Feeling Trapped Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Relief

Categorically speaking, if you experience pain that lasts over 6-12 months its considered chronic pain. The nature of chronic pain can vary widely; ranging anywhere from fibro-myalgia to chronic headaches and mysterious nerve pain or injuries that never quite heal right. Even though classic therapies such as physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication regiments have done much to improve the lives of chronic pain suffers, there are still those out there who at not getting the emotional and physically relief they need. 

In recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers found that acupuncture outperformed sham treatments and standard care when used by people suffering from osteoarthritis, migraines, and chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain. 

There are two main advantages in my book for using acupuncture for pain management: 

• One, performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Unlike several drug therapies, it is relatively non-toxic with minimal side effects. The WHO states that this may be the reason why acupuncture is so popular for chronic and acute pain states all over the world.  
• Two, your acupuncturists doesn't necessarily need to know the exact cause of the pain in order to start treating it.  Using detailed questions, observation, and palpation; practitioners focus on where the pain is located, if its refereeing to other parts of the body or organ systems, and the quality of the pain (sharp, dull, aching, etc). 

While acupuncture is often effective at reducing chronic and acute pain, sometimes it isn't. Even though some patients might not notice a change in their pain levels, they begin to notice an improved a quality of life. Client's levels of stress are reduced, they begin sleeping better, moods become stabilized, and energy is improved. All of these aspects are important when trying to break through the barriers of chronic pain. 

                    Self Care and Other Techniques for Chronic Pain 

• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT):  The perception of pain is not merely physical, there is also a psychological component involved.  EFT and acupuncture share some similarities but instead of using needles, EFT uses words to tune into the disturbances and tapping on acupuncture meridians to balance it out.  While it might sound a little new age, EFT can be a powerful and non invasive tool to use when coping with pain, trauma, and stress. 
• Massage:  Massage not only feels good but also releases endorphins that help induce relaxation, relieve pain, and reduce levels of stress. 
• Chiropractic: According to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and funded by the National Institutes of Health, patients with neck pain who used a chiropractor and/or exercise were more than twice as likely to be pain free in 12 weeks compared to those who took medication.
• Stretching: Scheduling some time everyday for daily stretching can do wonders.  The key is focusing on improving range of motion and relaxing tight muscles - when stretching, there is no need to over do it.  

• Include powerful anti-Inflammatory foods in your diet such as: turmeric, ginger, and omega-3.
• Reduce your intake of sugars and caffeine

If you suffer from chronic pain, know that there isn't just one answer out there. Whether it’s an acupuncturist, Western medical doctor, hypnotherapist, psychologist, naturopath or a combination of health care professionals, its important to find people who are open minded and willing to work as a team. It may be just the change you've been looking for.