Complementary and Alternative Medicines

We don't talk or think about it a lot, but there are many other approaches to pain management besides Western medicine. From acupuncture to Ayurvedic medicine to herbal supplements to energy therapies, there's a lot that Western doctors ignore (or are ignorant about). Few of these interventions have been studied so there's a lot of skepticism among us. Nevertheless, when someone has chronic pain that interferes with her life, activities, well-being, and happiness, keeping an open mind is important. As long as it is safe, we encourage our patients to try holistic approaches to mind-body wellness. We send patients to acupuncture, have a specialist that understands herbal supplements, and encourage yoga, meditation, and guided imagery. Some of our patients swear by it; others find no difference. But it emphasizes our philosophy that management of pain happens at many different levels with many different tools.

Image of acupuncture is in the public domain, from Wikipedia.