New research out of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York found that complementary treatment approaches can help curb pain and in some instances reduce the need for opioids in patients with chronic pain.

“Opioid misuse and addiction are a major public health issue in the United States, and approximately 70 percent of individuals who use opioids on a long-term basis have a musculoskeletal disorder, such as low back pain or arthritis,” said Maggie Wimmer, coordinator of Programs and Outcomes, Public and Patient Education at HSS. “To address this epidemic, Hospital for Special Surgery implemented a Pain and Stress Management program in its orthopedic clinic to enhance patient knowledge and encourage complementary practices as alternatives to medication.”

For the study, the center recruited 122 participants and asked them to participate in a couple different meditation techniques. Patients took part in a monthly in-person meditation workshop and a weekly meditation conference call where they practiced mindful breathing techniques and other meditation activities. Patients also completed a monthly survey on a number of factors, including pain and stress levels, their understanding of complementary medical approaches and how often they practiced the techniques in their own time.

Study Findings

After analyzing the data, researchers uncovered:

• 98 percent of patients said they were satisfied with the program.
• 95 percent said the program increased their understanding of complementary treatments and how they can help manage pain and stress.
• 93 percent said they would recommend the program to others.
• 1 in 3 patients reported using alternative techniques five or more times in the previous week in place of medication, and 11 percent used the techniques three or four times in place of medication.
• More than 50 percent of participants reported that their mindful breathing techniques helped them manage their stress and chronic pain.
• During monthly in-person sessions, many participants also reported an improvement in daily function, calmness and an improved state of mind.

“The results indicate that alternative approaches are effective in reducing pain and stress, and in improving self-management and general well-being,” said Robyn Wiesel, associate director, Public and Patient Education at HSS.

This is something that we’ve been preaching on the blog for years now. You need to have more than one way to treat your pain condition, and these complementary approaches can work wonders. Whether it’s yoga, balance training, mindful meditation, cycling or swimming, find an activity that allows you to de-stress and strengthen your body. Not only will you have physical and psychological benefits, but it may reduce your reliance on opioids!