Pain (Neck Pain, Back Pain & Neuralgia)
Treatments for Pain (Neck Pain, Back Pain, Neuralgia)
The most effective treatments for structural pains are manipulative
techniques and acupuncture; there is good evidence that these approaches
are safe and effective. The old ideas of bed rest and attendance at back ‘schools’
combined with pain killers have little basis in science as clinical trials
have shown little benefit. Once a confident diagnosis is made, then the
correct treatment can be chosen from an appropriate manipulative practitioner
such as a doctor, osteopath, chiropractor or physiotherapist.
Acupuncture has a history of thousands of years and is now widely available
in the west. It works through the nervous system by modifying pain signals
and also stimulates the body’s own natural pain relieving chemicals
(endorphins). Treatments generally start at weekly intervals for the
first three sessions, increasing the gaps as benefit occurs. Acupuncture
can often be combined with manipulation to achieve greater benefit.
Herbal remedies can also provide an effective and safe anti-inflammatory
effect.
