Skip to main content

Non Drug Pain Management Ideas: Alpha-Stim

The alpha-stim is an FDA cleared medical device that has been available since 1981. It has been approved for use in anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic or post-operative pain.
There are two basic models: The Alpha- Stim M and the Alpha-Stim AID.  The difference between the two models is that the M model is more suited for those with pain issues, while the AID model is applicable to anxiety and depression.

This device has been said to be more cost-effective than medication over time. After the initial expense of purchasing such a device, there are a few parts and accessories that may be needed for routine use and maintenance, but they are not expensive to buy. Here are some graphics from the Alpha Stim website that illustrate my point:






























This device came to my attention when I saw an article online that mentioned that the US government is making this device available to its service members who suffer from PTSD.

Some insurance companies will offer coverage for these devices; check with your provider if this is of interest to you.

What I really like best about this form of treatment is that there are a few very minor side effects possible, but there are no drug interactions or side effects because it is not a drug.  



Lastly, I am going to share two videos with you about the Alpha-Stim.  The first video demonstrates how the product is used, and the second video is a testimonial from a user.  Feel free to look around the web and at the product website, there is a lot of information about cost, effectiveness studies, etc.  





 


 

Sources: Alpha-stim.com website; YouTube



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Living with Chronic pain hits the big screen!

Been to the movies lately?  Jennifer Aniston is on the big screen in a recent release titled "Cake." Her character, Claire is a victim of chronic pain...she belongs to a support group, where all of the members are coming to terms with the suicide of one of their members.  Of course, she also takes pain medication and addiction is another of her problems...and of course there's more! I guess I am writing this post just to bring readers' attention to the fact that Hollywood has become aware of the crisis that is chronic pain.  This movie is a testament to that. People that don't have to live with this kind of pain don't fully understand the whole story.  Maybe this movie will shed some light on the issues. Here is the official trailer for the movie: Sources: prweb;NorthJersey.com;YouTube

The Multimodal Approach to Pain Management

OK..so if you've been following this blog you will notice that there are a good number of ideas to help manage chronic pain.  You might ask yourself, "Which one of these ideas is best for me ?" I would suggest that you might try any number of these things, depending on your level of ability/disability, health care team recommendations, and your personal interests.  There are a number of reasons for doing this: 1) The patient is in control..with few exceptions, it is your decision what to try/not try and how many different things you want to experiment with at any time. 2) Non drug pain management ideas do not have any of the drug interactions or side effects that medications have.  You may have to set limits or modify activity according to personal circumstances, but usually it does not hurt to try any of them. 3)You usually do not need a prescription for most of the ideas I have described.  There are a few exceptions, such as physical therapy.  There ...

Beware Of The Tick!

It's tick season, everyone! And while we all know about Lyme Disease and its lingering effects, a new problem has entered the scene. According to the CDC, the Powassan virus is another tick-borne disease that has recently been recognized. The CDC says symptoms become apparent anywhere from one week to one month after infection. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, problems with speech and seizures. Approximately half of those infected by this virus have permanent neurological symptoms, which can include muscle wasting, problems with memory, and recurrent headaches. Many people who have been infected with Powassan virus required hospitalization and sometimes even respiratory support (i.e., a respirator). Treatment is focused on supportive measures. In the meantime, preventive measures are the best way to avoid Lyme disease, Powassan virus , or any other tick-borne virus.  You can read more about preventive measures by clicking here . Sour...