The Rise of Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Management: An Analysis by the NIH

In a recent analysis from the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a significant increase is observed in the use of complementary health approaches by American adults from 2002 to 2022, particularly for pain management. The study, published in JAMA, used data from the 2002, 2012, and 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to assess changes in the use of seven different complementary health approaches.

Limitations and Strengths of the Study

The study acknowledges several limitations, including declining response rates, possible recall bias, and differences in survey wording. Despite these limitations, the study brings to light the role of higher quality research, inclusion in clinical practice guidelines, and expanded insurance coverage as factors contributing to the enhanced patient access to these approaches.

Prevalence of Complementary Health Approaches

The analysis examined the prevalence of use of complementary health approaches overall and specifically for pain management among US adults. The use of such approaches for managing pain was a key focus in the study.

Trends in Complementary Health Approaches

The NIH analysis revealed a significant rise in the use of complementary health approaches for pain management, such as yoga, meditation, massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, naturopathy, and guided imagery/progressive muscle relaxation. The increase in the use of these approaches can be attributed to factors like higher quality research, inclusion in clinical practice guidelines, and expanded insurance coverage.

Specific Uses of Complementary Health Approaches

These approaches are frequently used for managing pain, including conditions like cancer pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Specific populations, such as individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also frequently use complementary health approaches. The development of innovative devices like AT-04 for endometriosis-related pain management reflects the growing demand for alternative pain management strategies.

Complementary Health Approaches and Chronic Pain

The NCCIH study found a marked increase in the use of complementary health approaches (CHAs) among US adults, including for pain management. More than 10 million new cases of adult chronic pain occur each year, which may be a driving factor behind this trend. The NCCIH also conducted a study on pain in U.S. adult Hispanics, examining the prevalence of chronic disabling conditions and differences in socioeconomic status, health behaviors, global health status, health care utilization, and genetic profiles.

Effectiveness of Complementary Health Approaches

Another study by the NIH on complementary health approaches, including acupuncture, yoga, and natural products, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches in treating various health conditions. The study found that acupuncture showed promising results in managing chronic pain, while yoga and natural products also demonstrated potential benefits in improving certain health outcomes.

In conclusion, the rise in the use of complementary health approaches for pain management is a significant trend that is likely to continue in the future. With increasing research and inclusion in clinical practice guidelines, as well as expanded insurance coverage, patient access to these approaches is expected to further increase.