People with musculoskeletal pain may seek out a variety of treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve function. Many people look outside mainstream medicine. These approaches are variably referred to as complementary, alternative, or integrative, among other terms. Alternative approaches may include vitamins, minerals, whole foods or other particular diets, breathing exercises, acupuncture, chiropractic, yoga, and meditation among many others.
The popularity of these approaches and the amount of money people spend on them suggest opportunities for improvements in mainstream care. One thing that traditional or alternative practitioners are often skilled at is exuding warmth and competence– important aspects of a therapeutic relationship.
Our research addressed the effects that psychological factors have on the types of treatments that patients with upper extremity illness choose to undergo. Variation in pain intensity and magnitude of disability among patients with musculoskeletal illness is largely accounted for by variations in symptoms of depression, catastrophic thinking, and heightened illness concern. In one study, we found that patients who experience greater stress in their lives or implement less effective coping strategies are more likely to use alternative approaches (1). In other words, seeking care outside of mainstream medicine might be an indicator of unaddressed stress and common, but unhelpful misconceptions.
References
- O’Connor C, Braun Y, Nota SP, Baloda T, Ring D. The Association of Complementary Health Approaches With Mood and Coping Strategies Among Orthopedic Patients. Hand (N Y). 2016 Sep;11(3):295-302. PubMed PMID: 27698631.