Alternative Pain Treatments
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-09-14 16:38:00-04:00
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.
Additional Related Links
Faith Healing?
Massage--Much Ado About Touching
Pain Busters
The Tao of Pain
Complimentary and Alternative Medicines
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