Q. Is there an alternative way to manage my chronic back pain? I do not want to be too doped up to play with the kids or do regular daily activities. I was in a car accident four years ago, and suffered a back and neck injury. There is nothing more doctors can do for me. I need an effective pain management plan.

A. There are several different methods that can be used to manage pain without the use of medications. Depending on the type and severity of the pain, every pain management method will have different results for each person.

The use of acupuncture has been used to relieve chronic pain. Acupuncture involves inserting micro thin needles through the skin in strategic spots all over the body. This is an ancient Chinese healing therapy that has become more popular in the past ten years. An acupuncture session should only be done by a licensed and trained acupuncturist.

Yoga is another method that can be used to keep muscles flexible and relieve tension. Yoga is a low impact activity that utilizes special poses that stretch the muscles all over the body. After a 30 minute yoga routine, your muscles will feel more relaxed. Yoga strengthens muscles as well, which is beneficial to back support. This can help alleviate back pain.

Self hypnosis or relaxation training, can help you get your mind off the pain. These sessions can be done by a hypnotherapist or with the use of audio or video Cds. Learning breathing techniques that can help your body relax and relieve some of the tension that may be causing extra pain is very useful.

The use of aromatherapy is used by many in combination with deep breathing or while doing yoga. Essential oils burned in an oil burner can help the mind and body relax, and relieve the pain. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and marjoram are ideal for pain relief.

A deep massage can relax tense muscles as well. A variety of oil treatments can be massaged into the skin, and provide instant pain relief. A hot bath with one of the essential oils in the bath water is also a quick easy way to relieve back pain.

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