4 Alternative Treatments For Pain Management

If you have chronic pain, chances are that you are always on the lookout for an effective treatment that will not burn a hole in your pocket. It is not surprising that the popularity of conventional medicines is starting to wane. Whether it is because they prove ineffective or are too expensive or because patients do not want to be dependent on drugs for the rest of their lives, a growing number of people are gradually moving towards the more holistic complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for pain relief. Once derided by doctors, today CAM is standard at many clinics and hospitals. It includes a vast range of treatment options including yoga, supplements for inflammation and pain, massage and different types of therapy.

Below is a list of some of the most common CAM for pain management:

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that originated in China. It has been in use for thousands of years for the treatment of a variety of ailments including chronic pain. It involves puncturing various “acupuncture points” in the body with needles that are as thin as human hair. Acupuncture helps restore and stimulate the energy force of the body which is known as Chi. This allows your body to experience a free flow of energy, ultimately relieving the pain.

2. Supplements

There are various herbal supplements for inflammation and pain that are proven to reduce and alleviate the symptoms. Chronic pain is characterized by many conditions and there are supplements to combat a lot of them. For example, white willow bark is beneficial for joint pain that is associated with rheumatoid arthritis. However, you must ensue that you do proper research before taking supplements as they may interfere with any prescription medicine that you might be taking.

3. Yoga

Yoga is a mind-body technique that originated in India. It is a meditative practice that includes the movement of the body in different postures and positions accompanied by breathing exercises. It helps reduce discomfort in people suffering from back or shoulder pain. It also leads to reduced stress levels and improved body flexibility and fitness.

4. Biofeedback

This is a technique that teaches the patient how to consciously affect physiological activities such as hear rate and blood pressure. It involves placing sensors on the patient’s body to read the physiological data digitally in real time. When a patient becomes aware of these functions and how they are related to pain, he or she is able to adjust them in accordance with the symptoms.

There is a spectrum of alternative medicines and treatments for various diseases. Therefore, it is important that you consult your doctor to find out the best option for you. Analyze the risks and benefits associated with them so that you are able to receive the best results.

Author’s bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about alternative treatment for pain.