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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffSeveral types of alternative therapies may reduce pain associated with certain medical conditions. Ask your doctor whether you should consider trying these approaches, and whether he or she can recommend a trusted practitioner.
Depending on your medical history, life situation and test results, your doctor may be able to tell you how likely these alternative therapies are to relieve your symptoms. He or she can also let you know about any potential risks based on your personal health history.
- Relaxation techniques. Deep breathing and targeted stretching exercise for your pelvic region could help minimize bouts of pain when they occur.
- Biofeedback. This alternative therapy is based on the idea, confirmed by scientific studies, that you can use your mind to control your body. Working with a biofeedback therapist, you'll use monitoring equipment that beeps or flashes when your body is sending cues that pain is on the way. As you recognize these cues, you can train your body to respond differently and decrease the sensation of pain.
- Acupuncture. During acupuncture treatment, a practitioner inserts tiny needles into your skin at precise points. Pain relief may come from the release of endorphins, your body's natural painkillers, but that's only one of many theories about how acupuncture works. Acupuncture isn't safe if you're taking blood thinners or if you have low blood counts.
References
- Hoffman BL. Pelvic pain. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3154265. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
- Lentz GM. Differential diagnosis of major gynecologic problems by age group: Vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pelvic mass. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2011.
- Chronic pelvic pain. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp099.cfm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
- Howard F. Evaluation of chronic pelvic pain in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
- ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins - Gynecology. Chronic pelvic pain. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2004;103:589.
- Howard F. Treatment of chronic pelvic pain in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
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