A review of relaxation techniques in chronic pain treatment

Abstract

A review of relaxation techniques in chronic pain treatment

The mechanisms accompanying the common phenomenon of chronic pain which also determine the quality of life are physiological, psychological and social disturbances, therefore interdisciplinary treatment proves proves the greatest effectiveness. Apart from conventional methods, the treatment more and more frequently includes alternative methods, such as relaxation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of relaxation techniques in pain intensity reduction as well as the methods chosen most frequently and the patients' motivation to use complementary medicine basing on the references available in Medline database. This study includes a review of 11 articles concerning the effects of relaxation techniques on chronic pain level in adults over the age of 60. The results indicate diversity in attitudes towards alternative methods of chronic pain treatment and thus it is necessary to carry outfurther, more precise research.