Acupuncture physical pain treatments can help a person overcome a range of physical pain problems, including pain caused by injury, muscle tension, and neurohormones. The treatment has several benefits and can be highly effective for treating pain due to injury. This article outlines some of the most common reasons for acupuncture physical pain treatment.
Muscle tension
Acupuncture can be a very effective treatment for sore muscles and physical pain. By stimulating the acupuncture points in the affected muscles, it helps relax and release stress and tension. In addition, acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the happy chemicals that our bodies naturally produce. Endorphins help to increase our mood and relieve our physical pain.
Muscle tension can occur due to physical injury or emotional stress. It can also be caused by repetitive motions, such as lifting, typing, and other household tasks.
Neurohormone production
Acupuncture for physical pain and the release of neurohormones may be effective in reducing the physical effects of chronic pain, but how does it work? Researchers have shown that acupuncture has an impact on the synthesis of neuropeptides in the central nervous system. Studies have shown that the treatment inhibits the production of opioid peptides and m-opioid receptors. The study also showed that acupuncture induced a decrease in NR2B phosphorylation and an increase in local nitric oxide production.
The results of the study suggest that acupuncture reduces the amount of neuronal activity in the thalamus, which regulates pain. Acupuncture also reduced the level of stress-related hormones in the hypothalamus. Further studies are needed to understand exactly how acupuncture affects pain and neurohormone production.
Skin reactions
While acupuncture is considered safe, it can still be painful and can cause a reaction on the skin. Some people experience itchiness and soreness after acupuncture, even in areas where no needles were inserted. This happens because the needles stimulate certain points that move QI energy in the body. If these trigger points are large, residual soreness can be present for several days after the treatment. It is important to let your acupuncturist know beforehand that you may experience soreness after the treatment.
There have been many studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture for itch. Some studies have been observational, while others have been clinical trials. Some studies have shown that acupuncture improves the symptoms of pruritus and reduces the incidence of relapse. However, there are a few limitations of these studies.
Complications
There are several complications associated with acupuncture for physical pain. The most common minor complications include pain or swelling at the site of needling, bleeding, and vegetative reactions. More serious complications can include pericardial effusion, pneumothorax, and internal organ puncture. However, these are rare, occurring in only one to seven patients per 1000. Acupuncture practitioners are required to follow stringent standards of training and practice to minimize the risk of serious complications.
Acupuncture can cause pain, although most patients experience only minor discomfort. Acupuncture needles can cause pain even when the practitioner uses sterile needles. The needles should be placed with care, and if they are painful, the practitioner should reposition them. Electric acupuncture needles are also available and can give a comfortable tapping or buzzing sensation.
Needle removal
One patient presented for needle removal for acupuncture physical pain after she had a broken needle. A few hours later, she was boarding a plane and noticed a lump on her neck, at the location of Needle 1. She returned to the hospital, and after undergoing imaging studies, it was discovered that Needle 1 had migrated three centimeters from the original insertion site, and settled two millimeters from the patient's right vertebral artery. Meanwhile, Needle 2 was found vertically abutting the left C6-C7 facet.
The acupuncturist will place several thin needles at various points on the body to stimulate different nerves. The treatment will typically last 10 to 20 minutes, and most people experience minimal pain during this time. After insertion, the acupuncturist may apply heat or even mild electrical pulses to the needles. After the treatment, the acupuncturist will remove the needles, usually with little discomfort.