Alternative Remedy For Arthritis
An estimated 42 percent of Americans have tried some kind of alternative therapy to treat illness, most frequently to treat chronic illnesses like arthritis.
Dr. John Klippel, medical director of the Arthritis Foundation, explains his organization's guide to alternative therapies and gives pointers. CBS News This Morning reports.
People with chronic illnesses like arthritis tend to be big users of alternative therapies because of frustration with the medical system, which can't cure, but can only control their diseases, says Dr. Klippel.
A survey by the Arthritis Foundation out this month found that 70 percent of doctors don't discuss alternative medicine with their patients, mainly because they don't feel they know much about it.
Patients also are reluctant to speak up, fearing they'll be ridiculed or that their doctors are opposed to alternative therapies, which isn't necessarily true.
The aim of the book is to facilitate discussion between doctors and patients about treatment, explains Dr. Klippel.
These are some of the types of alternative therapies:
| ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES |
| Healing Systems |
| Mind-Body Connections |
| Exercise Alternatives |
| Herbs and Supplements |
| Miscellaneous Therapies |
The guide, organized by type of therapy, covers everything from mind/body connections to magnets, and from herbs to yoga, he explains.
Each therapy is described; scientific evidence is outlined. And cautions and opinions about the therapy are explained as well as the cost and availability, he notes.
The book does not endorse or condemn any particular therapy, but it has information on where one can learn more about a therapy, how to choose a practitioner and ways to get the most out of a treatment.
The following are some things to look out for to avert mishaps with alternative therapies.
| Tip-offs to Possible Rip-offs |
| Secret Formula: Real scientists will shar what they know. |
| Amazing Cures: Usually these are cautiously received when they do happen. |
| Publicized Only in Ads: The treatment is not seen in mainstream journalism or in medical journals. |
| Proof From Testimonials: There is no way to know if these are real people. |
There is a role for alternative medicine but it needs to fit in with traditional medicine, Dr. Klippel says.
"There have been big advances in arthritis treatment in the last year or so, for example, new anti-inflammatories that don't bother the stomach. So patients should not give up on prescription medication," he explains.
"Alternative therapies should complement not replace traditional medicine," he adds.
Patients and doctors should also know that there are scientific studies under way to establish how well some alternative therapies really work. Some, such as glucosamine, a dietary supplement, look pretty promising, Dr. Klippel notes.
For more information, visit the Arthritis Foundation Web site.
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