Originally published January 31 2005
Alternative treatments do work, but doctors advise caution
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Doctors these days are admitting that some increasingly popular alternative, non-medical, treatments can be helpful in many cases. Acupuncture, meditation, hypnosis, and even behavioral counseling can be great for relieving pain and stress, doctors say. Not surprisingly, physicians warn patients not to rely on alternative therapies alone.
Some treatments can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Excessive doses of supplements may cause harmful side effects.
Experts advise against stopping or starting any therapy -- traditional or alternative -- without consulting doctor.
* Acupuncture -- A study funded by two branches of the National Institutes of Health found that acupuncture appeared to help relieve pain and improve function for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Clinical trials are investigating the pain-relieving effects of meditation on patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic conditions.
Sensors track changes in pulse, skin temperature and muscle tone, among others, and signal patients.
Biofeedback has been shown to be helpful in treating about 150 medical conditions, including migraines, arthritis and fibromyalgia, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Studies suggest a benefit from hypnosis for patients with many different types of pain, including low back, tension headache, osteoarthritis and chronic pain.
* Exercise and movement therapy -- A regular program of physical movement is sometimes helpful in relieving pain.
But patients should use care when selecting a workout regimen, as overexertion can cause additional pain, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
* Osteopathic manipulation -- Manipulation of the joints "restores the normal range of motion of a particular joint, (and) can restore the normal blood flow and drainage to an area," said Martin Levine, an osteopathic physician in New Jersey and a member of the board of trustees for the American Osteopathic Association.
Growing evidence suggests that osteopathic manipulation may ease low back pain and may be useful for a variety of other conditions.
* Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate -- There is some evidence that supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can help arthritis pain and inflammation.
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