Chronic pain and the use of conventional and alternative therapy

Conclusions. Individuals with chronic pain consult their GP about their pain more than other practitioners and use conventional medicines more frequently than alternative medicines. Alternative health care is used most commonly in addition to conventional health care, although a small number of individuals with chronic pain use alternative care exclusively. The use of alternative health care amongst those with chronic pain is higher than previously estimated and suggests that the use of these services may be increasing amongst those with chronic pain.