Yoga and Tai Chi May Help Manage Fibromyalgia Pain

Massage therapy and certain relaxation techniques helped patients with neck pain and severe headaches as well as migraines.

In addition, massage therapy, spinal manipulation, and osteopathic manipulation also provided some help for back pain, while relaxation approaches and tai chi helped people with fibromyalgia, said the paper published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

For the study, the team reviewed 105 US-based randomised controlled trials, from the past 50 years, that were relevant to patients with chronic pain conditions.

The review also gives primary care providers — who frequently see patients with chronic pain — tools to inform decision-making on how to help manage that pain.

“This data can equip providers and patients with the information they need to have informed conversations regarding non-drug approaches for treatment of specific pain conditions,” added David Shurtleff, Deputy Director of NCCIH.