the risk for ADVERSE REACTION, undesired side effects,
and DRUG INTERACTIONis high. Among those condi-
tions are many that cause chronic pain, such as
OSTEOARTHRITIS, SCIATICA, and gout, increasing the
need for pain relief methods. It is important for the
older person to receive adequate pain relief, espe-
cially from chronic pain, which sometimes means
taking narcotic pain relievers. Health experts rec-
ommend methods that minimize the use of anal-
gesic medications, such as MASSAGE THERAPY, heat
and cold, ACUPUNCTURE, BIOFEEDBACK, and relaxation
techniques such as MEDITATION. Regular physical
exercise, such as walking, increases the body’s pro-
duction of endorphins and enkephalins, amino
acids that function as natural pain relievers.
See also AGING, EFFECTS ON DRUG RESPONSE AND
DRUG METABOLISM; ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR PAIN
RELIEF; EFFICACY; EUDYNIA; NARCOTICS; NONSTEROIDAL
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS(NSAIDS); OVERDOSE.
alternative methods for pain relief Methods for
treating PAIN(typicallyCHRONIC PAIN) that are out-
side the parameters of conventional approaches
such as ANALGESIC MEDICATIONS. Among the more
common alternative methods for pain relief are
ACUPUNCTURE, BIOFEEDBACK, HYPNOSIS, CHIROPRACTIC,
MAGNET THERAPY, andMASSAGE THERAPY. Herbal and
botanical products may also bring relief from pain
associated with specific conditions.
Acupuncture
In 1997 the US National Institutes of Health (NIH)
released a consensus statement regarding acupunc-
ture. The statement cites these circumstances in
which studies demonstrate acupuncture’s effective-
ness in relieving pain: after dental surgery, men-
strual cramps (DYSMENORRHEA), FIBROMYALGIA,
myofascial pain syndrome,OSTEOARTHRITIS, chronic
low BACK PAIN, CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME, HEADACHE,
and tennis elbow. In the Eastern tradition,
acupuncture works by unblocking the pathways of
chi, the energy of life. In the Western tradition,
researchers postulate that acupuncture acts on
nociceptors and PERIPHERAL NERVES.
BiofeedbackBiofeedback allows a person to influence the per-
ceptions and responses of certain body functions
such as those related to pain. Many health-care
centers provide biofeedback training; the person
then uses biofeedback techniques when needed.
Biofeedback is especially effective for helping avert
the onset of migraine and MUSCLE tension
headaches, relaxing tense muscles that contribute
to muscle SPASMand pain, and relieving stress.Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation in which a
person is especially receptive to suggestions the
hypnotherapist makes. These suggestions may
include visualization and relaxation techniques to
apply in specific circumstances, such as when feel-
ing tense or that pain is starting. Some people are
able to practice self-hypnosis, which is particularly
helpful for stress reduction with chronic pain con-
ditions.Chiropractic
Chiropractic manipulation of the neck and back
(spine) can relieve muscle tightness, improve FLEX-
IBILITY, and restore function. The foundation of
chiropractic is realignment of the spine to restore
balance to the body. Chiropractic care requires vis-
its to a chiropractor; the number and frequency of
visits depend on the health condition. Chiropractic
manipulation is particularly effective for condi-
tions such as chronic low back pain, chronic neck
pain, REPETITIVE MOTION INJURIES, and other muscu-
loskeletal pain. The chiropractor also teaches
methods to minimize injury through proper pos-
ture, movement, and stretching.Magnet Therapy
Magnetic energy affects the flow of fluids and
electrolytes (salts) through the cells of the body.
Though research studies show conflicting results
as to the effectiveness of static magnets (magnets
or magnetic devices worn on the body), pulsed
electromagnetic therapy is an effective therapeutic
method physical therapists and physiatrists use.
Static magnets may provide a less intense effect.
People who have implanted electronic devices
such as a PACEMAKERshould not use static magnets
or have pulsed electromagnetic therapy because
these treatments may affect the device’s proper
functioning by altering its electromagnetic field.alternative methods for pain relief 365