One of the most commonly accepted uses of acupuncture is for the relief of pain. Many studies have been done in this area, including ones specifically to study the effect of acupuncture on peripheral neuropathic pain. The results show that most patients do receive at least some pain relief with acupuncture.
Syndrome
Peripheral neuropathic pain is pain that is felt along the peripheral nervous system. This is the system of nerves that carries signals from the brain and spinal column to the rest of the body.
Symptoms
Along with pain, sufferers of peripheral neuropathy may have such symptoms as numbness, tingling and heightened sensitivity to the touch. The pain can be so extreme as to be burning. It may be intermittent or may be present constantly.
Causes
Peripheral neuropathic pain can be caused by a variety of diseases such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes and alcoholism. It can also be caused by the physical compression of nerves as happens in such conditions as carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome and even pregnancy.
Acupuncture Approach
Chinese medical theory views peripheral neuropathy as an imbalance in the energy of the body as it flows through the acupuncture meridians. By stimulating different points on these meridians, the blockages can be removed. Once the energy flows freely, the pain will be relieved. A Western view is that the acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which then relieves the pain symptom.
Diagnosis
When you visit your acupuncturist, he or she will ask you many questions to arrive at a diagnosis according to Chinese medical theory. Some of them may seem to be unrelated to your symptoms, as they will cover every system of the body. How your digestion is working, for example, can give an acupuncturist clues about your nerve pain. The more information you provide, the more accurate the diagnosis will be.
Treatment
Acupuncture needles are very thin. You often do not feel any pain whatsoever when the needle is inserted. Once inserted, the acupuncturist may stimulate the point further by twisting the needle. Alternatively, electroacupuncture may be used. This involves a device that passes a slight electric impulse to the needle. Neither of these techniques is painful. The acupuncturist will normally leave the needles in for 20 to 30 minutes while you rest. Some people feel relief after just one treatment but more often several are needed to get lasting pain relief. Generally, the longer you have had the neuropathy, the longer it will take to be resolved.
Tags: neuropathic pain, acupuncturist will, Chinese medical, Chinese medical theory, medical theory, pain relief