The same applies to medicines given to terminal patients to alleviate pain and other symptoms.

Other ideas include acupuncture and the belief that putting magnets under your pillow can alleviate pain.

Studies have shown that following the insertion of a needle, neurotransmitters do get activated that help alleviate pain.

Pills containing glucosamine and chondroitin are frequently used to try to alleviate pain from osteoarthritis, which mostly occurs in the knees, hips and small joints.

For a decade, a handful of researchers have claimed that harp music can reduce anxiety and help to alleviate pain.