Can CAM’s Help Me?
Many people use some form of complimentary medicine every day to treat pain. Stepping into a quiet room to reduce stress relieves pain. Taking a hot bath relaxes muscles and joints, and helps relieve pain. Breathing deeply slows the body’s fight or flight response, reducing pain. The question is, how do you know what else will work for you. And, is it enough to relieve your pain in lieu of traditional treatments?
Trial and error is the best way to determine what helps you deal with your pain. Ask friends, support group peers or your doctor to recommend somewhere to start. If you are taking pain medications or undergoing regular treatments, it is best to talk to your doctor before changing your routine. Consider trying CAM’s one at a time for a certain period of time. This way, you can see how you respond to a specific treatment on good days, bad days and everything in between.
Can CAM’s Hurt Me?
Unfortunately, yes. While treatments like massage and yoga are generally side-effect free, you should make sure your practitioner is fully licensed or certified before undergoing any type of treatment. Certain yoga postures can actually aggravate painful conditions, and improper massage techniques can cause pain, swelling and even tissue injury.
Also, it is important that you discuss any new dietary supplements with your doctor before taking them. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and therefore are available in a variety of potencies and combinations. Find out how much you should be taking before you begin. Most supplements are natural; however, they can cause unpleasant side effects and may interact negatively with other prescription medications, alcohol or sun.
While complimentary and alternative treatments for chronic pain are more accepted in today’s medical environment, they should still be researched and discussed with an expert to ensure they do not make matters worse. With proper consideration and care, CAM’s can provide safe and effective pain relief for almost anyone.
Sources:
Dunham, Will. “Many Americans Turning to Unconventional Medicine.” Reuters. 12/10/2008.
Shi, Qiuling et al. “People In Pain: How Do They Seek Relief?” The Journal Of Pain. 8:8 August 2007. p624-636.
Using Complementary Therapy to Relieve Pain. National Pain Foundation. Accessed December 22, 2008. http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/News_Complementary.asp
Treatment Options: A Guide for People Living with Pain. American Pain Foundation. Accessed December 22, 2008. http://www.painfoundation.org/Publications/TreatmentOptions2006.pdf
The Use of Magnets for Pain. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Accessed December 22, 2008. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/magnet/
