Alternative Therapies For Pain Management

by Robert F. Read My Articles, Learn More... The term “alternative therapy” sounds a bit like quack science on the surface, but it’s simply words used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that doesn’t fit into the category of Western or conventional medicine. Often alternative therapies are used in conjunction with conventional medicine. When this happens, these types of treatment are called complementary medicine.

Alternative therapy is a general term that covers a broad range of treatments such as guided imagery, chiropractic treatment, hypnosis, yoga, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, massage, biofeedback, acupuncture and relaxation techniques.

There are some conventional medicine physicians who are opposed to alternative therapies as a way of pain management, but there are many who realize that pain management requires a multidisciplinary treatment that can include both conventional and alternative therapies.

Some alternative therapies are questionable. There isn’t a lot of scientific proof that show whether acupuncture and some nutritional supplements, for example, are effective for treating pain. But other alternative therapies like massage, dietary approaches and some herbal therapies have been scientifically proven to be effective at the management of pain.

Here’s a look at a few different types of alternative therapies:

Massage and Chiropractic Treatment. These are the two most common non-surgical treatments for back pain with chiropractic treatment being the most common of the two. There are still differing views on the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments for the alleviation of back and neck pain. Some studies show improvements in those undergoing chiropractic manipulations, but more studies need to be completed for those who want foolproof scientific proof of the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulations for pain management.

Massage is commonly used by those who suffer chronic back or neck pain. There’s no denying that the strategic pressing of muscles increases and enhances blood flow which can aid in healing. Massage has also been proven to reduce stress and relieve tension which can make any pain experienced feel worse.

Acupuncture. This is the process of stimulating certain points of the body’s 14 major meridians with disposable, stainless steel needles. Acupuncture is based on the 16th century Chinese belief that illness in the body is caused by an imbalance of energy. Stimulating specific points of the body’s energy carrying channels can sometimes correct these imbalances and help a person overcome illnesses. The World Health Organization recognizes more than 30 diseases or conditions can be helped by acupuncture treatment. It’s generally used for pain relief.

The reason it’s used for pain relief is that it’s though that the needles decrease pain by increases the release of endorphins, the chemicals that block pain. This is because many of the acu points are near nerves which when stimulated send a message to the central nervous system to release endorphins. The endorphins block the message of pain from being sent to the brain. It can be effective for treating myofascial pain, low back pain, headache, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.

Therapeutic touch, also known as reiki healing, is an energy-based technique that doesn’t require actual physical contact between the practitioner and the patient. Close physical proximity is still required. The goal of reiki healing is to activate the self healing process which is meant to help reduce the experience of pain.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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