Table 6 Interventions used by the survey responders [in descending order of frequency]
Intervention | Frequency | Effectiveness [0–10 scale] |
|---|---|---|
Resting | 86% | 6.3 ± 2.5 |
Distraction [reading, watching TV etc.] | 80% | 4.7 ± 2.5 |
Heat modalities [warm water, hot packs] | 74% | 6.3 ± 2.3 |
Nutritional supplements | 68% | 3.8 ± 2.8 |
OTC pain medications | 67% | 3.8 ± 2.3 |
Prescription pain medications | 66% | 6.3 ± 2.4 |
Gentle walking | 64% | 4.6 ± 2.6 |
Prescription antidepressants | 63% | 6.2 ± 2.8 |
Stretching | 62% | 5.4 ± 2.6 |
Prayer | 57% | 6.0 ± 2.9 |
Prescription sleep medications | 52% | 6.5 ± 2.7 |
Relaxation/meditation | 47% | 5.1 ± 5.5 |
Massage/reflexology | 43% | 6.1 ± 2.8 |
Aerobic exercise | 32% | 5.0 ± 3.0 |
Cold therapy [ice packs etc.] | 30% | 4.8 ± 2.8 |
Chiropractic manipulation | 30% | 5.1 ± 3.0 |
Counseling [psychologist, MSW, pastor] | 29% | 4.8 ± 3.0 |
Pool therapy | 26% | 6.0 ± 3.0 |
Non-aerobic exercise [stretching, yoga, Tai Chi] | 24% | 5.1 ± 2.9 |
Physical therapy | 24% | 4.7 ± 3.1 |
OTC sleep medications | 22% | 4.0 ± 2.9 |
TENS unit | 21% | 4.3 ± 2.9 |
Trigger point injections | 21% | 5.0 ± 3.3 |
Support groups | 19% | 4.6 ± 3.0 |
Strength training | 18% | 4.3 ± 2.9 |
Pain clinic | 17% | 4.8 ± 3.1 |
Acupuncture | 15% | 4.5 ± 3.5 |
Pilates | 8% | 4.6 ± 3.3 |
Cognitive behavioral therapy | 8% | 4.3 ± 3.2 |
Energy healing [e.g. Reiki] | 7% | 4.0 ± 3.2 |
Biofeedback | 6% | 2.9 ± 2.9 |
Spinal surgery | 4% | 3.4 ± 3.4 |
Hypnosis | 3% | 2.5 ± 2.9 |