Naturopathic doctors, while medically trained in the use of pharmaceuticals, are cautious about a drugs-first approach when it comes to pain management. A naturopathic doctor will use all of the least invasive methods first to diagnose and treat pain before resorting to medications or surgery. They also work with other health care providers for a team approach to pain management, such as medical doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists and physical therapists.

Licensed naturopathic doctors are graduates of four-year accredited naturopathic medical schools with admissions requirements comparable to other medical schools. They study the biomedical sciences—cardiology, neurology, radiology, obstetrics, gynecology, immunology, dermatology and pediatrics— and are trained in clinical, laboratory and physical diagnosis. They also study clinical nutrition, botanicals, counseling, stress management, and physical medicine.