AT A G L A N C E Drug-Free Ways to Relieve Pain SEEKING ALTERNATIVES TO POTENTIALLY ADDICTIVE PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS, PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS TODAY ARE USING A RANGE OF NONDRUG STRATEGIES TO EASE PAIN AND IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE. Relaxation Techniques Meditation, biofeedback and guided imagery have been shown to reduce pain and anxiety. Physical Therapy and Exercise These activities can help relieve muscle pain and help patients recover from joint injuries. Hot and Cold Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Heat relaxes muscles, and cold numbs pain and reduces inflammation. Counseling can help people cope with the depression and anxiety that can accompany chronic pain. Massage Studies show that massage may help relieve lower back, neck and shoulder pain. Chronic pain is a multifaceted syndrome that can affect a person's physical, emotional, socioeconomic and spiritual well-being. Acupuncture Acupuncture is often used to treat chronic pain of the lower back, neck and knees. Did you know? More than 25 million Americans suffer from daily chronic pain. SOURCES: AMERICAN CHRONIC PAIN ASSOCIATION; CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION; NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE HEALTH; NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Chronic pain is the most common cause of long-term disability. umuch.org | Spring 2019 13http://www.umuch.org