The most common reason why people explore acupuncture is for pain. There is a good reason why. Acupuncture is fast and effective for pain relief, and it’s a safe drug -free option to reduce pain.
People looking for pain relief also quickly discover that acupuncture can work in conjunction with other treatments without adding to the list of side effects of pain medication. This is a significanly huge benenfit. Every working with pain, every little bit helps.
But how does acupuncture treat pain?
Research has demonstrated through MRI’s that there is a connection between nerve function and acupuncture points. These acupuncture points stimulate neural pathways which sends signals to the brain such as endorphins and other natural painkillers, controlling blood vessels and organs, muscles and the nerves, thereby reducing inflammation the pain naturally.
A recent study printed in JAMA Internal Medicine on acupuncture concluded: “Acupuncture is affective for the treatment of chronic pain and is therefore a reasonablereferral option. Significant differences between true and sham acupuncture indicate that acupuncture is more than a placebo”
Acupuncture is a very effective non-drug treatment for both acute and chronic pain. In over 85 % of the patient we treat at the center for pain there is significant improvement without being reliant on pain medications or surgery.
Pain Conditions We Treat:
- Arthritis
- Back, Lower Back Pain
- Dysmenorrhea, (menstrual cramping)
- Endometriosis
- Fibro- Myalgia
- Headaches and Migraines
- Heel Pain
- Herniated Disc
- Hip Pain
- Herniated Disc
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain (osteoarthritis)
- Lower Leg Pain
- Lower Abdominal Pain
- Neck Pain
- Post Operative Complications
- Scapula Region Pain
- Stomach Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Tennis Elbow
- Injuries
Headaches are a common symptom that is usually treated with over the counter pain medications, and in sever cases prescription drugs. In Western medicine it may be vascular, hypertensive, neuralgic, or triggered by sinus or eye disorders. In Chinese medicine Liver function is the root cause of many unexplained headaches. If your liver is functioning well then your blood vessels are relaxed, and you can handle stress with ease. When the Qi and blood are obstructed you may have more headaches. Acupuncture improves Liver function and the circulation of blood thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
Low back pain may be caused from an injury or trauma, degenerative disc problem, stress, muscular spasm and tenderness. Western medicines can diagnosis back problems with an MRI. The problem is, that many people 50 years or older have disc problems and do not have any pain. Acupuncture stimulates neural pathways sending signals to the central nervous system mediating pain, relaxing muscles, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation. Acupuncture can improve kidney function in Chinese medicine the kidneys control the bones of the whole body, the back, and the knees.
Neck and shoulder pain is a common symptom seen in the clinic. Acupuncture restores blood circulation to tight muscles. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the tight muscles, relieving pain. Acupuncture stimulates neural pathways to the brain, which sends natural pain killing signal such as endorphins to the painful sites. The location of your pain may be important in diagnosis the cause of your pain. The bladder meridian runs parallel to the spine, gall bladder and small intestines pass through the shoulder and neck.