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Can Acupuncture Relieve Your Pain?
Nobody likes pain. Chronic pain in the muscles and joints can make life miserable. Standard treatments like ice and heat, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and appropriate exercises can often ease the pain. But when they don’t, acupuncture is an option with a good track record that’s worth considering.
Over the years there has been substantial debate about whether acupuncture really works for chronic pain. Research from an international team of experts adds to the evidence that it does provide real relief from common forms of pain. The team pooled the results of 29 studies involving nearly 18,000 participants. Some had acupuncture, some had “sham” acupuncture, and some didn’t have acupuncture at all. Overall, acupuncture relieved pain by about 50%. The results were published in Archives of Internal Medicine.
What types of pain can
be treated with acupuncture?
There are an estimated 100 million Americans who live with chronic pain. Many have found relief through acupuncture, but here are four common types that acupuncturists often treat:
• Back and neck pain
• Osteoarthritis (your doctor may call it “degenerative joint disease” or “wear and tear arthritis”)
• Chronic headaches
• Shoulder pain
How does it work?
Acupuncturists insert hair-thin needles into the skin at specific points around the body. It is virtually painless when done by an experienced practitioner. Inserting the needles is thought to correct imbalances in the flow of energy in the body, called qi (pronounced “chee”). In Western scientific terms acupuncture is thought to ease pain by affecting neurotransmitters, hormone levels, or the immune system.
For new pain, an acupuncturist should not always be your first stop. It is recommended that individuals have a clear diagnoses of what is causing their pain to rule out serious medical conditions that should be treated right away – and then seek out acupuncture if appropriate.
Common Questions
About Acupuncture:
• How often is acupuncture needed? Plan on weekly treatments until you start to see a benefit, then gradually lengthen the time until the next visit.
• What does it cost? Acupuncture treatments range from $65 to $125 per session. Private insurers usually don’t pay for it, nor do Medicare or Medicaid. Some plans may cover the cost of a physician-acupuncturist.
• Who administers it? Ideally a trusted, certified provider. Make sure your acupuncturist is certified and has experience in treating the type of pain you’re experiencing.
If you’re living with pain and are looking for a new way to find relief, contact a local certified acupuncturist today.
