Which of the following is a nonpharmacologic intervention for pain?

Which of the following is a nonpharmacologic intervention for pain?

• A. Massage
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Morphine
• D. Ibuprofen

Answer: (A)

Nonpharmacologic approaches to pain management rely on therapies that do not involve medications. Massage fits this category because it uses touch and manual manipulation to relieve pain by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. These effects can alter pain perception through mechanisms such as stimulating large-diameter nerve fibers that inhibit pain signals at the spinal cord level (gate control theory) and by reducing sympathetic arousal, which can amplify pain. The other options are pharmacologic analgesics—acetaminophen, morphine, and ibuprofen—which relieve pain through chemical actions in the body and require dosing, monitoring for side effects, and consideration of interactions and risks. Therefore, massage is the nonpharmacologic intervention for pain.

Nonpharmacologic approaches to pain management rely on therapies that do not involve medications. Massage fits this category because it uses touch and manual manipulation to relieve pain by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. These effects can alter pain perception through mechanisms such as stimulating large-diameter nerve fibers that inhibit pain signals at the spinal cord level (gate control theory) and by reducing sympathetic arousal, which can amplify pain.

The other options are pharmacologic analgesics—acetaminophen, morphine, and ibuprofen—which relieve pain through chemical actions in the body and require dosing, monitoring for side effects, and consideration of interactions and risks. Therefore, massage is the nonpharmacologic intervention for pain.