What are alternative and complementary therapies?

More than 14 million Americans have tried acupuncture, according to a 2017 study. Chiropractors treat about 35 million people annually.

It's estimated that the complementary and alternative medicine industry (and it is an industry) grows by double digits every year. And that's despite the fact there's no research-backed evidence that it's effective - and most of it isn't covered by insurance.

Yet many people swear by chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine and other treatments. If you've tried an alternative therapy for a chronic condition or injury and you felt better - that's all the research you need, right?

First, let's understand what the terms mean:

• Alternative therapies are those you undertake instead of a traditional medical approach. Maybe you go to a chiropractor instead of an orthopedist for a back or neck injury. People who want to avoid drug therapies may choose to go to an osteopath, who focuses holistically on the body and avoids the use of drugs, or a homeopath, who uses tiny amounts of natural substances to trigger a healing response in the body.

• Complementary therapies are ones you can use alongside the traditional medical approach. Among these are acupuncture, dietary supplements, massage therapy, hypnosis and mind-body techniques such as biofeedback and meditation. For example, acupuncture may be used with certain drugs to help lessen cancer pain or nausea and vomiting.

Together, the therapies are sometimes called CAM, for complementary and alternative medicine.

As Mike Devo, a medical massage therapist in St. Charles, likes to say, "The body is a puzzle. Chronic pain can be a mystery." And that's why people are drawn to alternative therapies when they feel let down by so-called "mainstream" medicine and are ready to try something different.

The scientific consensus, though, is that clinical studies into CAM lack research protocols, such as placebo testing and blind testing. Such research is important because we cannot be sure something works or is safe without scientific evidence. A dozen or a hundred people saying a particular herb or diet helped them isn't enough. An improvement in their health could be a coincidence or due to another medication or something else they did.

I'm not saying alternative therapies aren't beneficial. I've seen clients respond well, for example, to medical massage following joint replacement. But before pursuing a CAM therapy, there are a few things to be aware of:

• CAM therapies can give you a sense of control ... I always recommend people take responsibility for their own health as much as possible. Pursuing acupuncture, chiropractic or other techniques can help you feel better because you're doing something positive for yourself.

... but they aren't a substitute for traditional medicine. No matter what Facebook says, you can't cure your own cancer by taking herbal supplements.

• Chances are your insurance won't pay for much of it, if any ... Medicare, for example, will pay for acupuncture only in cases of chronic back pain that has no known cause and has lasted 12 weeks or more. It covers chiropractic to correct movement of the spine. It doesn't pay for massage at all; however, it covers care by a doctor of osteopathy (DO) just as it covers care by an MD. Homeopathy is not covered.

In 2018, new legislation enabled access to complementary, holistic and osteopathic medicine for Medicare Advantage recipients, but coverage varies widely by plan and type of treatment.

... but you may be able to deduct it as a medical expense. If your doctor prescribes an alternative therapy, it could be classified as a deductible medical expense on your taxes. However, any over-the-counter supplements or herbal medicines cannot be deducted.

• You don't need a prescription ... You can make an appointment with for a medical massage, chiropractic adjustment or acupuncture without consulting a your health care provider.

... but you should discuss CAM therapies with your doctor. Tell your doctor you've started looking into alternate or complementary therapies for your condition, in addition to traditional approaches, and that you'd like to try them. Explain that you believe they could help your emotional and physical well-being and quality of life.

So much of what people think they know about complementary and alternative medicine is fueled by social media. Don't believe everything you read or hear, but do keep an open mind as to whether an alternative therapy might benefit you.

• Teri Dreher is a board-certified patient advocate. A critical care nurse for 30+ years, she is founder of NShore Patient Advocates (www.NorthShoreRN.com). She is offering a free phone consultation to Daily Herald readers; call her at (847) 612-6684.