Complementary medicine in chronic pain treatment.
This chapter looks at therapies that are considered "alternative" to conventional medical approaches. A definition of "complementary and alternative" medicine is considered in the context of the complex and clinically challenging field of pain medicine. A rationale for studying unorthodox treatments of chronic pain is presented. The challenges of an evidence-based approach to incorporating complementary therapies are explored, and a brief survey of several commonly available complementary medicine therapies is provided.
Simpson
Charles A
CA
Complementary Healthcare Plans, Inc., 6600 SW 105(th) Avenue, Suite 115, Beaverton, OR 97008, USA. Csimpson@chpplans.us
D015667:Acupuncture Analgesia / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018710:Pain Clinics; D010147:Pain Measurement; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome