Although modern medicine has come a long way in managing pain or chronic pain with alternatives like nerve block injections, which are injections onto or near nerves, medication is an effective but temporary solution. Some injectable medications could include:
- Local anesthetics
- Steroids
- Opioids
In some severe pain instances, it could be necessary to destroy the irritated nerve with injections of phenol, pure ethanol, or by using needles that freeze or heat the nerves.
For example, steroid cortisone shots are somewhat effective; however, their effectiveness only lasts up to ten days if you are lucky. In recent visits, the shots barely took the edge off and did not last more than a few days. When I have incorporated alternative therapy methods into my pain management regime, I have found that they provide the most optimal results. Some alternative therapies might include:
- Massage (deep tissue is most preferred)
Massage, or manual therapy, is a technique used to apply pressure and manipulate muscles to increase relaxation and relieve pain. It helps to reduce tension, improve circulation, and improve the range of motion. Different techniques are used depending on the area of the body being treated, including kneading and holding pressure on points, deep massage, and trigger-point work. Massage therapists can tailor their treatments to sufferers’ needs, incorporating stretching and aromatherapy.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese pain treatment method that focuses on stimulating specific points on the body with fine needles. The needles are strategically inserted at specific points connected with pathways of energy called meridians that flow through the body. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that pain is due to blocked meridians that must be cleared to allow the life force to flow freely throughout the body. There is evidence that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, relieving many conditions.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS is a non-invasive form of therapy that involves sending small electrical pulses to the painful areas of the body to block the brain’s perception of pain and stimulate the body’s natural endorphins.
They are typically used to treat chronic pain, such as sciatica flare-ups, which cause widespread chronic pain. The electrical pulses are delivered through electrodes placed on the skin for up to thirty minutes per session. It works well because I am able to adjust the intensity of the stimulation as well as the frequency and duration of the sessions.
- Mindfulness
Mindfulness-based approaches to pain management focus on the ability to pay attention to and accept one’s experience of pain without judgment or resistance. Examples of mindfulness-based approaches to pain management include body scans, Yoga, and meditation. Each of these techniques has been proven to reduce pain levels. With regular practice, people who suffer from chronic pain may find that their pain levels decrease, allowing them to find a greater sense of peace.
- Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a non-invasive therapy that teaches people how to monitor and manage their bodily responses to pain. It is based on the idea that our bodies respond to stress and pain in specific ways and that we can learn to recognize and control these reactions. Through a series of exercises and feedback from a trained therapist, people learn to take greater control of their bodies and their response to pain, reducing pain-related distress, increasing their sense of control over pain, and improving their quality of life.
- Massage/recovery equipment
- Spiky balls
- Foam massage balls
- Massagers
- Massage guns
- Computerized knee recovery equipment
- Hot stones
- Massage sticks
- Thumb tools
- Soft tissue tools
From the National Library of Medicine, “Currently, alternative medicine is most frequently used to treat musculoskeletal pain, and between 59 and 90% of patients utilizing alternative therapies for chronic pain claimed they were helpful and can serve as an effective adjunctive for the treatment of chronic pain. Some examples of alternative therapies that will be discussed in this review include acupuncture, tai chi, osteopathic manipulation, and chiropractic care,”.
What is an example of an alternative therapy?
As a person who struggles with chronic pain, I have found many alternative pain management tools that are effective. A TENS unit and deep tissue massage, as mentioned above, work well for me. Epsom salt baths are fantastic, and I really enjoy the benefits of hanging out in my friend’s hot tub, too. Additionally, I have also had much success with acupuncture and dry needling.
Traditional alternative medicine is more mainstream than ever and truly is an accepted form of therapy. Some of the earliest examples that have been practiced for centuries worldwide are acupuncture, Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, body touch, and many other practices that are mentioned above and will be discussed below.
Let’s begin with Body Touch, a practice based on the idea that an illness or injury in one particular area of the body can affect all body parts. With manual manipulation (like deep tissue massage), the other parts of the body can be brought back to optimum health. Then, the body can entirely focus on healing directly at the site of injury or illness. These techniques are often combined with those of the mind. Body therapies include:
- Chiropractic
- Osteopathic
- Massage
- Body movement therapy
- Tai chi
- Yoga
- Acupressure
- Aromatherapy
Chronic pain examples
As mentioned above, I deal with chronic pain on the regular in my neck, both shoulders, sciatica in my lower back, torn meniscus in both knees, and pelvic floor. Chronic pelvic pain is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts my quality of life.
Each person’s experience with chronic pelvic pain is unique, and treatment continuously varies, so it is imperative to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in pelvic pain to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan. Mine was amazing, and if you live in southeast Michigan, I would be happy to share her contact information!
For example, my healthcare team recommended a combination of physical therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications (like reducing caffeine and carbonation consumption), and other interventions tailored to my specific needs. Personally, as a sufferer of chronic pelvic pain, the “reduction” in caffeine is hard to comply with!
Alternative therapy for pain management
In conclusion, alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and mindfulness offer effective pain management options. Consult with a healthcare professional to personalize a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
(Always remember that the information within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological support. Seek appropriate advice from a healthcare professional should you feel it necessary.)