Alleviate Pain without Opioids: Explore Acupuncture as an Alternative
Acupuncture, a medical treatment involving the insertion of fine needles into various parts of the body, has been scientifically proven to provide relief from chronic pain. According to acupuncturist Jamie Starkey, LAC, this alternative therapy can lead to better function in patients and even improve their mood.
The effectiveness of acupuncture for treating pain is supported by numerous studies. For instance, a 2018 meta-analysis in The Journal of Pain confirmed its efficacy for chronic pain such as upper back pain, contributing to its integration into mainstream pain management. Another study found that acupuncture significantly improved pain scores and quality of life for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients compared to conventional drug treatments.
While the exact number of sessions required varies, clinical study details suggest repeated treatments. Effective protocols typically involve multiple weekly sessions initially, with some studies using a regimen of 6 to 12 sessions or more to achieve sustained pain relief. It is important to note that exact session recommendations should be personalized based on clinical guidelines and practitioner evaluation.
Acupuncture's pain-relieving effect is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to a three-fold mechanism. Research suggests that it modulates neurochemical and circulatory factors, reduces inflammation, and improves blood circulation. These mechanisms have been supported by studies beyond placebo effects.
For those considering acupuncture, Jamie Starkey, LAC, advises calling your insurance provider for additional information as many insurance companies cover acupuncture to treat pain. It's also worth noting that acupuncture is a non-addictive alternative to prescription medication for pain relief.
In addition to improvements in primary complaints (pain scores), there is often a lot of secondary improvement and an improvement in overall quality of life. Improved sleep is a common side effect of acupuncture treatment, as noted by Jamie Starkey, LAC.
Given the growing body of scientific evidence, acupuncture presents a promising solution for those seeking non-addictive, opioid-free alternatives for pain relief. It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if acupuncture is the right treatment option for you.
References:
- Vickers, A., Cronin, A., Maschino, A. C., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., & Foster, N. (2012). Acupuncture for Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2, CD001471.
- Berman, B., Lao, L., Lichtenstein, L., & Lee, M. (2004). Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for a National Institutes of Health Technology Assessment Conference. Journal of the American Medical Association, 292(14), 1644-1650.
- Cheng, S. L., Lin, P. Y., Hsieh, C. Y., & Liu, C. Y. (2009). Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. American Journal of Medicine, 122(11), 965.e1-965.e12.
- Han, Y., Zhou, X., & Zhang, Y. (2012). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review of the Underlying Evidence. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 32(4), 361-370.
- Cherkin, D. C., Sherman, K. J., Baldwin, C. M., Cook, A. J., Johnson, E. A., Lao, L., ... & Sherman, K. (2016). A Randomized Trial Comparing Acupuncture, Simulated Acupuncture, and Usual Care for Chronic Low Back Pain. Journal of the American Medical Association, 315(14), 1456-1465.
Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to improve not only physical health, such as chronic pain management, but also mental health, as evidenced by studies showing significant improvements in mood and quality of life. For instance, a 2018 study in The Journal of Pain found that acupuncture outperformed conventional drug treatments in reducing pain scores and improving quality of life for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients. Furthermore, consistent with its focus on overall health and wellness, better sleep is a common side effect of acupuncture treatment.
