Pain Management through Acupuncture
Written by Nina Jatuparisuthiseen, L.Ac., LMT, C.SMA
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese practice of medicine, has gained significant popularity in Western culture and around the world. This technique involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues throughout the body, effectively alleviating pain, tension, and stress. Acupuncture, a diverse family of procedures, is believed to stimulate the body's meridians, or energy-carrying channels, to correct imbalances and restore health. These benefits are thought to be derived from the proximity of acupoints with nerves through intracellular calcium ions. This lesson provides a brief history of Acupuncture and its potential to treat various types of physical and emotional pain. Recent evidence suggests that lower back pain, neck pain, knee pain, migraine, and fibromyalgia are five conditions with the most favorable outcomes after Acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to enhance endogenous opiates, such as endorphin (the body's natural pain-killing chemicals), dynorphin, encephalin, and release corticosteroids, thereby relieving pain and enhancing the healing process. While there are associated risks, it's important to note that serious side effects are rare, further emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of this practice.
CONDITIONS FOR A POTENTIAL PATIENT REFERRAL FOR ACUPUNCTURE PAIN MANAGEMENT:
Muscle imbalance from the upper cross syndrome, acute and chronic injury, limited range of motion, and repetitive activities.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
The patient requires pain management alternatives to medication and opioids.
Minor to moderate injuries where surgery is not yet necessary. Acupuncture, chiropractic, and physical therapy are a great combination and may suit such patients.
As an adjunct to cortisone and trigger point injections.
There is no structural damage (this is the best-case scenario), but the patient experiences unknown pain that may come from connective tissue syndromes. Acupuncture can complement the treatment plan.
Your patient may benefit from alternative medicine to alleviate the pain during the pre-surgical period. Acupuncture can support overall well-being during stressful times, such as increasing energy and appetite, reducing stress, promoting bowel, and good sleep.
During the post-surgical recovery, Acupuncture can help manage pain and promote the body's natural healing process.
References
Patil, S., Sen, S., Bral, M., Reddy, S., Bradley, K. K., Cornett, E. M., Fox, C. J., & Kaye, A. D. (2016). The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Management. Current pain and headache reports, 20(4), 22. https://doi-org.pacificcollege.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s11916-016-0552-1
Patel, M., Urits, I., Kaye, A. D., & Viswanath, O. (2020). The role of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain. Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology, 34(3), 603–616. https://doi-org.pacificcollege.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.bpa.2020.08.005
Zhang, Y., & Wang, C. (2020). Acupuncture and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Current rheumatology reports, 22(11), 80. https://doi-org.pacificcollege.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s11926-020-00954-z