Title Alternatyvūs papildomi metodai lėtinio skausmo valdyme
Translation of Title Complementary therapies in chronic pain management.
Authors Sičiūnaitė, Paulina
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Pages 60
Abstract [eng] Chronic pain is a complex biopsychosocial condition that has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and healthcare systems. Conventional pharmacological treatment is often of limited effectiveness and is associated with adverse effects. That’s why there is a need to explore non - pharmacological options in treating chronic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different non - pharmacological interventions in the management of chronic pain. The following intervention groups were analyzed: physical therapies, psychological interventions, central non-invasive neuromodulation, digital therapies, minimally invasive procedures, and integrative therapies. The objectives of the study were to describe the main therapeutic approaches, assess the effectiveness, and identify gaps in current research. A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing publications from 2015 to 2026 retrieved from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and clinical guidelines. High - quality evidence, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and clinical guidelines, was included. The analysis showed that most non - pharmacological interventions have small to moderate effects, which depend on the underlying pain mechanisms and patient - related factors. Physical therapies tend to improve functional outcomes more consistently than pain intensity. Psychological interventions significantly reduce psychological distress, pain catastrophizing and improve patient functioning, although their effect on pain intensity remains limited. Central neuromodulation demonstrates potential to modulate pain processing. However, the results remain heterogeneous and long-term effectiveness data is limited. Digital interventions show beneficial effects on pain perception and attentional processes, although the current evidence is still limited. Minimally invasive procedures may provide significant pain relief in selected patient groups, but due to their invasive nature, they are recommended when conservative treatment is insufficient. Integrative therapies act through both physiological and psychological mechanisms and may improve pain resilience and quality of life. In conclusion, the most effective approach to chronic pain management is a multimodal and individualized, combining different interventions according to pain mechanisms and patient needs.
Dissertation Institution Vilniaus universitetas.
Type Master thesis
Language Lithuanian
Publication date 2026