Alternative Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Some people use alternative multiple myeloma treatment in addition to standard treatments. Types of alternative treatments for multiple myeloma may involve such things as acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, and vitamins. People considering trying any alternative multiple myeloma treatment should discuss it with their healthcare provider -- some alternative treatments may interfere with standard treatments or even be harmful when combined with standard treatments.

 

Alternative Multiple Myeloma Treatment: An Overview

Some people use alternative multiple myeloma treatment to ease stress or to reduce side effects and symptoms of multiple myeloma. In most cases, people with multiple myeloma will combine alternative treatments with the more standard treatments for multiple myeloma.
 

Types of Alternative Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Types of alternative multiple myeloma treatment may include:
 
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Herbal products
  • Vitamins or special diets
  • Visualization
  • Meditation
  • Spiritual healing.
 
Some types of alternative multiple myeloma treatment may interfere with standard treatment. In fact, combining some types of alternative treatments for multiple myeloma with standard treatments may even be harmful. It is important to note that some types of alternative treatment are expensive and health insurance may not cover the cost.
 

Alternative Multiple Myeloma Treatment for Pain

For people with multiple myeloma, pain associated with the cancer can be a problem. In addition to standard methods of relieving pain, such as medications, the healthcare team may also suggest alternative therapies for to reduce or relieve pain, such as massage, acupuncture, or acupressure. Patients may also learn how to relieve pain through relaxation techniques, such as listening to slow music or breathing slowly and comfortably.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD