Some patients suffer from chronic pain for years. There are times when the cause of chronic pain can not be found. Many people turn to acupuncture in an attempt to rid themselves, or at least reduce their ongoing pain. Does it really work? Migraine suffers say yes it does work. How does it work? While the jury is still out on how it works, it could be acupuncture deactivates areas within the brain that is causing the pain.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the skin. It appears that acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connecting tissue. This may stimulate the body’s natural pain killers and increase blood flow to the area causing the pain. Acupuncture has been used to treat back pain, headaches, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, labor pain, and menstrual cramps. It has even been used to reduce nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy.

Some see acupuncture as a scam. Others claim that it is effective in easing pain. Until it is known exactly how it works there will be skeptics. Many times acupuncture is the treatment of last resort. It is important to note, that one therapy by itself does not usually eliminate chronic pain. Pain killers or over the counter medications like biofreeze should be used with other therapies such as relaxation techniques or yoga.

All medications and therapies come with a certain amount of risk and acupuncture is no exception. However, dealing with a competent and certified acupuncture practitioner significantly reduces any risk. Furthermore, there are possible side effects to using acupuncture, and include soreness, bleeding, or bruising at needle entry points. Organs, like the lungs can be damaged if needles are inserted too deeply. Infectious diseases like hepatitis can occur if needles are reused.

Not everyone should try acupuncture. If you are on blood thinners, or have a blood disorder you should refrain from acupuncture treatment. Some types of acupuncture apply small electrical currents to the needles that can disrupt pace makers. Acupuncture can stimulate labor, so pregnant women should avoid this therapy.

In the end, some think acupuncture is a scam or hoax. Others claim it does indeed work. The problem is no one knows for sure how it works. Yet, many chronic pain suffers continue to try acupuncture when all other traditional therapies fail to ease their chronic pain. As with all therapies there is a risk factor. However, you can reduce risk by only using a competent and certified acupuncture practitioner.