Understanding Complementary and Alternative Pain Management Centers

Although the medical industry is in continuous pursuit of innovative treatment methods for acute and chronic pain, complementary treatment techniques can also be extremely helpful in the treatment of pain. Complementary and alternative pain management techniques, such as acupuncture, biofeedback and hormone replacement therapy, have given patients a new lease on life. Complementary treatment methods can be used alone or in conjunction with other medical pain management methods. Patients who wish to learn more about treating their pain with complementary techniques can visit a center for pain management to have their questions answered.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique used in traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat people who suffer from a number of different conditions, including acute and chronic pain. This alternative pain management center method is thought to reduce pain by balancing the body’s energy flow. Extremely thin needles are inserted through specific points on the skin that correlate with the body’s meridians. Each treatment uses anywhere between five and 20 needles. The needles will remain in place for approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

Biofeedback

Another complementary and alternative pain management center method is known as biofeedback. This technique teaches the patient to control their own response to pain. During this technique, patients are hooked up to electrical sensors that measure the body’s information, such as heart rate and blood pressure. The patient learns how to make subtle changes, including breathing techniques and relaxing certain muscles in the body, in order to reduce pain.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

While a center for pain management may use prescription medication to help with a patient’s pain management, others prefer to use more natural methods. Hormone therapy helps patients achieve pain relief by re-balancing hormones. An imbalance of certain hormone levels, including cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, thyroid, estrogen and progesterone are all key indicators of severe and chronic pain.

People who are seeking pain relief should contact a reputable center for pain management for help. Not only do these centers offer a wide variety of pain treatment techniques, but they can help each patient find the treatment that will work best for their unique case.

By Dr. James  Lin
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