Due to the opioid epidemic, medical professionals are searching for alternative means of treating pain without turning to opioids. Some techniques include medication and surgery combined together in order to provide effective pain relief without encouraging dependency and dependence.
Alternative treatments such as relaxation techniques, guided imagery and biofeedback may help alter how we think and respond to pain. When combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), they may help alter this approach to therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an approach to psychotherapy that can assist individuals in dealing with pain. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at improving physical function and decreasing pain intensity and distress; as well as building resilience and sense of control. CBT may be combined with other therapies in an integrated pain management plan; CBT involves changing how someone thinks and reacts to pain – unlike traditional counseling techniques which focus on past experiences which might have contributed to it – typically delivered in sessions lasting 45-60 minutes; its most successful practice occurs face-to-face; however it can also take place via phone or online sessions with trained professionals.
CBT helps patients learn to identify unhelpful thoughts, and replace them with healthier ones. Furthermore, it teaches adaptive coping strategies – skills which may prevent future pain episodes while decreasing dependence on opioids – as well as relieving symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
CBT is a rigorous treatment that involves intensive sessions lasting several sessions and designed to alter one’s understanding of their pain. Based on the theory that painful feelings and emotions directly contribute to physiological reactions in the body, its goal is to break negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors – this research was featured by Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews which demonstrated its success versus placebo controls or waiting list controls.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient mind-body fitness practice encompassing physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation that is intended to connect body, breath and mind in order to energize and balance all areas of one’s being. Dating back 2,000 years, its popularity in America now numbers millions of practitioners.
Recent research comparing yoga and physical therapy as treatments for chronic low back pain found both therapies were equally effective. The study involved 320 adults from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants were randomly assigned either 12 weekly yoga classes or 15 physical therapy sessions over one year period. Results demonstrated both therapies provided comparable pain relief.
Yoga has the ability to reduce stress levels through reduced cortisol secretion. One study demonstrated this benefit; women participating in three-month yoga programs experienced lower cortisol levels than those who didn’t join, as well as improved sleep, mood and concentration.
Spiritual aspects of yoga have not been extensively researched; however, evidence exists to support its role in improving overall wellness in today’s modern society. Yoga may especially beneficial for those suffering from conditions such as depression, anxiety or fibromyalgia.
Although traditional medical approaches to health can effectively treat many diseases and psychological disorders, their ability to heal emotional, intellectual and personality layers of human beings remains limited. Yoga’s holistic model of healing offers greater peace, calm and wellbeing – this makes it an invaluable addition to modern medicine! Healthcare providers as well as patients alike should become familiar with its potential advantages.
Meditation
Meditation can help ease pain by controlling how your body reacts to stress, changing how you perceive it, and managing emotions that exacerbate pain. Meditation is often done using breathing exercises, visualization techniques or guided imagery, with the aim of focusing on sensations from within your body like feeling your muscles relax or breathing slowing down – no need to judge or force thoughts out if they arise – instead focus on breathing instead, returning back when thoughts shift back into your head.
Meditation is part of the mind-body medicine movement, which explores the connection between mental health and physical well-being. These practices may also be combined with traditional medical treatments to form what’s known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Mindfulness meditation involves becoming aware and accepting the experience that arises in each moment, helping reduce chronic pain, enhance quality of life and foster peace, self-concept and wellbeing.
Studies suggest that meditation may help reduce your perception of pain by altering how your brain processes sensory information, including pain. Scientists believe that meditation decouples the thalamus, which relays sensory data such as pain to other areas of the brain, from precuneus – an area involved with self-reflection and processing how experiences value your value of them.
Study participants who engaged in mindfulness meditation experienced significant improvements in their ability to manage pain and depression compared with those receiving education or hypnosis alone. Furthermore, these improvements lasted six months after treatment had stopped while those receiving only education saw them dissipate over time.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific points on the body to restore balance in energy flow. Its practice stems from traditional Chinese medicine’s belief that energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”) flows along meridians. Acupuncturists use stimulation of these meridians and specific points within them to alter body chemistry – potentially relieving pain while improving health overall.
Studies suggest that acupuncture helps relieve pain by altering or diverting nerve signals that carry sensations from damaged tissues and stimulating endorphin release in order to decrease feelings of discomfort. Acupuncture can be effective against headaches, low back pain, osteoarthritis and shoulder pain but only with qualified practitioners as improper acupuncture could potentially damage blood vessels or nerves if performed improperly.
Therapeutic touch and reiki healing are non-invasive energy-based therapies that may help ease pain by activating your body’s own healing abilities. Though multiple studies support these techniques, more research must be conducted.
Alternative therapies can be an invaluable aid for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. Patients suffering from backache may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation and massage; physical therapists can create programs of exercise designed to increase mobility while decreasing pain and swelling; injections or nerve blocks are another potential solution; finally herbal supplements may also be taken in combination with traditional treatments to boost immunity and increase energy. It’s best to speak to a healthcare provider before trying any unproven remedies on their own.
Massage
Although many consider massage an indulgence and part of a spa day experience, massage can actually serve as more than that. Massage therapy is a potency pain reliever used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions like back and neck pain. Massage relieves discomfort by relieving muscle tension, relaxing tendons and ligaments, decreasing inflammation, increasing physical mobility and decreasing stress levels while increasing serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter levels to promote relaxation and help relieve patient anxiety.
Your choice of massage depends on your individual needs and preferences, with therapeutic, sports, deep tissue massage being some of the more frequently utilized types. Acupressure, Reiki and reflexology massage techniques may also be employed as ways to manage pain management; if unsure which form would best meet these goals please speak with your healthcare provider.
Studies show that massage can significantly lower your heart rate and blood pressure while simultaneously improving circulation and lymph flow. A massage can also release endorphins – natural painkillers – into your system to increase their effectiveness while strengthening immunity systems.
One type of massage called Rolfing or Aston variations aims to realign body alignment by manipulating fascia (the tissue that covers muscles and organs). This therapy helps with posture correction as well as movement patterns that put strain on muscles and joints, including posture related injuries like posture-pinch. When combined with movement therapy techniques such as Alexander Technique or Trager Method it can make movements more efficient.
Other forms of massage, including Swedish and deep tissue massages, focus on specific areas to relieve pain. These techniques may be combined with other therapies like acupuncture for added effect. Massage may also prevent pressure sore formation as well as increase ambulation and reduce depression in people living with MS.
