Non-pharmacological Treatment of Pain: Grand Challenge and Future Opportunities

Music-Induced Analgesia in Healthy Participants Is Associated With Expected Pain Levels but Not Opioid or Dopamine-Dependent Mechanisms

“…The importance of a contextual control is evidenced by findings demonstrating that expectations of treatment efficacy can double the analgesic effect of active pain medication ( 32 ). Among trials investigating non-pharmacological pain interventions such as surgery and acupuncture, the inclusion of matched contextual conditions omitting the treatment specific characteristics is currently being debated and implemented ( 33 – 39 ), and the general need for well-controlled trials in relation to alternative or complementary pain interventions is being recognized ( 40 ). As expressed in a recent article on grand challenges in non-pharmacological treatment of pain, it is essential to both demonstrate an effect of these interventions beyond a placebo effect, and to specify their biological underpinnings ( 40 ).…”

“…Among trials investigating non-pharmacological pain interventions such as surgery and acupuncture, the inclusion of matched contextual conditions omitting the treatment specific characteristics is currently being debated and implemented ( 33 – 39 ), and the general need for well-controlled trials in relation to alternative or complementary pain interventions is being recognized ( 40 ). As expressed in a recent article on grand challenges in non-pharmacological treatment of pain, it is essential to both demonstrate an effect of these interventions beyond a placebo effect, and to specify their biological underpinnings ( 40 ). At this point, however, only few studies have used a contextual control or taken expectations for pain relief into account when evaluating the analgesic effect of music ( 8 , 41 – 43 ).…”

The Impact of Nurses’ Beliefs, Attitudes, and Cultural Sensitivity on the Management of Patient Pain

“…Historically, opioid medications were the treatment of choice for pain management (Bonnie et al, 2017). Although it was initially hoped that opioid medications would significantly improve pain management, reliance on opioids has instead been labeled a “crisis,” a “national emergency,” and a “worldwide epidemic” (Bushnell et al, 2021; Machelska & Celik, 2018; Tick et al, 2018).…”

“…The biopsychosocial model has increasingly been incorporated into medical guidance and training (Farre & Rapley, 2017), and is better for pain management since pain experiences are biopsychosocial (Kusnanto et al, 2018). In addition, due to the opioid crisis, there is greater emphasis on nonpharmacologic interventions for pain management (Bushnell et al, 2021; Tick et al, 2018). A recent report from the Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force ([PMBP ITF], 2019) suggested providers incorporate restorative and integrative interventions into pain management (e.g., physical or occupational therapy, massage, relaxation, etc.).…”

“…A recent report from the Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force ([PMBP ITF], 2019) suggested providers incorporate restorative and integrative interventions into pain management (e.g., physical or occupational therapy, massage, relaxation, etc.). Previous research shows nonpharmacologic interventions are evidence-based, cost-effective, low risk, and reduce the need for opioids (Bonnie et al, 2017; Bushnell et al, 2021; PMBP ITF, 2019; Tick et al, 2018). However, these interventions remain underutilized.…”