Photo illustrations by Matt Mahurin
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Alternative Pain Treatments
By Elizabeth Enright, September & October 2004
New drugs are not the only hope for pain sufferers. Here is a quick look at some of the complementary treatments thought to be most effective
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Acupuncture
Fine needles are inserted just under the skin to balance the flow of energy.
Shown to be useful as an adjunct for the treatment of low-back pain,
musculoskeletal pain, arthritic pain, and cancer pain.
Hydrotherapy
Water is applied to a body part, or to the whole body, by shower, bath,
compress, or sauna. The idea is to ease stress and to rid the body of toxins
thought to be the cause of joint pain and inflammation, and to stimulate blood
circulation.
Several small studies report that regular use of hot whirlpool baths reduces
duration and severity of back pain when used with other conventional
treatments. Hydrotherapy is traditionally used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis and osteoarthritis, but scientific tests of its effectiveness are
inconclusive.
Massage therapy
The therapist applies pressure to the soft tissues of the patient's body
to reduce tension, improve circulation, and relieve pain. Massage may help
relieve arthritis pain, fibromyalgia, low-back pain, and the pain of muscle
strains. It has even been found helpful for migraine headaches.
Prolotherapy
An irritant solution such as dextrose is injected into soft tissues such as
ligaments or tendons. The solution produces a "proliferation" of
inflammation in the area, which advocates say promotes healing. Also called
nonsurgical ligament reconstruction.
Although clinical research on prolotherapy is limited, a few studies
reported in reliable medical journals have shown good results with back pain
and osteoarthritis. Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop is a
believer.
Tai chi
The patient performs sequences of slow movements coordinated with deep
breathing and mental focus. Preliminary evidence suggests that when practiced
regularly, tai chi increases muscle strength; decreases arthritic pain; and
improves cardiovascular health, coordination, and balance.
Yoga
Stretching and holding poses balances the mind, the body, and the spirit;
builds strength; and helps stabilize joints. There are several varieties of
yoga; Iyengar, Anusara, and Integral Yoga are widely believed to be the most
therapeutic for arthritic pain syndromes such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis.
A handful of clinical studies confirms the effectiveness of practicing yoga
in reducing pain.
For more information or to investigate another therapy,
call the National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine at 888-644-6226.
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