Lyme Disease Support Group

On this page:

Introduction

Key Points

About Pain

Use of Acupuncture for Pain

What the Science Says About Acupuncture for Pain

About Scientific Evidence on CAM Therapies

Side Effects and Risks

NCCAM-Funded Research

Selected References

For More Information

Introduction

Physical pain is a common occurrence for many Americans; in fact, a national survey found that more than one-quarter of U.S. adults had recently experienced some sort of pain lasting more than a day.

In addition to conventional treatments, such as over-the-counter and prescription medications, people may try acupuncture in an effort to relieve pain.

This fact sheet provides basic information about pain and acupuncture, summarizes scientific research on acupuncture for specific kinds of pain, and suggests sources for additional information.

Key Points

People use acupuncture for various types of pain.

Back pain is the most commonly reported use, followed by joint pain, neck pain, and headache.

Acupuncture is being studied for its efficacy in alleviating many kinds of pain.

There are promising findings in some conditions, such as chronic low-back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee; but, for most other conditions, additional research is needed.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) sponsors a wide range of acupuncture research.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed correctly.

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture regulates the flow of qi (vital energy) through the body.

Research to test scientific theories about how acupuncture might work to relieve pain is under way.

Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use.

Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.

much more at site ... betty

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/acupuncture-for- pain.htm

Acupuncture was a treatment I did regularly while I was recovering from Lyme. I was already doing acupuncture before I knew I had Lyme due to NOTHING else helping me to manage all those symptoms. (well, except for the hydrocodone and tramadol....that did take the edge off)

The acupuncture didn't seem to help with the pain, but I believe it helped my body absorb the medicine I was taking and helped improve my energy.

This is going to be controversial, I know, but I did some kind of electro acupuncture. I'm not sure of the proper name because it's been sooo long since I 've had it done.

I tried the regular acupuncture with the needles and lying down for 45 minutes, but lying down and being still was my enemy. I would get sooooo stiff when I was still. I just couldn't take the regular acupuncture.

Luckily, I didn't have to travel far to get this particular treatment.

When I would go down to my clinic, the practioner who did my zapping was impressed with my levels of energy and she said she doesn't see that much improvement with many other patients.

So, we attributed that to the weekly acupuncture I was receiving.

Just sharing what worked for me in the hopes to help someone out there

edited..broke up 1 long paragraph so i could comprehend/read it all since connie's time is precious with 3 young kids. bettyg, letter

thx connie for sharing hugs

Post edited by: Bettyg, at: 04/28/2010 02:42 PM