Non-pharmacological interventions for pain management (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Introduction: Non-pharmacological interventions are a resource for pain control in patients undergoing palliative care, being recommended as a complement to pharmacological therapy, and can be understood as very valuable adjuvant options. Objective: To describe non-pharmacological interventions for pain control in patients with illnesses eligible for palliative care. Methods: This is a narrative review regarding non-pharmacological interventions for pain management, in the palliative care scenario. The methodological basis used to construct the work was composed of bibliographic research selected from scientific literature, which had as databases the National Library of Medicine (Pubmed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Google Scholar and Periódicos Capes. Articles published between 2019 and 2024 were included, covering data from scientific literature in English and Portuguese. The key words used in the research were: "non-pharmacological intervention" and "pain" and studies that addressed patients in palliative care were selected. Results/Discussion: The use of non-pharmacological interventions for pain control in palliative care is still poorly systematized and practiced in health care. In this review, it was possible to identify exploratory studies that address different tools in different clinical conditions eligible for palliative care, such as: acupuncture, ear acupressure, physical exercises (including in water), yoga, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, application of heat and cold, distraction techniques, massage, stretching techniques, massage and joint mobilization, technologies such as robots, mobile applications and video games, gentle suction, positioning, glucose supply, suction synchronized with breathing and use of an intraoral device, sleep hygiene, therapy cognitive-behavioral, use of immersive and non-immersive virtual reality, health education, self-management strategies, maintaining a healthy weight, modifying footwear, use of walking aids, heart rate variability biofeedback, dancing, games and recreational activities, olfactory interventions, art-based interventions, hypnosis and mindfulness techniques, applied to different populations, from newborns, pediatrics, adolescents, adults and elderly people. These are strategies that can bring quality of life, relief from pain symptoms and can have a positive impact on the sometimes-difficult day-to-day management of these patients.