Evidence-Based Alternative Pain Management Techniques for Chronic Pain

Authors

Alise Williams Condie, Utah State UniversityFollow
Ashley Yaugher, Utah State UniversityFollow
Kira Swensen, Utah State University
Maren Wright Voss, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

1-2020

Abstract

Chronic pain and opioid use have become topics of importance as opioid overdose deaths have risen to epidemic proportions throughout the nation. Chronic pain lasts for long periods of time and can be caused by a past injury or have no known cause. Opioids have been utilized to treat pain in the past, but it has been discovered that opioids are better used to treat acute pain and not chronic pain. Opioids can have negative consequences including changes to the brain, depression, increased pain, constipation, sedation, and even death. This fact sheet reviews and explains some of the most successful evidence-based non-opioid methods to manage chronic pain. The methods discussed include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Yoga, Tai Chi, and Mindfulness.

Recommended Citation

Condie, Alise Williams; Yaugher, Ashley; Swensen, Kira; and Voss, Maren Wright, "Evidence-Based Alternative Pain Management Techniques for Chronic Pain" (2020). All Current Publications. Paper 2079.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/extension_curall/2079