Symptom Awareness
Treating Pain through Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Some individuals with MS are using alternative treatments to help ease their pain. Known as complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), this type of therapy often has multiple benefits. While more research is needed before the advantages can be fully known, studies as well as participant reports often show positive responses to various CAM therapies.
Anyone considering CAM therapy is strongly advised to consult and gain approval from his or her physician in advance.
According to Allen C. Bowling, MD, PhD, and author of Alternative Medicine and Multiple Sclerosis, a plan should be developed before beginning any type of CAM therapy. This book is available through MSAA's Lending Library as book #130; please see page 60 for ordering information. A copy may be purchased through www.amazon.com and Barnes & Noble at www.bn.com. A copy may also be purchased by calling Barnes & Noble at (800) 843-2665.
To follow are some of the tips that Dr. Bowling offers when beginning a CAM therapy:
- Consider conventional medicine first
- Obtain accurate information about effectiveness, safety, cost, and effort involved.
- If CAM is chosen, discuss it with your physician, monitor your response, and discontinue the treatment when appropriate
- Use caution
- Realize that information about most forms of CAM is incomplete
- Be aware of the "telltale" signs of unreliable forms of CAM. Warning signs include
- A heavy reliance on testimonials
- Strong claims about effectiveness - terms such as "amazing" and "miraculous" should raise suspicions; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
- The composition of a therapy is "secret"
- The unwillingness of a CAM practitioner to work cooperatively with a physician
- Recognize that MS is a disease that involves increased immune system activity
- Avoid misconceptions about supplements (many are not FDA approved and do not have sufficient clinical studies to support their claims; some may even be harmful or cause dangerous interactions with other medications)
CAM(s) should not be a replacement for a treatment recommended by a physician. To follow is a listing of some of the more common CAM therapies that may help some individuals with MS to reduce pain. Much of the information was derived from Dr. Bowling's book.
Listed below are three examples of CAM therapies which require direct, hands-on work by a professional. The patient does not play an active role in the treatment.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapy of traditional Chinese medicine. Slender needles are inserted into the skin at particular points, which (according to theory) helps to balance the chi energy. Acupuncture may help ease MS-related pain and reduce the severity of muscle spasms for some individuals.
Massage
Various types of massage include Shiatsu, Swedish massage, and acupressure. The skin is the largest organ of the body and is packed with nerve endings that respond to touch. Massage works by soothing the skin and relaxing tense muscles. Regular massage may help someone with MS to better manage muscle pain.
Chiropractic
Back pain is common for many individuals with MS, and weakened leg muscles may exacerbate this. The basic principle behind chiropractic care is the idea that spinal manipulation can help musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain, as well as improve a person's general state of health. Individuals should be carefully examined before chiropractic care is begun to make sure the pain is not caused by some other type of injury (such as a herniated disk or vertebrae damage).
Please note that while chiropractic practice is viewed by many as an effective treatment for back pain and injury, not all traditional doctors agree on its effectiveness and safety, particularly for those with MS. Dr. Jack Burks, MSAA vice president and chief medical officer comments, "Some physicians are concerned that neck manipulation in MS patients with active disease in the cervical spine may actually aggravate disease activity. Please be sure to consult your physician for his or her guidance before beginning chiropractic treatment."
The five CAM therapies listed below are overseen by a professional, but do not require any physical contact by the professional, other than to assist with instruction or apply sensors or other equipment (as with biofeedback). The patient plays an active role in these therapies, learning relaxation techniques to calm nerves, reduce muscle tension, become more mentally focused, and even slow heart rate and breathing.
Yoga
While many different types of Yoga are practiced, they all have a common goal in mind, which is to rely on structured poses timed with breathing. Yoga helps to relieve stress, since concentrating on the postures and breathing acts as a powerful form of meditation. The gentle, sustained stretches also help improve flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness, and even reduce fatigue.
Meditation
Meditation can be a powerful stress-management therapy for some individuals. It is the deliberate clearing of one's mind in order to promote a sense of calm and heightened awareness. During meditation, the brain produces alpha waves, which have been found to promote relaxation of the entire nervous system.
Tai Chi
Using slow body movements, Tai Chi can provide some of the physical benefits of exercise and the relaxation of meditation. Studies have shown that it may increase strength while reducing fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
Biofeedback
Using technology to monitor bodily functions (such as heart rate, pulse, or muscle tension), body activity is translated into images or sounds. A biofeedback therapist usually administers the test and also develops a treatment plan. Participants are given physical and mental exercises that help control body functions. Measuring muscle tension, electromyography is a type of biofeedback used to help control pain triggers. From this, the therapist may develop a treatment program that focuses on relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization. (Information derived from WebMD at www.webmd.com.)
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Used to reduce muscle tension which can affect pain, progressive muscle relaxation works by tensing one muscle group for eight to ten seconds and then relaxing the muscle. Based on muscle physiology, when a muscle is tensed and then released, the muscle relaxes. Further resting of the muscle will allow even greater muscle relaxation. This can have a ripple effect, as other components of the relaxation response will follow naturally, causing slower breathing and a reduced heart rate. (Information derived from Lessons for Living at www.lessons4living.com.)
For More Information
For more information on managing pain, readers may contact or visit the websites of the resources listed below. Individuals may also call MSAA's Helpline at (800) 532-7667.
American Academy of Pain Management
Phone: (209) 533-9744
Email: aapm@aapainmanage.org
Website: www.aapainmanage.org
American Pain Foundation
Phone: (888) 615-7246v
Email: info@painfoundation.org
Website: www.painfoundation.org
American Pain Society
Phone: (877) 734-8758
Email: info@ampainsoc.org
Website: www.ampainsoc.org
Consortium of MS Centers
Phone: (201) 837-0727
Email: info@mscare.org
Website: www.mscare.org
- Amanda Bednar
