Complementary & Alternative Treatments

Complementary and alternative treatments are essentially the same thing; however, their differences are related to how they are applied.    “Complementary” signifies that these treatments are used in addition to traditional or mainstream treatments such as medication, medical doctor-applied treatments and surgery.  “Alternative” implies that these treatments are used in place of traditional treatments.  It is often the case that people turn to alternative treatments when they cannot tolerate traditional medical treatments; when they haven’t been helped by them, or else have been harmed by them; and/or when they desire a more “natural” way of being treated.  It is not always obvious, however, that treatments advertised as "natural" should be so regarded. Thus it is always prudent that patients who seek alternative treatments also be advised by a well trained mainstream practitioner who is familiar with their possible effects and side effects.

Examples of Complementary & Alternative Treatments Used to Treat Facial Pain:

Chiropractic Treatment / Upper Cervical Correction

Chiropractors may help facial pain by performing “adjustments” in which they place quick, medium-to hard pressure on vertebrae, in order to bring them into what is claimed to be their natural alignment.  Upper Cervical Correction practitioners specialize in aligning vertebrae in the neck.  These treatments are founded on the theory that facial pain symptoms can be treated by correcting mis-alignments of the spine caused by trauma, and by removing or reducing compression of the brain stem and surrounding nerves. After nerve irritation has been removed, proper communication is then restored between the brain and spinal cord, and the surrounding nerves. Those who apply upper cervical correction procedures also claim that they can release  the pressure of the artery or vein pressing on the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain, and thereby reduce or alleviate pain. However, patients should be aware that the record of outcomes for this class of treatments has been non-uniform. Some patients report significant relief of pain, and others may experience sharply increased pain levels.

Websites to check out for more information:

http://www.ucc-ny.com/conditions-treated/trigeminal-neuralgia.html

http://www.nucca.org/

Deep Muscle Massage

Proponents of this treatment believe that massage performed on the face will reduce spasms of facial muscles, strengthen tendons, and help with bone misalignment -- all of which may put pressure on facial nerves.  In addition, massage performed on other parts of the body, such as the head, neck and back, can result in overall muscle tension release, making us more relaxed, less sensitive, and better able to deal with our pain.

This website provides further information about massage therapy:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage.htm

 

Acupuncture  and Acupressure

Acupuncture, the most widely applied Chinese therapy, is based on the concept of maintaining balance and harmony within the body by facilitating the flow of life energy in it. Accupuncturists believe that when “chi/Qi” (meaning “life energy”) inside the body becomes “stagnant”, all kinds of mental and physical illness follow. In order to restore chi distribution, needles are inserted into “acupoints” along the meridians (energy pathways) of the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine pertaining to acupuncture, there are more than 350 acupoints on the meridians of the body.

Acupressure is a needle-less variation of the Chinese healing system, acupuncture. When “acupoints” or “meridians” (energy pathways) become blocked or congested, a person experiences pain or discomfort on a physical level. Practitioners use deep but gentle finger pressure on specific acupoints to release the blocked energy and to facilitate its smooth flow, in hopes that pain will be reduced as well.

This website gives an overview of Massage, Acupressure and Acupuncture

http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/psychology/stress/stress-management-techniques.asp

Vitamin and Herbal Therapy 

Vitamins produce or fuel certain chemical reactions in our body’s cells which are needed to nourish the cells, thereby promoting good health.  Since our bodies have no way to create the energy needed for these chemical reactions, the energy must come from food.  Some proponents theorize that it is difficult to eat well enough to maintain the right amount of energy needed for health. Thus supplemental vitamins are given for specific purposes.  People with Trigeminal Neuralgia and related facial pain often take Vitamin B12, for example, since this vitamin is believed to work with the central nervous system.  In addition, D,L-phenaylaline (actually an amino acid, rather than a vitamin) sometimes reduces nerve pain. Several other vitamins may also be recommended for pain patients, depending upon their own needs.

Herbal therapy has its roots in Eastern medicine, as do acupuncture and acupressure.  The basis for herbal therapy is similar to vitamin therapy, suggesting that we should ingest certain plant-based foods in compressed form (tablets, capsules, or liquid) to strengthen our cellular function.  For example, a topical preparation of Capsaicin (the active ingredient in peppers which makes them taste "hot") may be recommended by an “herbalist” for the treatment of nerve pain. Some patients use preparations of Capsaicin on the face directly.  Other herbs that may be recommended which are available in tablet, capsule or liquid form, to be taken by mouth. These may include: willow bark, corydalis, valerian, passion flower, American scullcap, chamomile, valerian and St. John’s Wort.

Caution! Herbs and even some vitamins may interact negatively with your medications!  Be sure that you make your physicians and your pharmacists aware of all the herbs, vitamins, OTC (over-the counter) medications, and prescribed medications you are taking or are considering taking at all times.  

Meditation Therapy and Prayer

When we think of meditation we are likely to think of the Buddhist concept of “mindfulness” which involves training ourselves to stay in the moment. Some practitioners of meditation believe that we can teach our mind to heal our pain through purposeful focus to do so. 

Some patients use a meditation practice called “body scanning” as an effective way to manage their pain.  Simply described, you lie down and take a “mental tour” of your body, focusing on its different parts, becoming aware of pain or tension in each part, and then concentrating on peacefulness and wellness.  Some will also find relief through contracting each muscle for about ten seconds, and then releasing the contraction, while you are in a quiet and meditative position.  This practice may also be approached as a variation on "creative visualization" techniques.

Prayer may also be regarded as mindfulness. However, rather than focusing inwardly, the focus is on God, with the belief that He empowers us to live well and strong.  Many studies which have confirmed that those who pray as a part of their daily routines are likely to suffer less pain from their illnesses, as well as to maintain a more positive outlook on their futures.

One specific research project reported as follows: Those who practice spiritual meditation have greater decreases in the frequency of migraine headaches, anxiety, and negative affect, as well as greater increases in pain tolerance, headache-related self-efficacy, daily spiritual experiences and well being.” 

see: "Journal of Behavioral Medicine", August 31, 2008, -- “Migraines and Medication:  Does Spirituality Matter?”