As our Pain Doctors frequently explain to patients: “When alternative therapies are used in conjunction with conventional medicine, it is called complementary medicine. Alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplines including acupuncture, guided imagery, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies [including CBD], massage, and many others” [1]
Putting a Spotlight on the Evidence
During the past twelve or so years, robust evidence highlighting the benefits of alternative pain treatments has been rapidly accumulating. To that end, leading Pain Specialists such as those at the renowned Harley Street Pain Clinic (which offers both on-site and online consultations), have been providing their patients with Holistic Personalised Treatment Plans. The latter comprise a multi-faceted approach to pain relief, and in many cases, a complete end to pain through a combination of conventional and cutting-edge treatments and therapies, as well as guidance. The latter could incorporate guidance on suitable complementary treatments, strategies, and home care.
Mind-Body Therapies to Help Ameliorate Pain
Our Pain Specialists are continually abreast of the latest medical research encompassing relaxation techniques for the relieve of long-term pain. To that end, they are mindful that mind-body treatments and therapies have been shown to: “help the mind’s ability to affect the functions and symptoms of the body” [1]. Indeed, such therapies utilise a number of approaches, such as:
hypnosis, biofeedback, guided imagery, meditation, and relaxation techniques [1].
Popular Alternative Pain Treatments
- Electromyographic (EMG) Biofeedback: this form of treatment can help long-term pain sufferers understand how their tense muscles are contributing to their pain. Once this is achieved, they can learn to control it
- Self-Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy: may be beneficial, in that they can serve as refocusing techniques for transforming or blocking pain
- Relaxation Techniques: when practised regularly, yoga and meditation have been proven to lower stress-linked pain. For example, if pain sufferers want to strengthen their muscles. gentle yoga stretches can be excellent for avoiding putting extra strain on the body.
Acupuncture
“Although the WHO currently recognises more than 30 diseases or conditions that can be helped by acupuncture treatment, one of the main uses of acupuncture is for pain relief. Acupuncture may be useful as an accompanying treatment for many pain-related conditions, including: headache, low back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and myofascial pain”[1], all of which are treated by our Pain Doctors with a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art treatments, therapies and injectables at the London Pain Clinic
CBD
Many of our London Pain Clinic patients have heard of CBD, but they do not understand the basics of how it works. In short, our bodies have what is known as an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system works to receive and translate signals that are sent from cannabinoids (chemical compounds that produce analgesic, psychoactive, anti-convulsive, and neuroprotective impacts).
Our bodies generate their own cannabinoids (these are referred to as endocannabinoids). Moreover, as our Pain Doctors sometimes explain, our endocannabinoid system helps balance pain, immune-system responses, and other functions.
“According to the National Centres for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) some evidence suggests that cannabis or CBD could have modest benefits for chronic pain. While CBD is a promising option for pain relief, research has not yet proven it safe and effective, and the FDA have not approved CBD for treating pain” [2], to that end, booking an appointment with a Pain Doctor who will provide you with a holistic multi-faceted proven treatment approach is the best option
References
[1].Wheeler, T. (2024). “Pain Management: Alternative Therapy. ” Web MD.
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pain-management-alternative-therapy
[2]. Johnson, J. (2023). “Does CBD oil work for chronic pain management?”
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475
