Chronic Pain

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Our body is biologically designed to resolve pain. Acupuncture boosts that relief mechanism

Many assume that chronic pain is caused by a structural problem, yet 95% of the time a structural problem is not the reason. For example, a person with back pain may not have a bulging disk or bone spurs that would impinge a nerve, yet have pain. In cases when a patient is prescribed pain killers by their doctor yet the patient does not respond well because the problem is not structural so the pain remains. In this scenario how does this happen? 

This is because the patient is caught in a sensory motor loop, meaning their body has literally forgotten how to shut the pain down. This is due to a neuropathic problem where the sensory nerve itself is swollen, firing continuously, sending incorrect information to the brain; hence creating a major problem for the patient where they are stuck in a pain cycle. 

The Journal of the American Medical Association recently published a study showing that acupuncture helped reduce the frequency of migraines in participants who were chronic sufferers. Acupuncture offers a more natural approach to migraines and headaches without the side effects that often accompany medication. 

Arthritic pain can be felt anywhere in the body where there is a joint. Arthritis can be widespread or it can be concentrated in a knee, low back, or shoulder. It is a very common health ailment for the general public and with early management, arthritis pain does not have to be disabling. You can live with arthritis for a long time without pain if you make changes in your lifestyle that include alternative therapies.

Those that suffer from arthritis will likely find relief from acupuncture treatments because acupuncture treats the whole body and promotes overall wellness. Arthritis sufferers likely have arthritis in more than one place and analgesics only help for so long.

Chronic, low grade pain can lead to a decrease in activity and a lack of enjoyment in activities because the pain is just too much to deal with. People that suffer from chronic pain are more prone to depression because they are no longer able to do things that they once enjoyed. They may suffer loneliness and feel that they are suffering alone. As a whole-body medical system, this is the kind of condition Chinese Medicine treats with high success. Our treatments for arthritis involve a combination of pain relief, reduction of inflammation, dietary assessment and restructuring, and emotional support, resulting in an overall reduction of pain and an increase in the patient’s vitality.

Chronic pain in a shoulder may be due to poor circulation in the tissues and impinging the muscles and nerves. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine increased circulation, reduces inflammation to restores your range of motion and resolve pain. 

The shoulder is a "ball and socket" joint. In cases of torn ligaments or worn down or damaged cartilage the shoulder joint itself is unstable and provokes pain. There is no permanent way to stop pain without surgery when caused by structural damage. Acupuncture is a very successful way to reduce pain before surgery, and aids in post-surgical recovery.