Antidepressants Blog

Counter-irritationSimilar in effect to acupuncture are various techniques which employ counter-irritation of the painful area. Some techniques use vibration and the patient stimulates the painful area for a few minutes each day. The efficacy of these techniques has yet to be assessed, particularly as they carry a potent placebo effect.
ManipulationManipulation of the spine, which may help backache, has been tried on patients with migraine, on the premise that the pain which arises at the back of the neck is brought about by malfunction of the cervical spine. No controlled trials have been done and the theoretical basis for this treatment is not scientifically proven.Osteopathy is also based on spinal manipulation. Osteopaths ascribe a whole host of disorders to bad posture, e.g. disorders of digestion. Osteopaths are not recognized as medical practitioners in the U.K. by the General Medical Council, although in the United States their position is more accepted. Many medical schools there have recognized departments of osteopathy, and the course of studies is similar in length and content to that required for a medical degree.Although many of the claims for efficacy of manipulation are exaggerated, it has a place in treatment of certain conditions of the neck producing headache, by relieving muscle tension. Care must be taken because there are two vertebral arteries which run through the spine in the neck to supply the base of the brain; manipulation can lead to the blockage of these vessels causing a stroke.Although many migraine patients claim to have had relief by osteopathic treatment, there is no clear-cut proof that this method has any higher percentage success rate than would be expected from the placebo response.
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The benefits of pursuing interests in art, music or other hobbies are well known. Pain will be more difficult to control if patients are bored or feel isolated.     Hypnosis-Hypnosis may be of value in the treatment of cancer-related pain and in some patients with phantom limb pain. Successful hypnosis requires that the patient has good hypnotic susceptibility, is willing to undergo hypnosis and has confidence in the therapist. Various strategies of hypnotic suggestion are used including a hallucination of anaesthesia, sensory substitution, pain displacement and disassociation.     Cognitive therapy-Teaching basic coping skills and therapy directed at thought and affect control can help patients with crises and pain control.     Psychotherapy-Patients with anxiety or depression may be helped with anxiolytic or antidepressant medications. A few will need formal psychotherapy which should be of short duration and focused on cognitive re-structuring and coping skills.*78\55\2*