Pain can affect people in different ways. It can feel sharp or dull or like a prick, tingle, sting, burn, or ache. You may feel it in one area of your body or all over. Pain can be short-lived or go on for months or years.
Pain that lasts longer than three months is called chronic pain. Chronic pain can affect all aspects of daily life, including your mood, sleep, work, and relationships. And millions of Americans experience it.
Finding what works best to ease your chronic pain is a process. Treatments may include pain medications, medical procedures, devices, and physical therapy. Some people use complementary health options alongside conventional care. These may include acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or tai chi.
But what’s available doesn’t always work for everyone. Sometimes, treatments may not get rid of pain, but they can still reduce pain and help people function better. Some pain medications have unwanted side effects. Others may lead to addiction.
Researchers are continuing to explore new ways to treat chronic pain. They’re looking for safer medications and more targeted therapies.
Complementary Health Options
Scientists are also looking beyond medicines for managing pain. Research has shown that certain complementary health approaches reduce pain for some people. These include acupuncture, massage therapy, tai chi, and others.
A recent study showed that nearly 1 out of every 2 people use complementary approaches for pain. Researchers are studying several complementary approaches for different types of pain.
Acupuncture is one example. It uses thin needles that are inserted through the skin into specific points on the body. The practice has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. One condition that acupuncture is being studied for as a form of pain relief is angina. Angina is a type of chest pain brought on by physical exertion or mental or emotional stress.
Researchers are looking at other complementary approaches to reduce pain caused by cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can damage nerves in the hands and feet. This leads to pain, numbness, tingling, loss of balance, and falls. Studies have shown that tai chi can improve balance and help lower the risk of falls. Tai chi involves slow, gentle movements and controlled breathing.
Pain often needs to be treated with a range of strategies because it affects the body in so many ways. At NIH’s chronic pain clinic, patients are evaluated and treated by a team of specialists. “When patients come to the clinic, they’re seen by the entire team, including neurologists, nutritionists, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, and rehabilitation medicine specialists,” says NIH’s Dr. Miroslav Bačkonja, an expert on pain treatment. “Our approach to assessing and treating chronic pain is to take a whole-person perspective.”
Complementary health options are part of this whole-person approach. For example, Bačkonja explains, “A patient might see a recreational therapist and get recommendations to learn tai chi or dancing to improve their symptoms and function.” People with chronic pain may see a nutritionist to discuss changes to their diet or herbal options, in addition to other specialists on the team.
“We know there’s more to chronic pain than a single disease, joint, or incident,” he adds. Researchers are continuing to look for new options to help manage pain. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, talk with your doctor about treatment options. The options will differ depending on what’s causing the pain.
â– Ask Your Doctor
Pain Treatments Beyond Medication
Many non-medication approaches can improve pain and function without serious risks. Options may include:
• Exercise such as aerobic, aquatic, or resistance exercises
• Physical therapy
• Mind-body practices such as tai chi
• Weight loss
• Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction
• Low-level laser therapy
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Spinal manipulation
Source: NIH News in Health
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu
K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.