One can easily count the chickens of non-pharmacological approaches highlighted in multiple organizational guidelines and state strategies related to pain and opioids. But one definitely cannot count on them hatching inside each new, significant policy initiative. Regular medicine tends to regress toward a non-inclusive mean in pain treatment. And “mean”Read
Within my first few weeks of beginning naturopathic medical school at Bastyr University, I was introduced to a core naturopathic principle, Tolle Causam, or “Treat the Underlying Cause.” While the concept seemed to make perfect sense – of course my patients will improve when I treat the root source ofRead
As many as 85% of all people globally have experienced low-back pain in their lifetimes. No one is exempt whether sedentary or a professional athlete. It is so common that low back pain the the most frequently reported reason that people see their doctor. For that reason alone, this studyRead
America has a pain epidemic. The symptom is opioid addiction. The solution? It lies within integrative medicine. It’s time to speak up because as solutions like the NIH HEAL Initiative (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) and this week’s JAMA opinion column on HEAL are released, it’s clear that something is missing. WhatRead
Pain, it’s a national epidemic. This study supports what you already know: People in chronic pain are some of the most difficult patients to treat. Pain is complex and the circumstances that lead to chronic pain are not easy to remedy. This study from University Washington’s Medicine Center for PainRead
In this study, researchers explore the advantages of an active complementary and integrative therapy for long-term, chronic-pain management. Active-pain management employs self-hypnosis, relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices in a home setting, but only if the patient is adequately educated beforehand. This study shows that the ideal pain management model ofRead
Recently the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published two studies and commentary on the relationship between legal cannabis use and opioid prescribing rates and patterns. We provide an 11-minute podcast from the authors and the study abstract summaries below. One study examines state implementation of medical and adult-useRead
This study reviews the value of acupressure as a drug-free treatment option for a certain type of neck and shoulder pain. East Asian traditional medicine (EATM) describes a particular type of neck and shoulder pain, called nakchim, which occurs from the wrong sleeping posture, neck muscle abnormality and wind-cold assailing.Read
Chronic and severe pain affects from 25% to 37% of children and adolescents, which can lead to pain-related disabilities, increased school absences, avoidance of social activities, disrupted eating and sleep routines, as well as mood disorders and depression. With growing worry about drug addiction from prescribed pain medications, an interdisciplinaryRead
One of every three people age 65 reports some level of hearing loss. Evidence is growing that over the counter pain relievers may account for some of hearing loss in these older Americans. A new study, from the American Journal of Epidemiology, shows that six more years of use ofRead
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