Scientists Uncover New, More Effective Methods of Pain Management

For millennia, shamans, midwifes, mystics, and healers have focused on soothing the pain of the sick and the injured. Although twenty-first century doctors and other medical personnel have a much wider array of tools and treatments at their disposal to help alleviate suffering and discomfort, the challenge of effective pain management persists.

While it might seem that eliminating pain should be a relatively simple prospect, there are thousands of variables to consider in this delicate undertaking. Each person experiences pain differently, and each person's reaction to pain treatments may differ, as well. Add in considerations such as interactions with other drugs, the possibility of drug dependency, and cost effectiveness factors, and the true complexity of the pain management process begins to be revealed.

The unique significance of pain management in modern medical treatment has prompted a great deal of research in recent years. All over the world, scientists are seeking out and assessing new and improved methods of soothing the discomfort associated with everything from lower back problems to childbirth. This week, we'll review some of the most important recent research to emerge in the field of pain management.

Acupuncture Found to be Effective in Minimizing Post-Surgery Pain

The challenge of managing the inevitable discomfort that many patients face in the period of recovery following a surgical procedure has long been one of the most ardently pursued topics of pain management research. Although opioid-based drugs have long been a standard part of post-surgery pain management, a growing number of physicians and scientists are seeking alternatives that have fewer negative health impacts.

A team of researchers at Duke University's Department of Anesthesiology recently assessed the efficacy of acupuncture as a method of reducing post-surgery pain. In a meta-analysis of acupuncture-related studies, the authors found that patients who received acupuncture as part of a post-surgery pain management program reported better pain alleviation. In addition, these patients suffered fewer of the side effects associated with opioid-based pain management, such as nausea, itchiness, and dizziness. The researchers contended that this method should be considered for wide application in post-surgery pain management.

Mind-Body Therapies May Be Effective for Pain Management in Elderly Patients

Over the course of the last several decades, alternative and holistic treatment methods have found greater acceptance among mainstream medical practitioners. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh indicates that eight alternative, holistic, and complementary treatment methods may offer new hope to elderly patients who suffer with chronic pain.

The study assessed the pain-fighting capabilities of a number of popular and widely-used alternative therapies, including hypnosis, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, tai chi, and yoga. It was found that all eight of the methods study showed particular effectiveness in easing the self-reported suffering and discomfort of elderly patients with chronic pain. Additionally, none of the studied treatment methods were found to have any significant health risks or negative side effects. These findings could prove to be particularly effective for elderly chronic pain sufferers for whom other factors, such as accumulated tolerance or possible drug interactions, limit the range of traditional prescription drug approaches to pain management.

Chronic Lower Back Pain Responds Well to Alternative Treatments, Study Shows

Among all of the medical problems that cause chronic pain, lower back problems often stand out as one of the most difficult to treat. The root causes of lower back pain can often be very challenging to isolate and identify, and thus, to manage effectively. In addition, this type of pain can have a highly disruptive influence on overall well-being and quality of life.

Researchers at the University of Regensburg in Bad Abbach, Germany recently assessed the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for lower back pain. In a six-month study, patients with lower back pain submitted to real acupuncture, fake acupuncture, or conventional treatment that included medication, physical therapy, and prescribed exercise routines.

Overall, the highest reported pain management success rate was seen in the group that underwent genuine sessions of acupuncture. Even the patients who underwent sham acupuncture reported a substantially better pain management effect than those who received conventional treatment. The researchers called for further investigation of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic lower back pain.

If you want the best advice on pain management, talk to your doctor about developing a custom approach that takes the latest research findings into account. Be sure to check back each week for more of the research news you need to achieve optimal health.