant pain.
Fortunately, patients with chronic pain can now comfortably manage their symptoms by use of kratom, an extract from a plant, Mitragyna Speciosa that dates its origin to the South East Asian countries. This article looks at the different mechanisms through which kratom can help manage chronic pain.
Dopamine Modulation
Kratom is often used for chronic pain
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering the ‘happy’ moments in the brain. The more the activation of this neurotransmitter, the happier you become. When you are happy, chances are high that you will forget your symptoms, something that brings about better management of chronic pain. Stimulant products like coffee or tea use the same mechanism. Lots of substantial evidence from testimonies by different users show that kratom triggers the release of more dopamine in the brain, thereby contributing to increased feelings of happiness, thus reduced reception to chronic pain.
Calcium Channel Blocking
Calcium channels are protein complexes attached to the membranes of different body cells including nerves. These channels control the flow of calcium ions in and out of the cells thereby regulating different body functions, including pain reception by nerves in the affected body parts. It therefore implies that if such channels were blocked, physiological process such as the reception of pain would also reduce, over time. This is where the analgesic characteristic of kratom comes in handy. Substantial evidence shows that kratom blocks calcium channels thereby lowering the signaling of pain by nerves in the affected areas.
Opioid Receptors
Similar to other opioids, the analgesic ability of kratom to chronic pain comes about after the alkaloids in kratom, Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, bind to the mu-opioid receptors of the brain. By activation of the mu-receptors, which are responsible for pain signaling in the body, patients of chronic pain are relieved of their symptoms. Scientifically, this is the known mechanism through which, not just kratom, but also other opioids, rely on to offer pain relief to patients of chronic pain.
Reuptake Inhibition of Depressants
Serotonin and norepinephrine are the two neurotransmitters responsible for different physiological process like digestion and functions like mood regulation and the reception of pain by nerves. When these neurotransmitters are over activated, people experience debilitating pain and their moods generally decreases. To avert such undesired functions, alkaloids in kratom inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, thereby providing an extra layer of pain relief to patients of chronic pain. This same mechanism is relied upon by antidepressants such as OTC pain relief pills.
Adrenergic Receptor Activation
Just like stimulants and other antidepressants, alkaloids contained in kratom bind to adrenergic receptors of the brain. These receptors work by suppressing pain signals, thereby providing relief to patients of chronic pain.
Through inhibition of reuptake of depressants, adrenergic receptor activation, dopamine modulation, calcium channels blocking and opioid receptors changes, the analgesic characteristic of kratom is unmatched. Kratom is relied upon for mood elevation, stress management and is sometimes sought after for increased circulation of blood and nutrients. Due to its fewer and less severe side effects, kratom provides a safer alternative to other commercial opioids in that it does not lead to over dependency. However, just like any other medication or supplements, it comes with its fair share of limitations.
A High dosage of kratom may lead to sedation, something that might work against if you are seeking to elevate your mood especially at work. In higher than the recommended dosage, some patients of chronic pain may also develop over dependence. The major limitation associated with kratom is finding the right strain of the extract since potency and safety may vary from one batch to another.
This goes on to show just how critical a doctor’s intervention is to the usage of the plant. By referring to your health history, your physician can determine whether the extract is safe for your health and what dosage can work for your symptoms. Be sure to adhere to the prescribed dosage for effective pain management. Most importantly, be sure to purchase from licensed kratom dealers only.