
Scientists from the University of Massachusetts presented the best non-drug ways to treat chronic pain. One effective method is deep breathing or similar conscious breathing techniques.
The most popular method of treating chronic pain is the prescription of appropriate drugs, which inevitably lead to addiction and depressive thoughts in some people. In the course of the study, American volunteers, including military personnel, were offered various methods of relieving discomfort, such as massage, laser therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, electrical nerve stimulation, and others.
After that, the subjects were matched with individuals who did not participate in the experiment. The relationship with long-term adverse consequences was also studied. As a result, it was possible to identify the most effective methods of treating chronic pain.
As it turned out, acupuncture quite successfully copes with the task by stimulating receptors that suppress pain, while simultaneously increasing the production of the neurotransmitter adenosine. It calms the mind, reduces hyperactivity in the brain and causes drowsiness.
In turn, massage successfully copes with discomfort in the spine, musculoskeletal and headache. Equally effective are motor control exercises that help the muscles around the spine coordinate better with each other to provide better back support. The list of helpers includes deep breathing or similar conscious breathing techniques, meditation.