Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Headaches
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Migraine
2:04
2. Tension Headache
1:50
3. Cluster Headache
1:53
4. Occipital Neuralgia
2:02
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
1:35
6. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
4. Acupuncture
2:13
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Botox (Migraines/Dystonia)
2:07
3. Sphenopalatine Block
1:47
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
3. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
4. Laser Therapy
2:05
5. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Acupuncture
1746884649
Acupuncture is a treatment option that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body to help relieve pain and improve overall health. This method has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is now widely accepted in treating conditions like chronic pain, stress, and certain neurological issues. During the session, the practitioner will place needles in specific areas depending on your condition, which can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and stimulate your body's natural healing process. Sometimes, they may use a gentle electric current in a method called electroacupuncture to enhance the effect.
People often try acupuncture to alleviate various conditions, including lower back pain, sciatica, migraines, or fibromyalgia. It's also used for muscle spasms or post-surgical discomfort. Compared to other treatments like physical therapy, dry needling, or medications, acupuncture provides a holistic and non-drug approach to relief.
The risks with acupuncture are minimal but can include slight bleeding, bruising, or soreness where the needles are inserted. Rarely, more serious complications could arise, such as infection or organ injury if not performed correctly. If you have bleeding disorders or use blood thinners, or if you have a pacemaker, discuss these before your session, especially if electroacupuncture is considered.
No special preparation is needed, but it’s advisable to avoid heavy meals before your appointment. The sessions are typically straightforward, lasting about 30 to 45 minutes, and most people return to their daily activities immediately afterward. While soreness may occur, it generally subsides quickly. For ongoing pain management, you might need multiple sessions, and your practitioner will guide you on the appropriate frequency based on your condition and response to treatment.
If you're interested in pursuing acupuncture, make sure it's performed by a certified and experienced practitioner to ensure safety and efficacy. Always discuss all alternative treatments with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your needs.
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with acupuncture?
The risks of acupuncture are generally minimal but may include slight bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the needle insertion sites. More serious complications, such as infection or organ injury, are rare and can usually be avoided by ensuring a certified practitioner performs the procedure. Patients with bleeding disorders, those taking blood thinners, or those with pacemakers should discuss their conditions with a practitioner before the session.
How can I ensure that my acupuncture treatment is safe and effective?
To ensure safe and effective acupuncture treatment, it's crucial to engage a certified and experienced practitioner. Discuss all alternative treatments with your healthcare provider to choose the most appropriate approach for your specific needs. Proper communication with your practitioner about your medical history and treatment goals is key to maximizing the benefits of acupuncture.
How should one prepare for an acupuncture session?
No special preparation is necessary for acupuncture, but it is advisable to avoid heavy meals before the appointment. Sessions typically last about 30 to 45 minutes, and most individuals can return to their usual activities immediately afterwards. For ongoing pain management, multiple sessions may be needed, as determined by the practitioner.
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and improve health. This method, derived from traditional Chinese medicine, aims to reduce inflammation, enhance blood flow, and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Occasionally, a gentle electric current, known as electroacupuncture, might be applied to boost the treatment's effectiveness.
Which conditions can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is often used to manage chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain, sciatica, migraines, and fibromyalgia. Additionally, it's utilized for alleviating muscle spasms, stress-related disorders, and post-surgical discomfort. Patients seeking holistic and non-drug treatment for these issues may find acupuncture beneficial.