Which of the following is considered a non-pharmacologic intervention for pain management?

Non-pharmacologic interventions for pain management are approaches that do not involve medications or drugs. Relaxation techniques are considered non-pharmacologic because they utilize mental and physical strategies to help reduce pain perception, alleviate stress, and promote a sense of well-being. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation help individuals manage pain by fostering relaxation and reducing muscle tension.

In contrast, opioids, antidepressants, and corticosteroids are all pharmacologic treatments that involve the use of medications to relieve pain. Opioids directly act on the nervous system to reduce the sensation of pain, while antidepressants can influence neurotransmitters to help with pain relief in certain conditions. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that work to reduce swelling and pain by affecting the immune response. Therefore, relaxation techniques stand out as a viable alternative for individuals seeking methods to manage their pain without the use of pharmaceutical interventions.