Data from a review of U.S.-based clinical trials shows several non-medication alternatives that have proven effective in managing common pain conditions.

The study, published last week, suggests that complementary health approaches such as yoga, tai chi and acupuncture can be effective tools in managing pain. The review of 105 U.S.-based controlled trials from the past 50 years was conducted by a group of scientists from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at the National Institutes of Health. It comes amid a growing focus on pain management, especially for alternatives to opioids in managing pain.

The review focused on trial results on seven approaches used for one or more of five conditions – back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, fibromyalgia and severe headaches and migraine. It found promise in the following treatments for safety and effectiveness in managing pain:

• Acupuncture and yoga for back pain
• Acupuncture and tai chi for osteoarthritis of the knee
• Massage therapy for neck pain with adequate doses and for short-term benefit
• Relaxation techniques for severe headaches and migraine.