Exercise, education, and behavioral modification as alternative therapy for pain and stress in rheumatic disease.

Abstract

Stress and pain mechanisms are complex and share many central nervous system pathways. Both are critical issues for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue diseases. The link between stress and neuroendoimmune function suggests that alternative therapies focusing on improved psychologic and metabolic function could significantly change patients' pain outcomes. Programs using alternative therapies such as tai chi and meditation in combination with traditional medications appear to be beneficial for patients with arthritis. These individuals appear to live better lives and may have better long-term outcomes.

• Authors: D E Yocum, W L Castro, M Cornett
• Journal: Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America (Rheum Dis Clin North Am) Vol. 26 Issue 1 Pg. 145-59, x-xi (Feb 2000) ISSN: 0889-857X [Print] United States
• PMID: 10680202 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Behavior Therapy
• Complementary Therapies
• Exercise Therapy
• Humans
• Pain (etiology, immunology)
• Pain Management
• Patient Education as Topic
• Rheumatic Diseases (complications, immunology, therapy)
• Stress, Physiological (etiology, immunology, therapy)