As interest widens in nonpharmacologic treatment options for pain, experts say there’s growing interest in the field of naturopathy, a branch of modern medicine that can zero in on the causes of musculoskeletal pain such as inflammation and how to remedy the pain with food, supplements and exercises.

“Natural approaches are not as easy or not as quick acting, but the goal is deep change,” said Amy Rothenberg, a licensed naturopathic doctor who has been in private practice since 1986 and is the founder of the Naturopathic Health Care in Enfield, Connecticut. “At the heart of naturopathic medicine is the doctor acting as teacher, educating the patient.” 

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians describes the practice as that which emphasizes prevention, treatment and optimal health by using therapeutic methods and substances that encourage a patient’s “inherent self-healing process.” 

Workers compensation regulations in some states deem naturopathy a viable treatment, much like acupuncture or chiropractic care. In Oregon, for example, naturopathic doctors must be certified with the state’s Workers’ Compensation Division to practice. In California, naturopathy is permitted following a utilization review.

Ms. Rothenberg points to research on pain management and naturopathy as proof that the practice has its place reducing reliance on opioids. For example, a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology medical journal found that naturopathic therapies decreased chronic pain related to rotator cuff tendinitis by over 54% in Canadian postal workers. One study published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that naturopathic therapies were estimated to save close to $1,000 per patient with lower back pain. The study also found that missed work due to illness diminished by 6.7 days under naturopathic care.

“One of the most important things, I tell patients, is to understand that most pain is due to some sort of inflammation,” she said, adding that she tends to put them on an anti-inflammatory diet of mostly vegetables and fruit, lean meats and proteins. “I leave off the refined sugars, processed foods and alcohol, which worsens inflammation.”

She also considers botanical supplements such as ginger and turmeric, which reduce inflammation. Exercise is also usually part of the prescription.

“We know exercise works in several ways; it increases and enhances one’s ability to experience stress and pain, and exercise helps to dissipate the stress that we have related to the pain.

“How do you motivate a sedentary person in chronic pain? I try to set very reasonable goals,” she added.

Aiming to gradually increase how many steps a person takes a day using a pedometer is a simple way to encourage activity, she said.