Millions of people in the country suffer from a condition called neuropathy, which is associated with chronic pain, tingling, swelling, numbness, and weakening of the muscles. The condition leaves many people living in pain for years as they search for ways to help find some pain relief. Increasingly, researchers find tools that people can use to help relieve symptoms and bring about some pain relief. With the latest research, those who have neuropathy pain may need to look no further than doing some daily meditation.
In a study published in the August 2024 issue of the journal Cureus, researchers shared their findings after conducting a meta-analysis of published studies on the efficacy of meditation-based therapies for adults with chronic neuropathy pain [1]. Using seven databases, they reviewed 1,133 studies and selected 10 that met their criteria to include in their analysis.
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The information they were reviewing included looking to see if the meditation-based therapies provided benefits for people’s symptoms, including pain, quality of life, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, perceived stress, and mindfulness score. Using the information gathered, they concluded that those who participated in the meditation-based therapy had significantly lower pain after one month and a half months. In addition to a reduction in symptoms, participants had less anxiety and depression and a higher mindfulness score.
The types of meditation-based therapies varied in the studies, as did the length of time participants meditated. Some of the participants meditated for only 10 minutes per day, while others meditated for one hour per day. Regardless of the time spent in regular meditation, the participants gained benefits. Researchers concluded that pain scores were significantly lower in the meditation groups at the follow-up.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), meditation has roots that go back thousands of years [2]. Meditation is a term for a practice that focuses on mind-body integration and is used to calm the mind and improve overall well-being. NIH reports that meditation and mindfulness have a variety of health benefits, including improving one’s quality of life and managing anxiety, stress, and pain.
Those who are interested in trying meditation to see if it can help with pain relief and improve other areas of their lives can easily get started. Plenty of free videos on YouTube provide direction and guided sessions. Apps are also available, and group meditation classes are held in communities around the country.
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This article was originally published on Confronting Chronic Pain by Dr. Steven Richeimer, Director Pain Medicine and Pain Science Certificates.
Sources:
- Cureus. Meditation-Based Therapies for Chronic Neuropathy. August 2024.
- National Institutes of Health. Meditation and Mindfulness: Effectiveness and Safety.
