Can acupuncture really help chronic pain?

what you need to know

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, suffer no more! Give us a call today (425) 686-4498 to set-up your initial consultation to learn how we can help.

Can acupuncture really help chronic pain?

Chronic pain affects approximately 50 million Americans or just over 20 percent of the adult population, according to a study from the Center for Disease Control. Chronic pain can be caused by many things. Most commonly: back sprain, injury, nerve damage, and is associated with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, neuropathy, and many more. Many people go to their primary care doctor first to see why they are having the pain and are often prescribed medications to help. With the rise in the opioid epidemic, some people are seeking alternatives to medications for pain relief. This begs the question, can acupuncture help chronic pain?

Short answer is, yes!

What does the research say?

Acupuncture can provide a safe and effective way to help chronic pain. In fact, it is one of the most time-tested forms of medicine in the World. Acupuncture has been found to be effective in pain management because it works to reduce symptoms while also addressing to correct the root cause. Research is now finding exactly how acupuncture works, in Western Medical terms, and found one of the ways it can help reduce pain is by the regulation of cytokines and other key inflammatory factors in the spinal cord and the activation of specific neurotransmitters in the brain.

A study in The Journal of Pain, found that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain, as well as headache, and osteoarthritis pain. Even stating that the effects of acupuncture also persist over time after initial phase of treatments are done.

Dr. Heintze customizes each patient’s treatment plan to fit their specific goals. Plans may include vitamin injections, acupuncture, and specific nutrition plans.

At Starting Point Acupuncture in Bothell, Washington, we specialize in helping those with chronic and complex conditions such as chronic pain, neuropathy, and migraines. We use an integrated approach to help not only reduce symptoms but work towards prevention.

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, suffer no more! Give us a call today (425) 686-4498 to set-up your initial consultation to learn how we can help.

Dr. Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in Bothell, WA at her practice Starting Point Acupuncture. She specializes in chronic and complex cases and commonly treats neuropathy, fibromyalgia, migraines, autoimmune, and infertility cases. Dr. Ellie Heintze is also the author of the book, A Starting Point Guide to Going Gluten-Free and Keep Calm and Zen Out available on Amazon.