ABSTRACT
This chapter defines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) reviews surveys of the prevalence and reason for their use in chronic pain. It also reviews the scientific basis and published studies for the following commonly used modalities in chronic pain: acupuncture, massage, manipulation, herbs, movement, mind– body and other therapies. A meta-analysis recently reported on five well-designed, randomized clinical trials involving 1334 patients of acupuncture treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Manipulative therapies are one of the most commonly used CAM therapies. Several meta-analyses have reported on the efficacy of diet and herbs in relieving chronic pain. Most meditative techniques have come to the West from Eastern religious practices, particularly from India, China, and Japan, but meditation is a common practice of all cultures of the world.
