Complementary and alternative medicine therapies for the anesthesiologist and pain practitioner: a narrative review

Conclusions Complementary and alternative medicine therapies in general may provide a useful adjunct in the management of chronic pain. Nevertheless, many patients are not aware of the risks and benefits of individual therapies. In the perioperative setting, the most concerning CAM therapy is the use of herbs and other supplements that may produce physiologic and metabolic derangements and may interact with prescription medications. Resources exist to aid pain specialists, anesthesiologists, and patients in the evidence-based utilization of CAM therapies.
Source: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research