Alternative Therapies Series: Acupuncture for Pain Management

This is the first in the Deuterman Law Group's series of blog articles about alternative therapies for back injuries and pain management.

In this article, we’ll explore acupuncture, a centuries-old Chinese medicine technique that has been used to treat pain chronic pain, nausea, migraines and other painful conditions. Future articles in this series will explore reiki, massage, yoga, Pilates and other alternative treatments and pain-management techniques.

This article is presented for informational purposes only. As always, please consult with your physician and other health care providers before undertaking exercise regimen or alternative treatment.

The following is excerpted from the National Institute of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. Practiced for thousands of years in China, acupuncture involves the use of thin, solid, metallic needles inserted through the skin to stimulate various points on the body.

Acupuncture is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body by a variety of techniques, including the insertion of thin metal needles though the skin. It is intended to remove blockages in the flow of qi and restore and maintain health.

The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced—by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners—for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions. According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use by Americans, an estimated 3.1 million U.S. adults and 150,000 children had used acupuncture in the previous year. Between the 2002 and 2007 NHIS, acupuncture use among adults increased by three-tenths of 1 percent (approximately 1 million people).

During your first office visit, the acupuncture practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.

Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.

Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.

Some insurance companies may cover the costs of acupuncture, while others may not. It is important to check with your insurer before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture is covered for your condition and, if so, to what extent.

Finding an Acupuncture Practitioner

Health care providers can be a resource for referral to acupuncturists, and some conventional medical practitioners—including physicians and dentists—practice acupuncture. In addition, national acupuncture organizations such as (which can be found through libraries or Web search engines) may provide referrals to acupuncturists.

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture maintains a searchable database of physicians who offer acupuncture services. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has listings of nationally certified acupuncture practitioners at its Web site.

Before making an appointment with an acupuncturist:

• Check a practitioner's credentials. Most states require a license to practice acupuncture; however, education and training standards and requirements for obtaining a license to practice vary from state to state. Although a license does not ensure quality of care, it does indicate that the practitioner meets certain standards regarding the knowledge and use of acupuncture. (You can search for licensed acupuncturists in North Carolina at the Web site for the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board.)
• Do not rely on a diagnosis of disease by an acupuncture practitioner who does not have substantial conventional medical training. If you have received a diagnosis from a doctor, you may wish to ask your doctor whether acupuncture might help.