Living With Chronic Pain? Acupuncture Is A Leading Solution

For those living with chronic pain, research highlights the need to consider acupuncture. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and is used to treat a variety of ailments. It has passed the test of time, and is highly researched. In fact there is more high level research for acupuncture than for physiotherapy and chiropractic combined.

Chronic pain can be debilitating and severely affect a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain. This article dives into the potential benefits, because we want people to suffer less. If you’ve never considered acupuncture for managing your chronic pain, this is for you.

Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of factors such as injury, inflammation, or nerve damage. It can also be caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines.

The traditional medical approach to chronic pain management typically involves the use of medications, such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these medications can have side effects and may not be effective for everyone. Over time people may need to take more and more to get relief, and the side effects can take a toll. This is where acupuncture comes in.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These needles stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, such as the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture also helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.

For those living with chronic pain, research has shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment. A meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials involving over 17,000 patients found that acupuncture was effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and back pain. Another study found that acupuncture was more effective than standard care in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain.

Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in treating other chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and migraines. A study of 60 patients with fibromyalgia found that those who received acupuncture had significantly lower pain scores than those who received a placebo treatment. Another study found that acupuncture was more effective than medication in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.

A skilled acupuncturist selects acupuncture points that stimulate the body’s ability to return to homeostasis. That is, it prompts the body to heal.

One of the benefits of acupuncture for those living with chronic pain is that it is a safe and non-invasive treatment option in the hands of a skilled acupuncturist. Unlike medications, acupuncture does not have any significant side effects, and the needles used in acupuncture are sterile and disposable.

Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with other treatments for chronic pain. So if physical therapy or chiropractic care have been working for you, you can add it to your regime without affecting the other treatments. There are no drug interactions either, so don’t have to worry about your medication being affected. By combining these treatments, patients may be able to achieve greater pain relief and improve their overall function and quality of life.

In conclusion, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for people living with chronic pain. It can help to reduce pain, improve function, and promote relaxation. If you are suffering from chronic pain, acupuncture is something to consider. As with any medical treatment, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning acupuncture treatment.

About Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast

PH: 07 5522 1691

W: www.alliedacupuncture.com.au

A: 7a / 2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220

Gold Coast acupuncture clinic Burleigh Waters. Located near the major intersection of Reedy Creek Rd and Bermuda St, near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings.

We’re 15km or 20 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and 13.4km from Surfers Paradise. Midway between the M1 Motorway and the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The clinic has FREE off-street parking, wheel chair access and toilet facilities.

SAME DAY ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE:

Book online any time 24/7 or call our answering service Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm for same day appointments on 0755221691. Book an Initial Consultation and Treatment then look for your welcome e-mail.

An Initial Consultation and Treatment with Dr Scott Baker (Acupuncturist) involves discussing your health history, followed by a physical assessment, diagnosis and acupuncture treatment.
Diagnosis involves palpation of the problem area and possibly the abdomen and/or arms and legs. Chinese Medicine may also involve looking at your tongue and checking your pulse where indicated.

Available treatments: 


  • Neoclassical acupuncture using 1-3 needles
  • Biomedical acupuncture (including dry needling &/or electro acupuncture)
  • Balance method / distal acupuncture (Dr Tan / Master Tung style)

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic Gold Coast
Find an AHPRA Registered Acupuncturist near you – search ‘acupuncture near me.’ Servicing:

References:
Vickers AJ, Cronin AM, Maschino AC, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(19):1444-1453.


Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, et al. A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(9):858-866.


Martin DP, Sletten CD, Williams BA, Berger IH. Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial. Mayo Clin Proc. 2006;81(6):749-757.


Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(1):CD001218.

Sciatica Pain Relief With Acupuncture – Changes Brain Functional Connectivity Related To Pain Relief

Sciatica pain relief has was given a big boost by a 2012 study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed that Acupuncture causes important changes in brain functional connectivity related to pain relief. 

The study also indicated that Acupuncture produces significant decreases in the frequency of sciatica pain and pain intensity.

MRIs showed that Acupuncture triggered changes in the functional state of the brain, providing patients with greater resting states.

A total of 10 Acupuncture treatments were received by the participants in the study: twice a day, three times a week for a little under 2 weeks.

Participants in the study all had pain consistent with chronic sciatica diagnostic criteria for over 3 months: radiating pain over the sciatic nerve innervation area (e.g. buttocks, posterior upper leg, posterior lateral lower leg, lateral top of the foot).

Researchers in the study determined that Acupuncture regulates the default mode network (DMN), which correlated to significant reductions in sciatica pain. 

The DMN is at its peak activity level when the brain is at rest and consists of a complex of  interconnected activated and deactivated brain regions. This research reported that sciatica pain disturbs the normal DMN pattern, and that Acupuncture was able to restore it.

“..(Acupuncture) raises negative activation in the brain’s default mode network (DMN) of chronic sciatica patients, especially in the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex.” (1)

The frontal cortex and cingulate cortex are involved in pain-related subjective cognition and perception, emotional responses, memory and attentional responses (2).

