As many as one out of three patients with chronic pain use complementary and alternative medicine for pain relief, according to a recent study. The study tracked 5,750 adults over a six-year period, finding that 35 percent of participants reported using at least one type of complementary or alternative therapy. Those therapies included manipulation techniques (such as chiropractic care), biofeedback, and acupuncture.
Past studies suggest that acupuncture may help manage several types of chronic pain, such as migraines, osteoarthritis, and back pain.
Other potentially pain-relieving alternative therapies and mind-body practices include meditation, yoga, and guided imagery.
Because the study participants tended to use alternative therapy in combination with conventional care, the study's authors urge all chronic-pain patients to inform their doctors when using any type of alternative medicine.
I have tried many types of alternative medicines, including acupuncture, cupping, massage therapy, herbal remedies and I can’t find anything that works on nerve pain in the back and shoulders. I don’t want to whine, but after 4 years, I’m getting so tired of pain that I am not much fun to be around. My mood can be up and down, depending on the day. I will keep trying though. Thanks for the links to other sources of pain therapies.