NUHS experts to offer natural pain relief options at upcoming expo
Friday, August 4, 2017
NUHS faculty will be among several health experts sharing
long-term solutions for chronic pain during the
Midwest Pain Treatment Education Expo Aug. 13.
The expo takes place at the Hilton
Hotel in Northbrook, Illinois and expert presentations will also be
streamed live. Last year, the expo attracted over 300 attendees and
over 2,000 live-stream viewers from around the world. Most
attendees have severe chronic pain and conditions like diabetic
neuropathy, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis,
fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome.
"The expo will provide a range of pain relief options beyond
strong opioids, which are addictive and often leave patients in a
sedated state," said Fraser Smith, ND, NUHS assistant dean of
naturopathic medicine.
At the expo, Dr. Smith along with Tursha Hamilton, ND,
naturopathic clinician at the NUHS Whole Health Center in Lombard,
will discuss deep wellness as part of their presentation titled,
"Naturopathic Approaches to Good Health and Reduction in Pain."
Other presenters include pain and spine physicians along with
physical therapists, who will discuss some of the latest advances
in pain relief such as stem cell therapy, cannabis, ketamine
infusion, and intravenous vitamin C.
Naturopathic medicine offers various modalities for pain relief
including hydrotherapy, soft tissue manipulation,
myofascial therapy, along with lifestyle and diet changes that
can help lead to long-term pain relief. While effective,
naturopathic treatments do not provide quick and easy solutions.
When it comes to chronic pain, extreme self-discipline is required
by patients to restore the conditions of health, according to Dr.
Smith.
During the current opioid epidemic when doctors may be
attempting to prescribe fewer opioids, alternative solutions are
especially important. At National University, students study
complex pain conditions in key courses of the curriculum. This
training is especially valuable since, according to Dr. Smith,
students can expect about half of their patients in general
practice to have some sort of chronic pain issue.
"NDs are looking to respond to the opioid crisis and reach out
to patients so they are aware of all we have to offer, particularly
at our on-campus clinic," Dr. Smith said. "In addition to
naturopathic care, the NUHS Whole Health
Center also offers other treatments for pain relief, such as
acupuncture, cupping, chiropractic care, and massage therapy.
Tickets for the pain expo are free for pain patients and
caretakers but registration is required. To learn more about the
expo or to register, visit the
4th Annual Midwest Pain Treatment Education Expo page.