Question 1

how effective are complementary and/or alternative medicine therapies for fibromyalgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Complementary and / or alternative therapies can be very helpful in treating fibromyalgia. Diet, exercise, supplements, meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, physical therapy, and chiropractic manipulation have all shown to be helpful in treating fibromyalgia.

Question 2

is complementary and alternative medicine safe?

Accepted Answer

Usually: Since most aspects of complementary and alternative medicine have never been put to clinical trials, they are mostly ineffective.  But the placebo effect is generally safe, so although you might be wasting your money, the only harm is the avoidance of getting an actual real diagnosis and proper treatment from a real doctor.

Question 3

what is complimentary and alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

CAM: Complementary and alternative medicine ("cam") is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that usually aren't considered a part of conventional medicine. "complementary" treatments might be used in conjunction with conventional ones; "alternative" treatments would be used instead of conventional ones.  For a lot more info, see:  http://nccam.Nih.Gov/.

Question 4

alternative medicine is not real medicine-thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Different philosophy: There are many definitions to alternative medicine but usually it is defined as methods of care that do not involve pharmaceutical drugs and procedures.  It can be acupuncture, homeopathy, supplements, nutrition, srt, etc to name a few.  Many of them are well studied and others are not.  Working with integrative medicine physicians can often help link traditional & alternative medicine together.

Question 5

any value to complementary and alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

Little: Since most aspects of complementary and alternative medicine have never been put to clinical trials, they are mostly ineffective. But the placebo effect is generally safe, so although you might be wasting your money, the only harm is the avoidance of getting an actual real diagnosis and proper treatment from a real doctor.

Question 6

whats holistic, complementary and alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

Whole Person: Holistic (and integrative) medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies (including.  "alternative" & "complementary" medicine = those not usually taught in conventional med schools.

Question 7

fibromyalgia pain, are there alternatives for medicine?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Exercising is a good therapy for fibromyalgia. Alternatives such as acupuncture may also help some individuals. Hypnotism has also been tried.

Question 8

describe the features of complementary or alternative medicine.?

Accepted Answer

Alternative Medicine: Complementary and alternative medicine (cam) use a holistic approach to treating the patient, combining both traditional western medicine with alternatives such as acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, nutritional medicine etc.  The emphasis in on balancing the person rather than just treating the problem you come in with.

Question 9

what drugs are classified as complementary and alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

None: Drugs are regulated by the fda and require proof of efficacy and safety.  Remedies used by naturopaths and similar providers have not been tested for either efficacy or safety and in fact are totally not subject to any federal oversight unless they are found to be dangerous in clinical use.

Question 10

can alternative medicine help chronic pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Some alt med therapies are very helpful with chronic pain.  Acupuncture.  Fish oil can reduce pain from swelling.  Apply capsaicin (from cayenne peppers) topically for possible help with arthritis, diabetic nerve pain. Yoga can help with fibromyalgia pain. Guided imagery works on some headaches. Marijuana helps many too.

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Doctor answers about:

Alternative medicine fibromyalgia

A member asked:

How effective are complementary and/or alternative medicine therapies for fibromyalgia?

A member asked:

Is complementary and alternative medicine safe?

A member asked:

What is complimentary and alternative medicine?

A member asked:

Alternative medicine is not real medicine-thoughts?

A member asked:

Any value to complementary and alternative medicine?

A member asked:

Whats holistic, complementary and alternative medicine?

A member asked:

Fibromyalgia pain, are there alternatives for medicine?

A member asked:

Describe the features of complementary or alternative medicine.?

A member asked:

What drugs are classified as complementary and alternative medicine?

A member asked:

Can alternative medicine help chronic pain?

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