Articles and Forms
Chronic Pain
The Management of Chronic Pain with an Integrative Healthcare Approach
By Sheryl Martin, OMD, Lac, RN
The management of chronic pain according to Traditional Chinese Medicine needs to be a multi-dimensional approach. Because there are so many body systems that affect the perception and mediation of pain, it is important to completely assess the functioning of all body systems. For example, inflammatory processes cause many chronic pain syndromes, so it is important to examine nutritional habits of the patient to determine if there are any foods in the diet that inherently produce inflammation, and then make recommendations to the patient to reduce those foods, and increase foods in the diet that are more anti-inflammatory in nature.
Many chronic pain syndromes are cause by imbalances in the physiologic mechanisms in the musculoskeletal system that then can lead to a cascade of chemical imbalances in the tissue causing more pain. It is important for the patient to become aware of some of the biological processes that affect the pain experience, so their awareness of key physiological functions can help them to correct and make appropriate changes in their lifestyle to improve physical functioning.
There are also anatomical imbalances, which can greatly affect the pain experience, so patients should be taught postural awareness, and body mechanics exercises in order to recognize ways in which their activities and movements can both aggravate, or alleviate pain. The ancient Chinese recognized long ago, that optimal level of functioning was dependent on postural awareness. Postural imbalances can adversely affect circulation to muscle and tissue, and neurological functioning. The development of disciplines such as Tai Qi and Qi Gong incorporate mental focus on correct postures, and specific movements coordinated with breathing exercises. When these corrective exercises are included in a treatment plan for patients with chronic pain, they become more acutely aware of how they can self manage pain.
Patients who experience pain usually have a degree of stress and anxiety. If a patient has good adaptive skills, and a strong sense of personal responsibility, they most likely will experience their pain without a great psychological impact. However, because there are so many factors within the pain experience, which are affected by a person’s emotional state, it is vitally important to educate the individual on how attitudes, mood, and personality factors affect the pain experience.
Patients who come to the Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine are provided a comprehensive program of care for their chronic pain. A Holistic MD, or Licensed Acupuncturist will usually perform initial assessment of the patient. A course of treatment may run for 2-3 months with either weekly or bi-monthly visits. Services that are employed include but are not limited to the following: Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutritional counseling, Massage, and Integrative Psychotherapy.
By Sheryl Martin, OMD, Lac, RN
The management of chronic pain according to Traditional Chinese Medicine needs to be a multi-dimensional approach. Because there are so many body systems that affect the perception and mediation of pain, it is important to completely assess the functioning of all body systems. For example, inflammatory processes cause many chronic pain syndromes, so it is important to examine nutritional habits of the patient to determine if there are any foods in the diet that inherently produce inflammation, and then make recommendations to the patient to reduce those foods, and increase foods in the diet that are more anti-inflammatory in nature.
Many chronic pain syndromes are cause by imbalances in the physiologic mechanisms in the musculoskeletal system that then can lead to a cascade of chemical imbalances in the tissue causing more pain. It is important for the patient to become aware of some of the biological processes that affect the pain experience, so their awareness of key physiological functions can help them to correct and make appropriate changes in their lifestyle to improve physical functioning.
There are also anatomical imbalances, which can greatly affect the pain experience, so patients should be taught postural awareness, and body mechanics exercises in order to recognize ways in which their activities and movements can both aggravate, or alleviate pain. The ancient Chinese recognized long ago, that optimal level of functioning was dependent on postural awareness. Postural imbalances can adversely affect circulation to muscle and tissue, and neurological functioning. The development of disciplines such as Tai Qi and Qi Gong incorporate mental focus on correct postures, and specific movements coordinated with breathing exercises. When these corrective exercises are included in a treatment plan for patients with chronic pain, they become more acutely aware of how they can self manage pain.
Patients who experience pain usually have a degree of stress and anxiety. If a patient has good adaptive skills, and a strong sense of personal responsibility, they most likely will experience their pain without a great psychological impact. However, because there are so many factors within the pain experience, which are affected by a person’s emotional state, it is vitally important to educate the individual on how attitudes, mood, and personality factors affect the pain experience.
Patients who come to the Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine are provided a comprehensive program of care for their chronic pain. A Holistic MD, or Licensed Acupuncturist will usually perform initial assessment of the patient. A course of treatment may run for 2-3 months with either weekly or bi-monthly visits. Services that are employed include but are not limited to the following: Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutritional counseling, Massage, and Integrative Psychotherapy.
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