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.
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 to making that information available, the Center's mission is to explore complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, and to train complementary and alternative medicine researchers.
Physicians can help patients and families who are dealing with pain by raising the issue of complementary medicine. Doctors may provide some needed guidance simply by talking through the options, for instance, or by directing patients to NCCAM's guidelines for selecting a CAM practitioner. It is also important for healthcare professionals to know that a 1998 study indicated patients fail to disclose as much as 60% of complementary therapy, mistakenly withholding information that their doctors need to know.
Complementary therapies include:
- Herbal remedies and supplements
- Acupuncture
- Manipulation techniques such as chiropractic and massage
- Mind-body interventions such as meditation, hypnosis, relaxation techniques like guided imagery