Alternative Therapy for Chronic Pain article

May 22, 2005

Alternative Therapy for Chronic Pain

(05/20/05 - CARY) — Now that two popular pain killers are off the

market, some people are turning to non-traditional treatments.

One out of three people live with arthritis. Since the popular pain

killers, Bextra and Vioxx are no longer available many doctors are

prescribing treatments like acupuncture and therapeutic message.

Jackie Woodock of Cary lives with chronic pain in her back and legs

caused by a bulged disc and restless leg syndrome. " Over time, that

has gotten very bad. It feels like it hurts to the bone. "

Jackie was getting relief from the COX-2 inhibitor Bextra until it was

withdrawn from the market, once studies showed prolonged use increased

the risk of heart attack and stroke.

That's when her doctor prescribed massage. Studies show gentle massage

can reduce inflammation and help maintain range of motion in joints.

Now, local spas are offering more therapeutic services like pain

management massage and acupuncture.

La Therapie Spa in Cary has also added a Hungarian mud wrap which spa

owner Nina Mrakuzic says has medicinal properties. " It penetrates the

superficial and deeper layers of the skin and retains a lot of heat so

it's really great for people who suffer from osteoarthritis. It is not

as good for people who have rheumatoid arthritis because of

inflammation of the joints. In those cases use it as a cold

application. "

Mrakuzik says people need 3 to 4 treatments to feel the effects, then

monthly visits to maintain. Jackie Woodock believes it's working for

her. " I played in the mud growing up, I didn't think about mud helping

me physically, but I think I could tell a difference, you know, an all

over body difference.

More insurance companies are covering the cost of therapeutic massage

and acupuncture treatments.

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