Acupuncture Contributes to Chronic Pain Management
A person who suffers from chronic pain might find it difficult to handle the situation. Besides the discomfort caused by it, it can also cause mobility issues, sleep problems, and many other problems that are directly linked to it. There are some alternative medicine options that some people choose to use rather than traditional medicine in order to deal with chronic pain. One of those alternative approaches is acupuncture.
Acupuncture consists of the insertion of solid, thin needles into the skin and their activation by gentle and specific manipulation or by electrical stimulation. TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, relies on acupuncture. The practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine believe that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points in the human body. A flow of energy (Qi, pronounced “chee”) along these pathways is responsible for maintaining health throughout the body. The disruption of this flow can result in various types of disease. Applied to certain points, acupuncture is thought to enhance the flow of Qi, resulting in improved health.
How does acupuncture feel when it is being delivered?
The needles used for acupuncture are extremely thin. Generally, there is no pain associated with the insertion of the needle. Needles are inserted to produce a feeling of pressure or ache. The needles may be heated or an electric current may be applied to them during the treatment. Acupuncture is often regarded as an energizing therapy. Many individuals report feeling relaxed following treatment.
Pain may result from improper placement of the needle during treatment. The needle must be sterilized to prevent infection. Therefore, it is necessary to seek acupuncture treatment from a qualified practitioner. Under good manufacturing practices and single-use sterility standards, the FDA regulates acupuncture needles just like every other medical device.
In what way does acupuncture work on the human body?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture points stimulate the nervous system. It then releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. Biochemical changes can boost your body’s natural healing abilities and boost your mood. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture can be an effective treatment alone or combined with conventional therapies in treating the following conditions:
- Nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy and anesthesia
- Addiction
- Dental pain after surgery
- Menstrual cramps
- Tennis elbow
- Headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Myofascial pain
- Low back pain
- Asthma
- Radiculopathy
How Does Acupuncture Help with Chronic Pain?
In the United States, many people seek acupuncture treatment for chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or low back pain. In recent years, however, acupuncture has gained popularity in other parts of the world. Consult your doctor before undergoing acupuncture.
Several studies have shown that acupuncture reduces chronic pain, including joint pain that is common with osteoarthritis and chronic back and neck pain. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is a reasonable option for people who suffer from chronic pain.
What Research Says for Acupunture:
Acupuncture is showing promising results when used to treat chronic neck and shoulder pain. According to one study, acupuncture reduced chronic pain in the neck and shoulders for at least three years in conjunction with improvement in depression, anxiety, sleep quality, pain-related activity impairment, and quality of life. Additionally, several other clinical trials involving acupuncture and chronic neck pain have found positive results with sample sizes ranging from 115 to 177 patients. In these studies, acupuncture was superior to control treatments in alleviating neck pain and improving overall range of motion. It has been shown that acupuncture is effective in treating patients with balance problems caused by cervical torsion following whiplash injuries.
Since scientific studies have not been able to fully demonstrate how acupuncture works within the framework of Western medicine, the practice remains a matter of controversy. Before deciding whether to undergo acupuncture, it might be wise to consider the following considerations:
Consult your physician before undergoing acupuncture. This treatment is not suitable for everyone. You should inform the physician about all the treatments you are receiving (dietary supplements, prescription and non-prescription medications). Inform your physician if you have a pacemaker, have a chronic skin problem, are pregnant, or have breast implants. Acupuncture can be harmful if these matters aren’t disclosed.
Do not depend on the diagnosis of disease made by an acupuncturist. The doctor may suggest acupuncture if you have received a diagnosis.
A licensed acupuncturist is the best choice. Your own physician may be able to refer you to a licensed or certified health care practitioner. Friend or family members can also provide good referrals. In order to practice acupuncture or become a certified acupuncturist, you do not need to be a doctor.
A number of states have established training requirements for certification in acupuncture, although not all states require acupuncturists to obtain a license. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture can provide a referral list of doctors who practice acupuncture, although not all certified acupuncturists are physicians.
Consider the insurance coverage and costs. Ask the acupuncturist how many treatments are necessary and how much each will cost before beginning treatment. Various insurance companies cover or do not cover the cost of acupuncture.
The Vitality Wellness Clinic for Pain Medicine offers patients the latest technology and pain management techniques to help them alleviate the pain of all types. We are dedicated to providing a natural, holistic, individualized pain management treatment, designed to meet the individual needs of every client. Our pain management policies and procedures incorporate the latest technology, alternative therapies, and physical therapy to reduce pain severity, improve quality of life, and increase physical functioning when designing our pain management programs.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are experiencing the pain of any kind. Our pain management specialists at Vitality Wellness Clinic are dedicated to providing the highest quality of integrated care to patients. Contact Vitality Wellness Clinic by calling 817-527-6077 to make an appointment.