Nonpharmacological Chronic Pain Management Interventions
Nonpharmacological treatments have proven effective for many pain conditions. For example, recent studies have shown that endorphins mediate the analgesic effects of acupuncture and placebos as well. Still to be discovered is the mechanism by which hypnosis accomplishes its analgesic effects. Other conditions also need a medication management component. The Addiction-Free Pain Management® System uses both of those components as well as interventions designed to help people cope with the psychological/emotional symptoms of their pain.
Some pain disorders require pharmacological (prescription drug) interventions. Other conditions may respond to over-the-counter medications like aspirin or ibuprofen. Still other conditions may need a combination of both. However, some pain disorders can be effectively treated without any chemical interventions at all. I have a partial list of some of these nonpharmacological interventions below.
Nonpharmacological Approaches
Emotional Management Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy Chiropractic Treatment
Acupuncture Biofeedback
Hypnosis Meditation and Relaxation
Yoga/Tai Chi Diet/Nutrition
Sweat Lodges Talking Circles
TENS Units Self-Help Groups
Cranial Sacral Reflexology
EMDR Aerobics
Avoidance/Distraction Sleep Hygiene
Swim/Hydrotherapy Shiatsu/Watsu Therapy
Journaling Art Therapy
Reiki Therapy/Energy 12-Step/Self-Help Groups
As I mentioned this is just a partial list and the only limitation is your imagination. To learn more about the Addiction-Free Pain Management® System please visit our website www.addiction-free.com and check out our Publications page to learn about my new book Managing Pain and Coexisting Disorders or read my article Serving People with Chronic Pain and Coexisting Disorders.
November 1st, 2009 at 12:23 am
Interesting blog post. What would you say was the most common problem?