There are dozens of types of pain an individual may feel throughout their lifetime. It can be overwhelming to think about anything other than the pain in some cases. There are also dozens of ways to treat pain; every patient will see different benefits from these methods. Acupuncture is one way Republic Pain Specialists may help you in your pain treatment.

What is acupuncture?

According to Healthline, acupuncture has been around for over 2,500 years in study and practice. Essentially, there are points under our skin that can be triggered or stimulated by tiny needles. This procedure is minimally invasive and can be done in a clinic with little to no injury in cases. A regular session usually lasts around 60 minutes, including speaking with your practitioner to ensure a comprehensive understanding of where the pain is manifesting from so they can best help you. Research shows that the “stimulation of the immune system [promotes] circulation to the area, wound healing, and pain modulation.”

How does it work and how does it relieve pain?

There are pressure points all over your body, sometimes close to the source of pain or discomfort, sometimes far away. The practitioner will determine the best placement for the needles and the depth. There may be a need for manipulation of the needle for full relief; this stimulation is what triggers the response from the body. It is important to note that the relief felt from acupuncture is different for everyone. From feeling more relaxed to feeling more energized, there is no typical set of effects other than feeling better. Like any procedure, it may take a few regular appointments to feel a full range of relief. The Mayo Clinic reminds us there may be discomfort where the needles are placed, in addition to the possibility of bruising or a small amount of bleeding. Those with a bleeding disorder, who have a pacemaker, or who are pregnant should consider other methods or extra precautions.

What types of pain is it most effective for?

Acupuncture is useful for several types of pain people may be experiencing. Those who frequently battle chronic headaches seek out acupuncture. Chronic pain, in general, can be helped by this method. Many with osteoarthritis, hypertension and some types of sprains also have experienced relief from acupuncture. There is less evidence for some types of organ pain and stiff neck, and there is research happening to see if the pain that comes with forms of cancer treatment could benefit from regular appointments.

When you visit our Republic Pain Specialists team, we seek to understand your pain. Once we know a little more about the areas where you have been experiencing pain and how much it impacts your life, we will work with you to create a pain management plan that makes sense. Acupuncture may be a part of that plan. To learn more about ways we can help you, contact us today.