Raising negative activation in the DMN is associated with decreased pain, it is a form of functional connectivity present during the resting state of the brain (3).

About Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast

PH: 07 5522 1691

W: www.alliedacupuncture.com.au

A: 7a / 2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220

Gold Coast acupuncture clinic Burleigh Waters. Located near the major intersection of Reedy Creek Rd and Bermuda St, near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings.

We’re 15km or 20 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and 13.4km from Surfers Paradise. Midway between the M1 Motorway and the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The clinic has FREE off-street parking, wheel chair access and toilet facilities.

SAME DAY ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE:

Book online any time 24/7 or call our answering service Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm for same day appointments on 0755221691. Book an Initial Consultation and Treatment then look for your welcome e-mail.

An Initial Consultation and Treatment with Dr Scott Baker (Acupuncturist) involves discussing your health history, followed by a physical assessment, diagnosis and acupuncture treatment.
Diagnosis involves palpation of the problem area and possibly the abdomen and/or arms and legs. Chinese Medicine may also involve looking at your tongue and checking your pulse where indicated.

Available treatments: 


  • Neoclassical acupuncture using 1-3 needles
  • Biomedical acupuncture (including dry needling &/or electro acupuncture)
  • Balance method / distal acupuncture (Dr Tan / Master Tung style)

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic Gold Coast
Find an AHPRA Registered Acupuncturist near you – search ‘acupuncture near me.’ Servicing:

References:

  1. Li J, Dong JC, Le JJ, et al. Effects of acupuncture on default mode network images of chronic sciatica patients in the resting network state [J]. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 2012, 32(12):1624-1627.
  2. Vogt BA, Derbyshire S, Jones AK. Pain processing in four regions of human cingulate cortex localized with co-registered PET and MR imaging [J]. Eur J Neurosci, 1996, 8 (7): 1461 – 1473.
  3. Raichle ME, MacLeod AM, Snyder AZ, et al. A default mode of brain function[J]. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2001, 98(2): 676 – 682.

Lower Back Pain Relief: Doctors Advised to Refer Patients for Acupuncture

Seeking lower back pain relief? For patients with acute or sub-acute low back pain Medical Doctors have been advised not to prescribe potentially harmful drugs or expensive, unnecessary tests wherever possible and to refer patients for non-drug therapies including Acupuncture 1.

Acupuncture is one of a small handful of treatments that have been recommended as part of the evidence-based clinical practice guideline published in February 2017 by the American College of Physicians.

The American College of Physicians is a highly esteemed and influential medical body in the USA, whose medical model Australia follows very closely.

Low back pain happens to be one of the most common reasons behind visits to Medical Doctors. Approximately 25% of the population report having experienced low back pain recently and it can be a debilitating condition that severely decreases quality of life.

According to the president of the ACP “Physicians should avoid prescribing unnecessary tests and costly and potentially harmful drugs, especially narcotics, for these patients.”

The ACP recommends Medical Doctors first refer patients for non-drug therapy, including Acupuncture, spinal manipulation, mindfulness-based stress reduction and even motor control exercise. Movement based activities such as tai chi and yoga could be beneficial also.

The guidelines also showed that systemic steroids were ineffective at treating low back pain, as was the commonly prescribed medication acetaminophen.

Opioid-based pain killers (narcotics) are advised as a last resort. This recommendation is likely related to the Centre for Disease Control’s declaration that opioid-based pain killers have become an “epidemic” and that the number of deaths associated with these drugs and risk of addiction is too high.

The ACPs guidelines reflect a growing body of evidence in support of Acupuncture for pain management due to its effectiveness and safety.

About Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast

PH: 07 5522 1691

W: www.alliedacupuncture.com.au

A: 7a / 2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220

Gold Coast acupuncture clinic Burleigh Waters. Located near the major intersection of Reedy Creek Rd and Bermuda St, near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings.

We’re 15km or 20 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and 13.4km from Surfers Paradise. Midway between the M1 Motorway and the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The clinic has FREE off-street parking, wheel chair access and toilet facilities.

SAME DAY ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE:

Book online any time 24/7 or call our answering service Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm for same day appointments on 0755221691. Book an Initial Consultation and Treatment then look for your welcome e-mail.

An Initial Consultation and Treatment with Dr Scott Baker (Acupuncturist) involves discussing your health history, followed by a physical assessment, diagnosis and acupuncture treatment.
Diagnosis involves palpation of the problem area and possibly the abdomen and/or arms and legs. Chinese Medicine may also involve looking at your tongue and checking your pulse where indicated.

Available treatments: 


  • Neoclassical acupuncture using 1-3 needles
  • Biomedical acupuncture (including dry needling &/or electro acupuncture)
  • Balance method / distal acupuncture (Dr Tan / Master Tung style)

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic Gold Coast
Find an AHPRA Registered Acupuncturist near you – search ‘acupuncture near me.’ Servicing:

Reference:

Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA, for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166:514-530. doi: 10.7326/M16-2367