Understand and Manage Your Pain Tips
Tips to help you and your family deal with the challenges of pain.
Understand and Manage Your Pain Tips >
Expert Q & A
Our expert team of doctors and pharmacists answer questions about pain.
Click Here for Answers >
Are Alternative Treatments Effective for Chronic Pain?
I'd like to explore alternative treatments for my pain (acupuncture, herbal supplements, etc.). Have any been proven to be effective?
I'd like to explore alternative treatments for my pain (acupuncture, herbal supplements, etc.). Have any been proven to be effective?
Related Questions
Answer
Some types of alternative treatments have shown real promise in clinical trials. Acupuncture, for example, appears to be one of the most promising alternative treatments for many types of chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, and headaches.
Research suggests that spinal manipulation performed by chiropractors, physical therapists, osteopathic physicians, or other similar practitioners may be useful for lower back pain and chronic headaches. Progressive relaxation and yoga are two other types of alternative therapies that might be useful for lower back pain.
There isn't much evidence to support the use of herbal supplements in chronic pain treatment, despite the widespread popularity of products such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD