Gua sha is a Chinese medical technique where the skin is lightly scraped to create bruising on the surface of the body, usually on the back and neck. Here’s what you should know about this technique and what others have said about its use in pain management.

What is gua sha?

Gua sha (pronounced gwah sah) is a traditional east Asian healing technique – also known as cao gio, coining, scraping, and spooning. It uses friction and scraping on the back to treat numerous conditions. It may help with everything from pain and inflammation to stiffness and soreness.

Gua sha is believed to promote a healthier flow of energy. Ancient Chinese medical techniques are experiencing wide-spread popularity in the U.S. today. The wisdom and apparent effectiveness that is found in these Eastern healing arts are appealing as an alternative to an often over-medicated culture. Gua sha and other treatments may help alleviate pain in less invasive ways than other solutions. They may also be reasonable alternatives before considering surgical correction.

The procedure is done with light strokes from a smooth implement. Objects such as a smooth coin, ceramic soup spoon, and jade have been used in the past but the most common tool today is a rounded metal cap. Prior to rubbing the body with the implement, your therapist will lubricate your skin with oil.

While a gua sha treatment can feel uncomfortable, many people have experienced much pain relief from it.

How does gua sha work?

All of the muscles of the body are encased in fascia, a thin membrane. This membrane may become tight or constricted due to various conditions, not the least of which is injury or chronic pain.

Gua sha is one way to help restore circulation to the fascia and break up tension and tightness. “Gua” means “to scrape,” and “sha” refers to the red rash that is a result of this scraping. According to Chinese practitioners, this friction breaks up adhesions in the tissues and releases stagnant “winds” or qi, releasing blockages in meridians that can be causing pain or soreness in the body.

Physiologically, gua sha increase blood circulation within the tissues. For this reason, it can be used for any conditions that may be caused by poor circulation of blood (e.g. inflammation). The Graston technique or augmented soft tissue mobilization (ASTYM) is a similar technique. It’s used by athletic trainers to release scar tissue and ease fascial constriction. Other therapists, such as massage therapists and chiropractors, may use ASTYM to treat acute or chronic soft tissue pathology.

Who does gua sha help? 

It is believed that this procedure allows the unhealthy energy from the affected area to leave the body and stimulates blood flow and healing. Gua sha may help with the following conditions:

• General pain
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Colds
• Flu
• Fever
• Skin issues
• Heatstroke
• Fibromyalgia
• Strains and sprains
• Muscle spasms

Gua sha works by increasing the blood flow to different areas of the body. It is believed that this releases the body’s natural pain fighting systems and blocks the pain pathways creating relief. This increased blood flow, known as microcirculation, has been scientifically proven to occur in the areas treated with the gua sha technique.

Risks

Neither the literature nor the current national standards sufficiently address safety standards for gua sha. However, it is thought that gua sha should also be avoided in areas with bruising, or superficial skin lesions such as burns and open sores, and in areas overlying bony prominences such as the spine. This treatment is also contraindicated in the genitalia.

There are a few additional patients who should avoid gua sha, including:

• Pregnant women
• Those taking blood thinners
• Anyone with a bleeding disorder

Because of the discomfort of the procedure, children should not receive it.

What can I expect during a gua sha session?

In the United States, a licensed acupuncturist generally performs this treatment. Before undergoing the gua sha treatment, your acupuncture therapist will discuss your specific pain and symptoms.

Most gua sha sessions begin with a deep tissue massage or palpations along the back to find adhesions or scar tissues. When an area of the skin is pressed, it will turn pale. After the pressure is released, that area should quickly refill with blood. A slow capillary response where blood does not quickly rush back to the area when pressure is released means that circulation to that area may be compromised. This tells the therapist which areas need more pressure. Massage, palpations, and testing capillary response help the therapist identify potential areas that need more pressure. The practitioner also looks for areas that display blanching or delayed capillary refill.

The color and duration of the rash helps the gua sha practitioner diagnose and tailor a treatment plan to suit the patient. For example, light-colored sha can indicate a “deficiency of blood,” whereas dark-colored sha suggest the blood has been stagnant for an extended period.

The therapist will use a circular tool – spoons are common- and either oil or an abrasive substance to sweep down the back. This can increase microcirculation in the tissues of the back. The result is a rash underneath the skin caused by petechiae or ecchymoses (small leakages of blood). The color of the rash (dark or light) helps the gua sha therapist to plan future treatments.

Areas that are most-often treated include the:

• Back
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Buttocks
• Limbs
• Chest
• Abdomen

This treatment can be extremely uncomfortable (bordering unbearable for some).

What does the research say?

Research on gua sha is in its infancy. Scientifically valid studies of its efficacy are small, few, and far between, but there does seem to be a push for a deeper look based on a few solid positive outcomes. That being said, there is increasing evidence that reflex therapies such as massage, gua sha, cupping and acupuncture help to reduce symptoms of pain by affecting the function of nociceptors, or pain-sensing neurons, and the spinal cord. Moreover, these social, comforting therapies may benefit patients experiencing pain by promoting relaxation.

One study of 48 patients with neck pain in Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University Duisburg-Essen, Germany found that those in the gua sha group found that their neck pain decreased significantly when compared to the control group (which utilized a heating pad for pain relief).

Another study wanted to examine the claim that gua sha increased microcirculation. Increasing circulation in the body can help on a number of levels, including in reduction of inflammation and pain. Researchers at the Beth Israel Medical Center’s Continuum Center for Health and Healing found a fourfold increase in microcirculation shortly after gua sha treatment was administered, a result that was significantly more pronounced in female study participants. This same study also found that there was a pain-relieving mechanism to the treatment, but researchers were unable to identify it.

ASTYM research

There is also research that supports ASTYM, the therapy that is very similar to gua sha. This research is sponsored by the company that makes ASTYM therapy tools, but the results span the U.S. and include data from 10,000 study participants. The full report includes promising results, such as:

• Decreased pain and increased range of motion where scar tissue is present
• Increased fibroblast activation and number (fibroblasts are the most common cells in human connective tissue and help with wound repair and construction of cartilage)
• Improved tendon repair

Yet another meta-analysis of studies looking at gua sha found five randomized controlled trials and two controlled clinical trials that presented scientifically valid conclusions. The analysis focused on musculoskeletal pain and identified three possible pain-relieving mechanisms:

1. Increase in microcirculation
2. Stimulation of serotonergic, noradrenergic, and opioid systems to relieve pain
3. Interference with the nociceptors, pain sensors, that then minimizes pain

A total of 224 articles on gua sha were located and examined. However, researchers rejected the vast majority as not relevant due to study design (including no control group or gua sha in use with other therapies). Although the results of the remaining seven studies were not strong enough to prove the claims of gua sha practitioners, the study authors found enough evidence to recommend larger, controlled studies to investigate further.

Gua sha is an out-of-the-box therapy with limited scientific research but much anecdotal support. To learn more about other complementary and alternative treatments that could work for you, talk to your doctor. 

With a more than a 3,000 year history, acupuncture is a low-risk method that helps many with pain relief. It was first introduced in China and spread throughout Asia before making its way westward to Europe and the United States. Partly due to its ancient history and efficacy, acupuncture has been acknowledged by both the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization as an effective alternative treatment for a variety of chronic pain conditions. We’ll talk about more of the history of acupuncture later in this post, but first let’s look at how acupuncture for headaches could help.

Why acupuncture for headaches? 

For people dealing with the effects of chronic head pain, such as migraines, acupuncture can be an excellent alternative to medications or invasive treatments. It may also work in conjunction to traditional medicine.

Research in the early part of the new century indicated that head pain was extremely susceptive to the relief provided by acupuncture. The results showed that patients who were given acupuncture treatments:

• Had fewer days of head pain
• Used less medication
• Required fewer visits to their doctors

Based on this evidence, the consensus of the medical community is that acupuncture treatments won’t hurt in addition to traditional care and may, in fact, enhance the overall experience and relieve more pain than would be eliminated by medical methods. You may not be able to stop taking prescribed medications, but you could cut back which would always be considered desirable.

How long does acupuncture for headaches take?

For head pain most treatment plans will be about six to 12 sessions. You can talk with your doctor and practitioner to develop the best treatment options for your specific needs.

There are a variety of conditions that cause head pain. They include:

• Migraine headaches
• Tension headaches
• Chronic headaches
• Cluster headaches

Having the proper medical diagnosis and treatment plan in place before pursuing alternative treatments is essential. Head pain can be a symptom of a more critical problem. If head pain occurs in conjunction with vomiting, dizziness, fever, extreme neck pain, or hypertension seek medical advice immediately.

How to find someone who offers acupuncture for headaches?

The most important first step when getting acupuncture for headaches is to find a licensed and reliable practitioner. The licensing requirements do vary from state to state, so look into what is required where you live.

You may also want to work with someone who has been certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. You should always discuss alternative treatments like acupuncture with your doctor or specialist. They may even be able to provide you with a referral.

Now that you have some idea of why acupuncture for headaches may be useful to reduce your pain, let’s look more into this fascinating treatment approach.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture centers on the idea of channeling the body’s natural energy, known as qi. This energy flows through 12 meridians of the body, which acupuncturists are trained to map and understand. These channels are divided along a line that represents masculine and feminine energy, known as the yin and yang. Three yang meridians are in the upper extremities and three are in the lower extremities. There is an equal balance of yin in these areas of the body as well.

In addition, there are eight non-designated meridians in the body. When there is disease, pain, or distress in the body the flow of energy is blocked or imbalanced. Acupuncturists will insert fine needles at very specific points along these energy channels to help the correct flow of energy resume.

Ultimately, we don’t really know exactly how acupuncture works, although we are gaining new insight every year. It appears that acupuncture sends signals physiologically through the body’s neurotransmitters which then restore the natural balance. Without the presence of a specific condition in need of treatment, or energy realignment, the practice does not work.

There are very few risks reported with acupuncture and many of them date back to a time before single-use, sterilized needles. Since sterile practices were adopted universally, the risks dropped dramatically. What risks that remain are usually caused by individuals who are not trained properly. Before seeking acupuncture treatment, thoroughly research the clinic and practitioner.

Acupuncture benefits 

A NIH Consensus Conference on acupuncture in 1997 concluded:

“There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine and encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value.”

The mechanism of action for acupuncture has been studied, leading to the current theories of how acupuncture is actually affecting the body regarding pain control. Current research suggests acupuncture can affect neurotransmitters, resulting in an increase of endogenous opiates, which influence pain sensitivity.

There are three types of endogenous opiates: beta endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphin. Beta endorphins are found primarily in the pituitary gland, and enkephalins and dynorphin are both distributed throughout the nervous system. With electroacupuncture frequencies, the electrical current can be altered to release more dynorphins or beta endorphins.

New research shows adenosine plays a large role in the pain relieving benefits of acupuncture. Adenosine, a molecule that influences inflammation and sleep, also acts as an endogenous opiate. Using mice with injured paws, scientists first demonstrated adenosine was released during acupuncture. In mice that didn’t have adenosine receptors, there was no relief from pain. A group of mice was given an approved leukemia drug that lengthens the amount of time that adenosine stays in the body. With the drug, the animals experienced relief for three times as long: some three hours instead of just one.

A 2006 Mayo Clinic study for fibromyalgia also found that acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptomatic improvement was not restricted to pain relief and was most significant for fatigue and anxiety.

What should I expect during an acupuncture procedure? 

Acupuncture is an elegant medical art. Practitioners use sterilized disposable needles on the body to help rebalance this flow of qi. The needles are very thin and solid which allows them to slide into the skin easily. The insertion of the needle is not typically considered painful and most patients say they never feel the tiny needles as they are tapped into their skin. In fact, most people consider the treatments relaxing while others feel the energy stimulation.

Some acupuncturists are also trained in a practice called moxibustion where the needles are warmed with incense before placed on the body. There is also a form of acupuncture where electrical stimulation is used on the needles. This practice has been performed since the 1930s.

The patient is asked to lie on a treatment table, usually fully clothed. Thin needles are inserted in key locations designed to treat the specific pain pattern of each patient. Once the needles are inserted, the patient relaxes. Many patients fall into a peaceful sleep. After the appropriate amount of time, the needles are removed and the patient is free to go. The practitioner will work with their patients to determine where to focus the acupuncture for the best pain relief specific to the patient’s needs. A typical treatment will last for 20 to 30 minutes.

Does acupuncture hurt? 

Most patients report acupuncture is painless. However, there is sometimes a brief instant of discomfort at insertion.

Once in place, however, there is no feeling elicited from the needles. Most patients would be unable to close their eyes and tell the practitioner where the needles have been placed; they simply fade into the background while the patient relaxes.

Are there any risks? 

With further research, we better understand how acupuncture works. And yet, there is much unknown. Acupuncture seems to be giving the body a physiological message utilizing neurotransmitters to help restore normal function. If there’s no need for a particular condition, acupuncture isn’t going to help.

The adverse effects from acupuncture have been documented, and most of them predate the current use of single, sterilized, disposable needles. When sterile technique is adhered, there are few adverse effects. There are also a few cases of needles being used by those who have been improperly trained, resulting in inappropriate needle depth. The risks of acupuncture are rare when performed by someone with proper training.

There are two groups who practice acupuncture. One set of practitioners have the initials LAC, a licensed acupuncturist. LAC practitioners have graduated from an accredited acupuncture college, and have taken and passed a national board exam. The other group consists of medical professionals; MD, Do, DC, or NP who have taken a special courses and are certified in acupuncture. Always look for certified practitioners to avoid any risks.

What is the history of acupuncture? 

Acupuncture history is fascinating. Acupuncture has been used as a treatment modality for more than 3,000 years in China. This treatment modality was first in the spotlight of the U.S. public in 1971.

In the United States, acupuncture was first described by James Reston, a New York Times reporter, in 1971. While on an assignment in China he became ill with appendicitis. While his surgical treatment was conventional and his appendix was removed, his post-operative care was augmented with acupuncture to help ease the pain. In July of that year he wrote an article that detailed the experience and introduced the Western world to this Eastern medicine.

While acupuncture does indeed have an ancient history in Eastern medicine, it has become both accepted and prescribed as an effective treatment for many painful conditions in Western medicine too. Both the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health organization have acknowledged acupuncture as an effective treatment modality for conditions involving pain and nausea.

Get acupuncture for headaches

If you seek out acupuncture for headaches and find it successful, share your experience with others. Acupuncture is widely accepted in the United States but it still has an air of mystery. Shedding a light on the practice, what to expect, and the results are an important part of furthering a better understanding of this and other alternative medical treatments.

Have you tried acupuncture for headaches? How did it help you? 

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is defined broadly by an onset of pain throughout the body. It can carry with it symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive issues, anxiety, and poor balance. Around ten million people in the United States are affected by fibro, so it is definitely a problem that is starting to get more attention in the scientific community. Treating it, however, remains somewhat of a mystery, which is why researchers are actively looking for a treatment for fibromyalgia.

Treatment for fibromyalgia – New research

1. Hyberbaric hope for fibro

Fibromyalgia is much more prevalent in women than in men. Women make up 90% of those who are diagnosed with this condition. A study completed on 48 women at Rice University and institutions in Israel found that a hyperbaric oxygen chamber could be the key to relieving the pain of fibro.

A hyperbaric chamber is an enclosed room that exposes those inside to pure oxygen at higher rates than atmospheric pressure. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) increases the flow of oxygen in your bloodstream to promote healing in the cells of your body. This device is commonly used to treat many other conditions, like gangrene and burns.

Every participant that finished this two-month experiment showed marked improvement in their fibro condition. This was verified by before and after brain scans and advanced the theory that fibromyalgia is a condition that is caused by anomalies in the pain-related areas of the brain.

Dr. Shai Efrati, lead author stated:

“The results are of significant importance since, unlike the current treatments offered for fibromyalgia patients, HBOT is not aiming for just symptomatic improvement. HBOT is aiming for the actual cause — the brain pathology responsible for the syndrome. It means that brain repair, including even neuronal regeneration, is possible even for chronic, long-lasting pain syndromes, and we can and should aim for that in any future treatment development.”

2. Tailored acupuncture

New research has shown that acupuncture that is tailored on the individual level can have great pain relieving effects for those with fibromyalgia, and can last at least a year. The experiment consisted of 153 adults who were provided with either tailored or sham acupuncture in nine weekly sessions lasting for 20 minutes each. All patients remained on their current medications during the trial and side effects were rare and mild.

Patients were asked to evaluate their pain levels, as well as depression and quality of life, before and after the trial. After the ten weeks, the perceived pain levels were greatly reduced in those receiving the real acupuncture treatments by an average decrease of 41%. Other symptoms such as fatigue and anxiety also showed large improvement for those receiving actual acupuncture treatments.

3. Mindfulness meditation

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have discovered evidence that mindfulness meditation can more effectively combat pain than a placebo. This research was conducted on 75 pain-free patients split into various groups and used a heating probe to simulate pain. The pain was evaluated using brain scans and self-reporting from the participants.

The mindful meditation group reported that their pain intensity was reduced by more than double that of the placebo group. Furthermore, the MRI scans showed that the mindfulness meditation altered brain patterns in a unique way that was not present in the placebo group. Fadel Zeidan, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurobiology and anatomy says:

“This study is the first to show that mindfulness meditation is mechanistically distinct and produces pain relief above and beyond the analgesic effects seen with either placebo cream or sham meditation.”

4. Vibration exercise

Regular exercise is one of the best therapies for fibromyalgia patients, but the pain produced from this condition can be make this option unappealing. A new alternative has been put forward by researchers from Indiana University called vibration exercise that can be used to reduce pain symptoms for those with fibromyalgia.

Vibration exercise involves a patient standing, kneeling, or laying on a vibrating platform, which stimulates the muscles making them contract and relax. This can have some great benefits, such as increasing bone density and circulation as well as strengthening muscles.

Tony Kaleth, associate professor in the School of Physical Education and Tourism says of this treatment for fibromyalgia:

“Vibration training is increasingly being studied in clinical populations as a potential therapeutic mode of exercise training. Although the results are largely equivocal and in need of further study, studies have reported improvements in strength, muscle spasticity and pain in select populations.”

5. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

Fibromyalgia is most notably known for causing widespread pain, although it does have other symptoms such as fatigue, interrupted sleep, numbness, and depression. According to French researchers, a technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can be used on patients to improve these non-pain symptoms by correcting certain anomalies in the human brain found in pain patients.

A study was conducted with 38 people who had fibromyalgia pain for 14 sessions over a ten-week period. Patients wore a hat lined with electrodes, which could send targeted electric charges to the brain in the hopes of altering these areas. The participants were broken into two separate groups, one receiving the real repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and the other a sham stimulation.

Those receiving the real rTMS treatment showed an increase in quality of life revolving around more joy, better work performance, increased social activity, and engaging in more hobbies and interests as well as a decrease in anxiety, anger, and sadness. Those in the sham group actually had a slight decrease in their quality of life scoring. The researchers note that though they did find an association between the treatment for fibromyalgia and quality of life, more research needs to be done as it did not prove a cause and effect link.

Which of these new treatment for fibromyalgia options would you like to try?

Reiki is a form of energy work, which is a collection of practices that are believed to enhance the free flow of life-force energy. Encouraging the flow of this invisible energy, sometimes called chi or prana, is also the basis of other, better-known energy work treatments such as acupuncture.

Although scientific research examining the benefits of Reiki is limited, many people say Reiki has helped them manage chronic pain ranging from fibromyalgia to migraines. It’s also believed to reduce depression and anxiety.

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese form of healing. The word translates roughly to “spiritually guided life-force energy,” according to the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT).

The word is actually a combination of “rei,” which refers to the wisdom of a higher power, and “ki,” which means life-force energy. Ki is similar to the “chi” or “qi” (pronounced chee) referenced in ancient Chinese medicine, and is the same energy manipulated by acupuncture.

These ancient systems of medicine posit that disease comes from blockages, disturbances, or low levels of life-force energy. Reiki is unique in that people can learn to perform the technique on themselves, although many practitioners are available to provide treatments, as well.

Some Reiki treatments, known as distant healing, are even performed while the practitioner and person receiving treatment are not in the same room or even the same town. The reason this could work is that life-force energy knows no limits. No scientific proof for this energy exists, but the idea of it is the basis for nearly all Eastern healing modalities.

What happens during a Reiki session?

During Reiki, practitioners place their hands on or slightly above the person receiving treatment in specific places that vary depending upon the person and medical issue being addressed. It is believed that this laying of the hands facilitates the flow of energy between the person giving Reiki and the one receiving.

The energy system in Reiki is organized along the seven chakras, which are wheels of invisible energy lying along the spine. Each chakra has a distinct meaning, and in this form of energy work, some maladies can be linked to imbalances in specific chakras. To remedy an imbalance in a particular chakra, a Reiki practitioner would focus on the corresponding area.

Reiki treatments may also focus on acupuncture points, which are specific areas along meridians, or channels through which life-force energy flows. Each organ relates to a specific meridian.

Sessions typically last around an hour, although multiple sessions over time may be required to receive maximum benefit.

What are the benefits of Reiki?

While the benefits of Reiki haven’t been extensively studied, anecdotal benefits include diminished stress, relaxed muscles, and a reduction in pain. Some cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have reported the treatment relieves their nausea, according to WebMD.

Reiki, along with many other energy-based systems of healing, emphasizes a lifestyle component. People receiving the treatment are encouraged to become active participants in their healing, and this active participation has been found in clinical trials to improve health outcomes.

In Reiki, it’s believed that healing the body requires healing the spirit, and healing the spirit requires adopting the mindset of gratitude and joy while diminishing worry, according to ICRT. Reiki’s founder, Usui Mikai recommended:

“The secret art of inviting happiness

The miraculous medicine of all diseases

Just for today, do not anger

Do not worry and be filled with gratitude

Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.

Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.

Pray these words to your heart

and chant these words with your mouth

Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind.”

What proof supports Reiki’s ability to reduce chronic pain?

Although only a limited number of studies have been conducted, a few do exist. A review of studies published in The International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found Reiki and other so-called biofield therapies demonstrate “strong evidence” for alleviating pain among those with chronic pain and “moderate evidence” for helping hospitalized patients manage pain and anxiety.

Researchers recommended that more research be conducted.

The studies that have investigated Reiki’s benefits paint a limited picture because they lacked important components. Most trials have been very small, didn’t compare the treatment with both a sham treatment and none at all, and compared a wide variety of conditions, giving almost no opportunity to corroborate results, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

What are the potential dangers of Reiki?

While the proven benefits of Reiki are unclear, the treatment isn’t considered risky, according to NCCIH. The limited number of studies that have been completed didn’t reveal any concerning side effects.

The best option may be to try the treatment and see if it helps reduce pain.

Why is Reiki so controversial?

Although many people say Reiki has dramatically improved their lives, helping to reduce pain from conditions like fibromyalgia for which no good conventional treatment exists, many doctors remain skeptical. Critics say the belief that an invisible life-force energy exists is magic and not real medicine. Dr. Stephen Barrett, a former psychiatrist, tells the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

“What does it mean to have an energy you can’t measure with an instrument? Physics has a definition for energy. This is just magical thinking.”

However, acupuncture is also formed along the basis of releasing energy blockages, and many studies have proven that treatment’s effectiveness, according to Pain Doctor. Although some researchers advocate for further research into Reiki, others aggressively warn against it.

In 2014, a group of experts published a letter in the journal Trends in Molecular Medicine, advocating for a complete halt to all trials related to “highly implausible treatments” like Reiki.

Then, there are patients like Jane Thompson, a resident of Seattle’s Whidbey Island, who enjoyed so much benefit from Reiki that she ultimately stopped taking drugs for fibromyalgia. Thompson tells the Post-Intelligencer:

“You have to be open minded…I’d rather have a healing treatment than take drugs.”

Have you ever tried Reiki? What was your experience?

Image by Simon Berry via Flickr

This Feb. 4 people around the world will honor World Cancer Day, a time devoted to raising awareness about cancer solutions. News reports often emphasize the number of deaths and escalating rates of those affected. However, greater knowledge about the disease and improvements in treatment, prevention, and detection have at the same time increased the number of survivors.

World Cancer Day seeks to raise awareness about the disease and its solutions.

The day’s tagline, “Not beyond us,” promotes the importance of four main solutions to cancer: making healthy lifestyle choices, increasing access to early detection procedures, providing treatment for everyone who needs it, and maximizing patient quality of life.

At a time when the number of cancers is rising dramatically around the world, the positive message of World Cancer Day reminds people that many cases of cancer are preventable. And with early detection, treatment is most effective.

Each year, doctors diagnose 14 million cases of cancer globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That number is expected to rise to 22 million over the next 20 years. About one in three people can expect to develop cancer in their lifetimes.

Half of all cancer-related deaths are those who died prematurely, between the ages of 30 and 69, according to World Cancer Day.

Although people in wealthy countries are more likely to develop cancer, those in developing nations are more likely to die from it, reports National Public Radio. That’s because citizens in developing nations don’t have the same access to medical care as those in First World countries.

Dr. Christopher Wild with the International Agency for Research on Cancer says:

“More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally.”

About half of all cancers could be prevented with concerted effort, according to WHO. Some cancers, such as those affecting the cervix, stomach, and liver, are related to an infection that can be prevented by a vaccine.

Meanwhile many lung, large bowel, and breast cancers are attributed to behaviors or the environment. Alcohol consumption, smoking, and sugary beverages are all linked to cancer and can be eliminated with effort, according to WHO.

Other risk factors, like exposure to air pollution, can be changed but require widespread change from people and governments. Dr. Bernard Stewart, co-editor of the World Cancer Report 2014, says legislation limiting the risks of cancer is needed to lower rates and improve survival. He adds:

“In low-and middle-income countries, it is critical that governments commit to enforcing regulatory measures to protect their populations and implement cancer prevention plans.”

World Cancer Day organizers say a collective responsibility exists for wealthy countries to help developing nations expand cancer detection and treatment options for those who develop the disease. In addition to treatment, organizers say nations must make policy changes to lower cancer rates and help people live.

In a deadly paradox, some of the nations with the worst cancer rates have cultural stigmas preventing widespread discussion about cancer, stifling efforts to raise awareness about the very things that can save people’s lives, according to World Cancer Day.

One of the large myths surrounding cancer is that people lack power to prevent it, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). However healthy lifestyle choices can make a dramatic difference, the ACS adds.

Some people may also believe they don’t have the right to cancer care, but that is also a myth. Everyone has the right to cancer care, ACS says. World Cancer Day seeks to raise awareness to debunk these myths and encourage action to save lives.

Activities taking place around the world include festivals, seminars, and public awareness campaigns. Visit the World Cancer Day events map to stay up-to-date on events in your area.

Planning at the highest levels of government is critical to ensure all cancer patients get the care they need.

Many developed nations already have in place plans for responding to cancer. The European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC), for example, has guidelines on the use of opioids for treating cancer pain, and those guidelines continue to be evaluated through peer-reviewed research.

EAPC, in addition to WHO, recommends morphine as a first-line treatment for cancer pain, according to research published in The Lancet Oncology. EAPC says morphine used therapeutically doesn’t lend itself to abuse, however there is a growing concern, at least in the U.S., about opioid addiction, which can result in overdose or death.

Opioids are typically a primary option for treating cancer pain, but alternatives and complementary drugs may take their place or reduce the needed dosage.

While opioids may be the most powerful drugs for treating cancer pain, alternatives do exist. Drugs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen may help to alleviate bone or muscle pain, and could possibly be used in concert with opioids for extreme pain. These drugs can be taken by pill, but are also available through injection for heightened potency.

Steroids are also sometimes used to control cancer pain. They reduce swelling, which may help if a tumor is causing pain by compressing surrounding tissue. Bisphosphonates, commonly used to treat osteoporosis, are also sometimes used to alleviate pain related to bone cancer. Antidepressants are another alternative, particularly for treating nerve pain, according to Cancer Research UK.

Non-pill therapies include nerve blocks, which are injections that lower pain by deadening the affected nerve.

Therapies such as acupuncture and biofeedback are growing in popularity for patients, as well as stress-reducing activities like yoga and meditation, reports NBC News. Biofeedback methods teach patients how to control the body’s vital signs, including respiration, body temperature, and heartbeat. Stress can exacerbate feelings of pain, and reducing anxiety may elevate patients’ pain thresholds, making them less sensitive to discomfort.

These alternative methods of treating pain may be used in concert with opioids or other medications to help patients feel as good as possible. Ultimately, the type of therapy used will depend on the type of cancer a person has and where the pain is coming from.

What do you think is the most effective way to treat cancer pain?

Image courtesy of World Cancer Day

Arizona Pain was founded based on the principle that everybody experiencing chronic pain deserves the best possible treatment.

Comprehensive pain care is incredibly complex because of the multi-faceted nature of pain. 2 people experiencing the same type of pain may have separate causes for that pain. Because of the complexity of chronic pain, many doctors avoid digging deep to uncover the root cause, instead prescribing potentially dangerous drugs to patients.

Working to identify the causes of patients’ pain takes time, which is in short supply for many doctors. Arizona Pain doctors, on the other hand, focus on helping patients figure out exactly what’s ailing them and then devise customized treatment plans. Our doctors take this role seriously and are involved in some of the most advanced research dedicated to improving the lives of people experiencing all types of pain.

Treatments such as nerve blocks, which stop pain signals at the source, and joint injections, which help painful, inflamed joints regain optimal lubrication and movement, have helped thousands of patients reduce their pain and regain their joy of living. Painkillers meanwhile, change how the brain processes pain but do nothing to alleviate the cause.

Arizona Pain exists to give chronic pain patients hope.

Our doctors educate patients about alternative methods of pain care that complement our highly effective and cutting-edge treatments. We also advocate lifestyle changes including stress reduction and improved nutrition, which can vastly improve patients’ quality of life and reduce overall levels of pain. The lifestyle component is critical, but is another area frequently neglected by doctors because of the time it takes to educate patients.

Arizona Pain works on an interdisciplinary approach, which means that all of the medical professionals—from pain doctors to chiropractors—working on your case communicate and collaborate to achieve the best treatment outcome. This collaboration ensures multiple medical minds are working on your behalf. It also significantly reduces the likelihood of gaps or redundancies in care.

Family member’s battle with cancer pain inspired founding of Arizona pain practice.

Chronic pain is an area close to Arizona Pain’ founders Dr. Paul Lynch and Dr. Tory McJunkin. The 2 doctors met while undergrads in college. Later, while they were attending medical school at the University of Oklahoma, Paul’s mother-in-law developed pancreatic cancer. While she fought the illness and the incredible pain it caused her, Paul worked desperately to figure out a way to help her.

Along the way, he learned about interventional pain procedures—a journey that would change his life. He grew increasingly passionate about the methods he learned to appease the pain of those suffering. 1 day, he realized this path was his life’s calling. Excited, he drove to Tory’s house and told him of his plans.

Paul’s enthusiasm ignited a similar passion in Tory, and they each decided to continue their studies in the practice of interventional pain at the University of Iowa and New York University, respectively.

Arizona Pain now has 7 metropolitan Phoenix locations, with medical professionals specializing in:

• Chiropractic care
• Biofeedback training
• Relaxation therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Acupuncture

The inclusion of these alternative therapies is another factor separating Arizona Pain from other practices. Many traditional doctors don’t work with these types of medicine, let alone offer them under the same roof, and so patients aren’t able to experience their benefits.

After all these years, Arizona Pain’ governing principle remains the same: “Is this the treatment we would want for our Mom or Dad if they were in pain?”

Arizona Pain provides access to the most advanced medical procedures and comprehensive care.

With 7 locations across the Valley, Arizona Pain provides easy access to residents throughout the Phoenix metro area. The practice’s flagship location is in Scottsdale, while other offices are located in Glendale, Surprise, Chandler, Gilbert, North Phoenix, and downtown Phoenix.

To further the doctors’ commitment to improving the lives of people experiencing chronic pain, the office hosts a free support group every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Scottsdale office. The session lasts for 90 minutes and offers people the opportunity to connect with others who know how it feels to live with chronic pain.

Many participants make lasting connections, talking to 1 another during the week, which they find improves their quality of life.

PainDoctor.com, a national website that is affiliated with Arizona Pain,  also facilitates an online Facebook support group, with more than 30,000 members. People are welcome to join, share their stories, inspire and support fellow members.

From creating community for chronic pain patients to expanding the availability of cutting-edge treatments, Arizona Pain is dedicated to serving each person who walks through its doors with the best medicine.

Have you ever thought about treating pain holistically with a team-based approach?