According to statistics, pain affects more people in the U.S. than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. It is estimated that 50 million American adults suffer from chronic pain according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unfortunately, unbridled suffering has led to an opioid epidemic in the country that has resulted in the staggering misuse of these drugs and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths.

Dr. Gregory Smith M.D., a leading pain expert, tells Newsmax that “while the legitimate use of opioids to treat pain in some patients is justified, the opioid crisis shows that conventional physicians are at a loss on how to treat these patients and are not aware or trained in effective alternatives for chronic pain.”

Here are 5 common painful conditions and natural ways to reduce the discomfort:

Shingles. One in three people will get shingles at some point in their lives especially if they have had chicken pox. Even a slight breeze touching the painful, blistered skin can be excruciating. Dr. Emmanuel Nazario-Irizarry, a board-certified internist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Texas, says that while there is no cure for shingles, the “non-live” vaccine called Shingrix helps reduce the probability for developing shingles and lowers the risk of complications. And if you do get shingles, head to your doctor within three days to get antiviral medication which may shorten the duration and severity of the rash.

Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a well-recognized disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum M.D., author of The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution, says that his S.H.I.N.E. protocol has helped 91% of his patients suffering from the condition. This involves addressing adequate sleep, hormonal support, inflammation and infection, nutritional support, and exercise. For more information, visit his website.

Kidney stones. Dr. Joshua Stern M.D., of the Kidney Stone Clinic at Montefiore Health System, says that kidney stones lodged in the urinary tract can cause “sudden and intense pain starting in the back, belly, or side” of the body. These stones are hard masses most commonly made of calcium and oxalate — a chemical found naturally in foods. Older adults are more susceptible because they are prone to dehydration. Drinking more fluids and eating foods with less sodium and calcium can reduce your chances of developing kidney stones.

Migraines. These headaches can be debilitating for over 3 million Americans. During a migraine attack, neurons are activated leading to throbbing pain. Dr. Alexander Mauskop, a leading neurologist, and the director of the New York Headache Center, says “you can use essential oils and other forms of therapy to reduce the pain without resorting to medications with potentially serious side effects.” His recommendations are using lavender and peppermint oil in tandem to reduce pain. Place a drop or two on a cotton ball and inhale. 

Frozen shoulder. This common condition that strikes mostly women aged 46-60 is often mistaken for arthritis. If left untreated, however, it can lead to a painful, progressive tightening of the joint. Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, D.O., says that that a technique called Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy (PEMF) is highly effective in treating frozen shoulder. “By putting electromagnetic pulse in the body, the cells can repair faster, reducing the inflammation and pain,” says the best-selling author of The Power of Self-Healing.  Stretching the shoulder joint by walking your hands up a wall is also helpful.