Conclusion

These are only some of the alternative therapies used to fight pain in MS -- I'm sure there are more. There are other therapies designed to address the entire disease, but here we are focusing on pain.

There are times, especially when we are in the midst of long-term excruciating pain, that we are willing to try almost anything to get it to stop. However, the best idea at times like that is to take a deep breath and investigate the proposed therapy a little further. Is it possible there will be unpleasant side effects or even an outcome more horrible and more long-lasting than the pain itself. It would be nice if the "snake oil days" of the old West were gone, but that is not so.

At the same time, some therapies -- even some that sound fantastical -- are actually helpful, reducing the pain without side effects. We need to do our best to ensure that any time we embark on a new therapy path there is a chance, a good chance, for a positive outcome.

Good luck with all of the therapies you use to manage your pain. There is such a thing as pain-free life, even with MS, and there is also the possibility of a joyful life with MS.

Next I will conclude this series by talking about living with pain.

Notes and Links

WebMD Alternative Therapies

Taking Control of MS

Medicine Net

About.com