ALTERNATIVE PAIN MANAGMENT STRATEGIES

Question 1

Name 2 alternative pain management technqiues?

Answer 1

1. Acupuncture
2. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Question 2

What is acupuncture?

Answer 2

An ancient Asian pain management technqiue, which involves inserting very fine needles in the skin at specific meridian points to RESTORE ‘Qi’ .

Question 3

Why does acupuncture work?

Answer 3

• The needles stimulate sensory nerve fibers, which send non-damaging pain signals to the brain– the brain interprets these signals as non-damaging controlled mild stress- and in response it activates pain regualting systems (releasing endorphins to reduce pain)

Endorphins- brains natural opioids

Question 4

Name 1 strength and 1 weakness of acupuncture?

Answer 4

Safe/ minimal side effects: Side effects are rare, (when performed by a licensed practitioner) so there is little harm in considering it as a pain management strategy whether positive outcomes are due to placebo or not. Worth it for people who are treatment resistant.

Effectiveness: There is mixed evidence on whether acupuncture is effective in relieving pain or if any consequences are due to placebo. Results can differ between individuals, and it’s not effective for all types of pain.

Question 5

What is TENS treatment?

Answer 5

A pain relief method that uses mild electrical currents to reduce pain

Question 6

How does TENS work?

Answer 6

• It involves placing electrodes on the skin over the painful area and applying electrical impulses.

Question 7

Why does TENS work?

Answer 7

The electrical currents help to block pain signals + stimulate the release of endorphins (natural painkillers), and potentially relax muscles.

Question 8

Name 1 strength and 1 weakness of using TENS

Answer 8

Strength: Non-invasive and practical- non-invasive- reduces need for medication and is portable (can be used at home or on the go- flexibility)
Weakness: Short-pain relief: Relief is short-lived; pain often returns after stopping the treatment

Question 9

What is hypnosis?

Answer 9

A psychological technqiue which induces a state of focused attention, relaxation increased suggestibility.

Question 10

How does hypnosis work?

Answer 10

The therapist provides guided imagery or direct suggestions, such as imagining the pain shrinking or becoming numb–this changes the way the brain processes pain- reduces tension and anxiety.

Question 11

Name 1 strength and 1 weakness of hyponsis

Answer 11

Strength- holistic psychological and physiological intervention- targets both physical and emotional aspects of pain
Weakness- Not effective for everyone — requires willingness and ability to focus