Live Life Team
In a survey conducted on adults in the United States, it was found that pain is the common reason for the use of alternative and complementary therapies. Pain can be categorised as acute or chronic. Acute pain results from an illness or health problem, like an ear infection, a sprained ankle, or wounds. Meanwhile, chronic pain usually has no clear pathology and sometimes an unpredictable prognosis. This type of pain is caused by surgeries or diseases that the patient may have suffered. It usually lasts for about six months or more.
Generally, pain can be treated by alternative and complementary therapies. An example of alternative therapy is chiropractic care, a method of treatment that manipulates body structures, particularly the spine, to relieve low back pain or even headache or high blood pressure. Acupuncture is another example of complementary or alternative therapy for pain or disease. It is done by inserting the tips of needles into specific points on the skin. Acupuncture is an effective alternative therapy for chronic pain as stated by the National Institute of Health.
Complementary and alternative therapies are often used for pain relief, as well as for coping with treatment for cancer. However, there is a significant difference between getting better and feeling better. A number of complementary therapies focus on relaxation and reducing stress. These therapies help relieve anxiety, calm emotions, and increase the general sense of well being and health. The idea that complementary therapies are natural and non-toxic appeals to many patients, so they are commonly used.
