Alternative & Complementary Therapy
Vitamin D: A Champion of Pain Relief
By: Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD, Pain Treatment Topics, June 2008.
Download PDF: http://pain-topics.org/pdf/
Chronic pain – often involving muscles, bones, and joints – is a common problem leading patients to seek medical care. Overcoming these problems may be as simple, safe, and inexpensive as an extra dose of vitamin D each day.
This 6-page brochure explains in easy-to-understand language what vitamin D is and how it works. In also describes how inadequate vitamin D intake may play a role in aches and pains, as well as the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for relieving these symptoms.
Pain Control — How to Use Imagery
From: National Cancer Institute; January 2008; 2 pages.
Available in HTML online at: http://www.cancer.gov/
Imagery can be a useful technique to achieve more effective pain management. Complementary therapies can be added to pharmacotherapy and oftentimes reduce the medication dosage needed to adequately manage pain. This report is part of an NCI booklet on cancer pain management and includes instructions in the use of imagery and breathing exercises to achieve relaxation. Access checked November 6, 2008.
Copies of the complete booklet, entitled 'Pain Control: Support for People With Cancer', is available at no charge from NCI and may be ordered by telephoning 800-422-6237. Access checked November 5, 2008.
Meditation for Health Purposes
From: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); reviewed 2007; 6 pages.
Website PDF available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/
Also available online at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/
Studies have shown that meditation can promote pain relief and reduce other symptoms that can aggravate pain, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Several types of meditation, including the main elements of all meditative practices, are discussed. A brief look at the theories on how meditation affects the body and the specific topics of recent NCCAM scientific studies are included. Access checked November 3, 2008.
From: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); revised 2007; 6 pages.
PDF available here for download: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/
Also available online at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/
The selection of a complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner can be confusing and intimidating. This fact sheet offers some key considerations for the patient who is interested in finding and selecting an appropriate CAM therapist. Guidance for the patient regarding the kinds of questions to ask during the initial visit are included. Access checked January 12, 2009.
From: National Pain Foundation; revised 2009; 3 pages.
See HTML article online at: http://www.
Psychological therapy can be an integral component in the treatment of chronic pain in children. This article explains that pain is a physical and psychological experience so it can be beneficial to evaluate the child's feelings related to the pain. Feelings of frustration, anger, and anxiety can exacerbate chronic pain and compound the challenges of treatment. This summary of the role psychology can play in a child's pain is one part of the NPF's section entitled "Children and Pain"; see also two focused sections (left-hand column) on psychology in headaches and complex regional pain syndrome. Access checked May 16, 2009.
From: National Pain Foundation; revised 2009; 5 pages.
See HTML article online at: http://www.
The use of complementary therapy continues to increase in patients experiencing chronic pain. A complementary approach is frequently used in combination with pharmacotherapy to enhance pain relief while reducing the overall consumption of drugs. This article provides a basic description of 11 different types of complementary therapy and would be a helpful handout for a patient who is interested in learning more about complementary treatment options. In addition to recommendations on choosing a practitioner, the article explains the rationale behind using the following types of therapy: acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic manipulation, guided imagery, herbal medicine, hypnosis, naturopathic medicine, relaxation techniques, and yoga. Access checked May 16, 2009.
From: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); revised December 2004; 8 pages.
Website PDF available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/
Also available online at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/
This data sheet from NCCAM provides an overview of acupuncture, including a brief history and a statement about the growth of the practice in the United States. Evidence of the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture is explained and theories on why it can be effective for pain management are proposed. Tips for finding a licensed practitioner and a glossary of terms used in the practice are included. Access checked November 6, 2008.
What You Should Know About Herbal and Dietary Supplement Use and Anesthesia
From: American Society of Anesthesiologists; 2003; 2 pages.
Website PDF available at: http://www.asahq.org/
Based on the fact that nearly one third of surgical patients use at least one herbal supplement regularly, the American Society of Anesthesiologists created a brochure to communicate the message that failure to disclose such information before surgery can be have dangerous consequences. Oftentimes, patients unknowingly consider herbs and supplements as natural and, therefore, safe. While the brochure provides specific data on the potential side effects or interactions for 15 supplements, patients are also urged to inform surgeons and anesthesiologists of any vitamin, nutritional supplement, or herbal medicine use before surgery. Access checked November 6, 2008.
From: StopPain.org, Beth Israel University Hospital; undated; 15-minute audio with slides
Play audio-visual exercise at: http://www.healingchronicpain.
Relaxation exercises have been shown to reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. This audio-visual program uses visualization and breathing as the basis for relaxation and offers basic instruction for patients who are new to this type of relaxation exercise. The visualization component offers options for three different slide formats: sky, water, and trees. The slides change continually as the speaker gently instructs the user on techniques for focusing on mental images that soothe and comfort and, therefore, relax and aid the release of physical discomforts. This is a useful tool that is instructive and one that can be used repeatedly. Access checked November 6, 2008.
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