Can Acupuncture Help You with Your Pain?
- Posted on: Aug 28 2019
Are you tired of hurting but don’t want to take pain medication? Many people find themselves in this position after an auto accident or a slip and fall. They believe they either have to accept the pain or give in and start taking painkillers regularly. However, there are some other options. One of these is acupuncture. It might sound counter-intuitive to think that sticking needles into your skin will help decrease your pain, but it can!
How It Works
Acupuncture is an old Chinese treatment for pain. The acupuncturist will place very thin needles into your skin. While scientific evidence for acupuncture isn’t conclusive, many people say it has helped them with their pain. In fact, it has helped so many people that Medicaid and the Department of Veterans Affairs now consider it a valid treatment option for those who are concerned about opioid addiction.
Theories about acupuncture vary. Some believe that stimulating certain places on the body help relieve pain elsewhere. Whether this is by stimulating nerves, releasing specific endorphins, or, as the ancient Chinese believed, redirecting the flow of the body’s energy is still open to debate. Whatever it does, it works.
Does It Hurt?
Many people believe acupuncture hurts, which is why they’ve never had it done. However, that’s actually not the case. The needles are so thin that they don’t cause much pain. Those who are more sensitive or who have a low pain threshold may feel some discomfort, but generally, this feeling decreases after your first treatment. If the pain continues, a good acupuncturist will stop the treatment and remove any placed needles.
In most cases, you won’t even realize that the needles have been inserted. You might feel tingling or even a dull ache once the needle is in place. You may also feel warm or have a slight electric sensation in the area. You should never feel any sharp or severe pain, though. If you do, you need to speak up right away.
Want to Give Acupuncture a Try?
If you’re curious about acupuncture and want to see if it will help you deal with your pain, contact Dr. Mollins’ office today. We will help you find an acupuncture expert who is licensed and experienced.
Posted in: Blog, Uncategorized, Work Injuries, Workers Compensation
