Acupuncture for Pain Problems
Acupuncture has been used to effectively treat pain conditions for thousands of years. In fact, most people who seek acupuncture do so for the treatment of pain problems. Many turn to acupuncture when looking for a natural approach to pain management or when more conventional treatments have provided unsatisfactory results. Others use acupuncture as a complementary therapy to other pain treatments such as drugs, injections, or physical therapy. Not only does acupuncture help to reduce or eliminate pain, but it also tends to be very well tolerated and has little no to side effects.
How Does Acupuncture Treat Pain?
The mechanisms by which acupuncture treats pain may be somewhat poorly understood from a scientific perspective. Although many studies show promising results for acupuncture pain therapy, it is quite difficult to conduct studies on acupuncture within the Western paradigm of double blind placebo using a large sampling of patients. This would mean both the therapist and the patient need to be unaware of whether they are giving or receiving real or fake acupuncture - a nearly impossible task when it comes to this form of therapy. Additionally, there is no standardized treatment for treating a pain condition as each treatment is tailored to the individual's unique symptoms and constitution, so the effectiveness of the treatment is dependent on the skill level of the acupuncturist.
Nevertheless, from a Western perspective, acupuncture is thought to reduce pain levels by affecting neurotransmitters, hormones, and the immune system. It can help the body release natural pain killers, like endorphins and enkephalins, that not only reduce pain levels, but also bring about a sense of relaxation. Furthermore, acupuncture can increase blood circulation in an injured area, which can bring nutrients to tissues and stimulate the body's natural healing processes.From a Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture helps treat pain conditions by restoring the natural flow of energy and blood to the body. This helps an injured area heal and brings balance back to the body. When there is pain and dysfunction, Chinese Medicine views this as a blockage or imbalance in the body's natural energy flow. By strategically inserting acupuncture needles into acupuncture points, a skilled acupuncturist can help unblock the energy flow and promote healing naturally.
Our Acupuncture Clinic's Approach to Pain
At our clinic, our skilled acupuncturists specialize in treating pain conditions using acupuncture and other therapies such as cupping, tuina (bodywork), guasha, and electro-stimulation. We have helped many patients reduce or eliminate both chronic and acute pain conditions. Results are often felt after the first treatment, but can require a series of treatments to provide more permanent results. Unlike many other forms of therapy, once a pain issue is resolved with acupuncture, treatment can be tapered off and eventually ceased altogether as once results are achieved, they are most often permanent. We customize each acupuncture treatment specifically to the patient's needs to achieve optimal results without side effects.
Some pain conditions that acupuncture has been known to effectively treat are:
- Back pain
- Migraines and headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Fibromylagia
- Arthritis
- Abdominal Pain
- Sports injuries
Below are some articles discussing acupuncture for the treatment of pain problems:
- Scientists Seek Clues for Acupuncture's Success
- Acupuncture is Worth a Try for Chronic Pain
- Acupuncture May Offer Real Relief for Chronic Pain
- New Study Shows Acupuncture Effective for Chronic Pain
- Research Finds Acupuncture an Effective Pain Relief Option
We are board certified and Licensed Acupuncturists in Chicago who are very experienced in treating pain with acupuncture. Our beautiful and clean office in the Loop provides a relaxing oasis to get your acupuncture treatments for pain relief. We use not only acupuncture, but electro-acupuncture, cuppping, bodywork, heat therapy, and other natural therapies to help with pain issues. Contact us to set up your appointment and start feeling better today!