Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a range of techniques and interventions that are separate from conventional medical therapies. "Complementary" approaches are ones used in addition to traditional medical care, and "alternative" approaches are ones that are generally used in place of conventional treatments.
One important tool to complement medical treatments is psychological counseling. The way pain affects a person is related to his or her psychological and emotional makeup, so understanding one's own response to pain can help to deal with it effectively. This does not mean that pain is "only in your head," just that pain coexists with other stresses in our lives and interacts with them. Counselors who have an expertise in pain may also be trained in the use of meditation, hypnosis, and relaxation techniques such as guided imagery, all of which draw on the mind-body connection to help take care of pain.
Other CAM therapies include:
- Herbal remedies and supplements
- Acupuncture
- Manipulation techniques such as chiropractic and massage
It is always a good idea for people in pain to discuss non-traditional approaches to pain relief with the doctors and nurses they regularly deal with. Traditional healthcare professionals may be able to recommend CAM practitioners. They can also point out potential problem areas, such as dangerous interactions between herbal remedies and prescription medications.
CAM has a long history, and in the area of pain relief the effectiveness of some of these treatments has been demonstrated through research and clinical trials. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health is an authoritative source for information for both professionals and the general public. In addition, NCCAM offers guidelines for selecting a CAM practitioner.
An expanded overview on using complementary therapy to relieve pain can be found at the website of the National Pain Foundation.