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Current Rheumatology Reports
Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports 10/2020

01-10-2020 | Acupuncture | Complementary and Alternative Medicine (S Kolasinski, Section Editor)

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Authors: Sara Baig, Dana D. DiRenzo

Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports | Issue 10/2020

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Despite advances in pharmacologic management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) remains popular adjuncts to therapy among patients for ongoing symptomatology.

Recent Findings

Mind-body interventions are becoming increasingly popular, including yoga and meditation. Randomized controlled trials have found these interventions to be helpful regarding pain, mood, and energy in RA patients. Other CAM modalities, such as natural products, special diets, acupuncture, and body-based therapies, also continue to be used by RA patients with limited evidence for efficacy and safety.

Summary

While there are numerous CAM interventions available, the data is very limited at this time with only low-quality evidence supporting various therapies. Medical providers are more open to the addition of CAM in their patients and require increased education on the topic. Additional research needs to be conducted in order to provide evidence-based recommendations to our patients.
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Metadata
Title
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors
Sara Baig
Dana D. DiRenzo
Publication date
01-10-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Rheumatology Reports / Issue 10/2020
Print ISSN: 1523-3774
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6307
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-020-00938-z

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