 Mental imagery and hypnotherapy helped alleviate pain in this study (page 55) by researchers at Bangor University in the UK presented during The British Psychological Society’s Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference. Continue reading Hypnotherapy to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Category Archives: Pain
Behavioral and exercise therapies for fibromyalgia
This review finds limited evidence of benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy and exercise training programs. Continue reading Behavioral and exercise therapies for fibromyalgia
Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy
Researchers from the University of Melbourne in Australia review the results of 3 studies. Continue reading Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy
Another review of acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis
Prof. Ernst and colleagues think more rigorous research is warranted. Continue reading Another review of acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis
Recommended CAM for chronic pain
 Here are some CAM highlights for migraine and fibromyalgia from the American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM) 19th Annual Clinical Meeting. Continue reading Recommended CAM for chronic pain
A study of cannabis cigarettes for neuropathic pain
Researchers from the University of California, Davis Medical Center in Sacramento tell us “Despite [a] lack of scientific validation, many patients routinely use ‘medical marijuana,’ and in many cases this use is for pain related to nerve injury.”
In this study, “no effect on evoked pain was seen.” Continue reading A study of cannabis cigarettes for neuropathic pain
Oral cannabis is not effective for acute pain
There’s some supporting evidence in animals, but what about in humans? Continue reading Oral cannabis is not effective for acute pain
Pain management during labor: Is there a role for CAM?
Actually, it hasn’t been studied very much.
But here’s what we know so far.
Continue reading Pain management during labor: Is there a role for CAM?
CAM preferences among children with chronic pain
You won’t be surprised to learn that pain of longer duration and greater impairment make children more willing to use CAM.
But which CAM options do they choose? Continue reading CAM preferences among children with chronic pain
Evidence does not support static magnets for pain relief
One exception might be osteoarthritis. Continue reading Evidence does not support static magnets for pain relief
Using guided imagery to treat recurrent stomach pain in kids
I was surprised to read it, but “one of the more common chronic pain syndromes in children is recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) — thought to affect 10% to 30% of all school-aged children.”
The results of this study show that “the response to guided imagery in.. children with RAP was rapid, sustained, clinically effective, and not associated with any apparent side effects.”
Let’s learn more.
Continue reading Using guided imagery to treat recurrent stomach pain in kids
Massage for what ails ya
Beliefnet lists 9 forms of massage. How many can you name? Continue reading Massage for what ails ya
Physiotherapist-led pain management classes
In this study from King’s College London in the UK, it appears to be a “cost-effective alternative to usual outpatient physiotherapy.” Continue reading Physiotherapist-led pain management classes
Acupuncture for repetitive use arm pain
This study failed to find evidence of its effectiveness, according to researchers at Cambridge Health Alliance in the UK. Continue reading Acupuncture for repetitive use arm pain
Reflecting on the value of reflexology
This review from the Taipei Medical University asks the question, where in medicine might reflexology be useful. Continue reading Reflecting on the value of reflexology
Is there a role for reiki in medicine?
Professor Ernst finds that “The value of reiki remains unproven.” Continue reading Is there a role for reiki in medicine?
First annual Yoga Week
On May 19th, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) premiered its first annual Yoga Week.
Others have held yoga weeks in the past. What’s different is the involvement of the NIH. Continue reading First annual Yoga Week
The McKenzie method 40 years later
Robin McKenzie, a physical therapist in New Zealand, developed his Method in the 1960’s. He noted that extending the spine could provide significant pain relief to certain patients and allow them to return to their normal daily activities.
Here’s what we know about the McKenzie method for low back pain from a recent review of the literature.
Comparing electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture
David Mayor is the editor of the book, Electroacupuncture: A Practical Manual and Resource. In The Journal of Chinese Medicine he reviews electroacupuncture and its use to treat peripheral facial paralysis.
I found his comparison between acupuncture and electroacupuncture instructive. Continue reading Comparing electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture
CAM use during the phases of cancer care
Musculoskeletal complaints top the list of reasons people with cancer seek CAM care, according to researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle. Continue reading CAM use during the phases of cancer care