Non-pharmacological pain management strategies: a mini-review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60988/p.v37i2S.281Keywords:
non-pharmacological intervention; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; cognitive behavioural therapy; Quran therapy; strategiesAbstract
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Non-pharmacological interventions offer several advantages, including reduced medical costs, increased accessibility, broader applicability, ease of use, and greater patient satisfaction. These strategies may also reduce the patients’ pain levels while minimizing the adverse effects commonly associated with pharmacological treatments. However, non-pharmacological techniques have limitations concerning their applicability and efficacy. They are classified according to their mechanisms of action into four main categories: mind–body interventions, biological treatments, manipulative and body-based practices, and energy-based strategies. Common examples include the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, heat therapy, massage therapy, light therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, acupuncture, yoga, virtual reality therapy, Quran therapy, and aromatherapy. This mini-review provides an overview of the mechanisms through which these strategies alleviate pain, and highlights the advantages that contribute to their growing global appeal.
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