CAM (Complimentary & Alternative) Treatments

These types of treatments are "a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine" (National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine). Complimentary treatment is used in addition with conventional medicine while alternative treatment is used in place of conventional medicine. It is important to learn about the different procedures and tools used in complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM), and to inform the practitioner of your condition before going ahead with anything.

EraseAS.com does not advocate the use of CAM treatments, nor do we discourage it. Some people experience positive results from these holistic aids while others do not. In short, these are scientifically unproven theories.

The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) categorizes CAM treatment into five classes.

1. Alternative Medical Systems: Theory and practice separate from conventional medicine.
2. Mind-Body Interventions: Interactions between the brain, body, emotions and behavior.
3. Biologically Based Therapies: Use of natural substances such as herbs and dietary supplements.
4. Manipulative and Body-Based Methods: Movement and manipulation of body parts.
5. Energy Therapies: Use of energy and electromagnetic fields.

Different types of CAM treatments include:

• Acupuncture: The stimulation of acupuncture points on the body with needles may lead to relief of pain and is safe if done by a trained professional.

• Chiropractic Aid: Although most doctors do not endorse the use of chiropractic treatment by AS patients, some patients do find it to helpful. According to Khan, AS sufferers should avoid back manipulations due to the fragility of their spine (SAA).

• Massage: Gentle massaging on tender “hot spots” can help relieve soreness due to inflammation and promote well being.

• Yoga: Stretching the lower back and inflamed joints can ease stiffness and pain as long as instruction is provided by a professional. Yoga is also a nice break from routine exercises and can be done with other people, in a class or by yourself.

• Diet: According to NASS, people living with AS should eat plenty of protein found in meat and fish, a daily diet of fruit and vegetables for vitamins and drink milk for calcium. Avoid eating fatty foods and becoming overweight since the extra weight puts strain on your back.

• Aromatherapy: The use of scented candles and oils can help increase health and well-being.

• Ayurveda: Indian technique of disease prevention and treatment through natural substances and use of the body and mind.

• Homeopathy: Individualized treatment that includes small dosage of remedies.

• Osteopathy: Treats the person as a whole rather than the specific symptom.

• Naturopathy: Rather than attacking the specific disease, healers focus on cleansing the entire body.

• Reiki: Transmission of “life-force” energy from practitioner to patient.

• Qi Gong: Meditation and body movement.

For more information on complimentary and alternative medicines, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

Be heard! Visit our Complementary and Alternative Treatments forum!

Non-Medicinal Treatments

Unconventional Treatments