Acupuncture and pain fact sheet

Many Americans suffer from physical pain, and a national survey has revealed that more that 25% of US adults had recently suffered from some kind of pain that lasted for more than one day. As well as conventional treatments, such as prescription or over the counter remedies, people will try acupuncture in an effort to relieve the pain.

A fact sheet has been released that provides basic information regarding pain and acupuncture, that summarises the scientific research that has been done on acupuncture and its use for specific types of pain, and is also a good guide for where to go for additional information.

Key points of the fact sheet include how people use acupuncture to treat different kinds of pain, The most common of which is back pain, followed by joint and neck pain and headaches. Research continues into the efficiency of acupuncture in alleviating many different kinds of pain, and there have been promising findings where some conditions were concerned, particularly ostearthritis in the knee and lower back pain.

As far as other conditions are concerned, however, additional research is needed. NCCAM, the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine currently sponsors a wide range of research into acupuncture. Acupuncture, if performed correctly, is generally considered to be safe. The theory of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine is that it regulates the flow of vital energy, or qi, through the body.

There is constant research going on into how acupuncture works in relieving pain, and of you are under a doctor and receiving acupuncture you should tell them about it, as you always should if you are using any alternatives or complementary practices. This gives them a full picture which will assist them in managing your health, ensuring safe and coordinated care.

For further tips about talking with your doctor or health care provider about CAM, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, check out NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign.