Pain is a common reason why people use complementary health approaches. It’s also a major focus of the (NCCIH) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s research program. Here are some of the resources available:
- Pain eBook – overview of what the science says about the effectiveness and safety of complementary health approaches for various pain conditions.
- Low-Back Pain Fact Sheet – learn about mind and body approaches that may be helpful for low-back pain.
- Video From NCCIH Director – in this brief video, Dr. Helene Langevin talks about ongoing research on nonpharmacologic treatments for chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
Pain is the most common reason for seeking medical care. It is also a common reason why people turn to complementary and integrative health approaches. If you are considering such an approach for pain, this information can help you talk with your health care provider.
NCCIH supports and conducts pain research at the NIH labs in Bethesda, Maryland, and by funding research and grants around the country. We also provide information for both consumers and health professionals.
Read more on the latest findings on pain relief
What’s New
Battlefield acupuncture? Yes, it exists, and the military is using it to fight troops’ pain
The U.S. military has added the ancient holistic therapy of acupuncture to its arsenal for fighting opioid abuse in the ranks.
The practice, which first originated in China about 8,000 years ago, provides immediate relief for acute and chronic pain, and, without the risk of addiction, can be used without any restrictions.
One of the most popular forms used in the military has been dubbed ‘battlefield acupuncture,’ or BFA, because it’s simple to administer and easily transportable, according to Dr. Richard Niemtzow, who developed BFA in 2001. With BFA, service members can continue to participate, unimpaired, in work and life.
“They don’t have to wait hours for medications to take maximal effect or endure side effects, like drowsiness or allergic reactions, of common pain medications,” said Air Force Col. Lynda Vu, who recently administered BFA while deployed in Qatar. “This allows personnel to go back to the fight with minimal impact on continuing mission operations.”
Read more in Military Times
Efficacy of Tai Chi on pain, stiffness, and function in patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis
A total of seven randomized controlled trials involving 348 patients with osteoarthritis met the inclusion criteria.
Twelve-week Tai Chi is beneficial for improving arthritic symptoms and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis and should be included in rehabilitation programs.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23620778/
More From NCCIH
- NIH study broadens understanding of High Impact Chronic Pain in the US
- Using Twitter To Learn About Patient-Provider Communication on Pain
- December 26, 2019
- Study Explores Clinical Management of New Cases of Musculoskeletal Pain
- December 16, 2019
- Nerve Cells in Mouse GI Tract Defend Against Infection
- December 3, 2019
Grant Funding for Pain Initiatives
Pain Program at the NCCIH Labs
Health Professional Information
Related Topics
Chronic Pain (NINDS)
Pain: You Can Get Help (NIA)