Nerve pain, which is also referred to as neuropathy, is a common condition that affects people in various ways. Finding the best form of treatment for nerve pain has been difficult in recent times due to the different causes and symptoms compared to regular muscle and joint pain.
Traditional treatments that are often used to help relieve pain include medication, physical therapy and sometimes surgery. However, the popularity of alternative treatments is growing at a fast rate. Treatments such as acupuncture provide many benefits and a much more holistic approach to healthcare.
However, can acupuncture help nerve pain? In this blog, we will gain an understanding of what nerve pain is, how acupuncture works, and whether it is the best form of treatment to use.
Understanding Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain often occurs when there is some form of damage or dysfunction caused to the nerves that create signals between the brain and the body. This pain can last for months and even years for many individuals and is usually caused by various conditions such as injuries, diabetes, or infections.
As the pain originates from the nervous system the pain can often be difficult to treat compared to other forms of pain such as muscle and joint pain. If you are unsure if you are suffering from nerve pain, here are some of the common symptoms to look out for:
- Tingling or numbness
- Burning or freezing feelings
- Electric shock-like pain
- Increased sensitivity to touch
Traditional forms of therapy don’t always provide an overall approach to treating the underlying symptoms of nerve pain. However, the use of acupuncture therapy has become more and more popular in recent times for treating nerve pain for its many benefits and its approach to healthcare.
How Acupuncture Works
If you are unsure on how acupuncture treatment works, it involves the insertion of very thin needles that stimulate sensory nerves under the skin and muscles. The needles are inserted in specific parts of the body that are currently experiencing increased amounts of pain and are often referred to as acupoints.
This technique used by acupuncture treatment typically results in the body producing natural substances that help relieve pain within the body. The production of natural substances is highly beneficial and will address the causes of the discomfort you are experiencing within the nerves in your body.
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Nerve Pain
Various benefits come with using acupuncture to treat nerve pain. While most patients may experience different results than one another, there have been many significant improvements in patient’s health from the use of acupuncture therapy. Here are some of its key benefits:
Pain Relief
Acupuncture is highly beneficial for providing pain relief across the body. With the techniques that are used in the treatment, acupuncture needles can help manage the body’s pain pathways and reduce the level of pain experienced.
If you are experiencing regular neuropathic pain, this is highly beneficial for not only treating the symptoms but also the underlying causes.
Decrease in Inflammation
Inflammation is often a common cause for experiencing nerve pain. Acupuncture can reduce the level of inflammation in the nerves and release any chemicals in the body. Taking this approach alleviates the pressure affecting the nerves and results in a decrease in pain and discomfort.
Improved Nerve Function
Improving the blood flow to the affected nerves is key for relieving pain. Acupuncture is highly beneficial for doing so and can help repair any of the nerves that have been damaged. An improvement in blood flow will also help deliver the necessary nutrients and oxygen to the nerves, enhancing their recovery.
Reduction in Stress and Anxiety
Experiencing neuropathic pain is known to be a key cause of high levels of stress and anxiety. However, acupuncture treatment is known for providing a calming effect on the nervous system, leading to reduced levels of stress and anxiety. These reduced levels will slowly lead to a decrease in nerve pain and allow your body to feel more relaxed regularly.
Is Acupuncture Safe for Nerve Pain?
In short yes – acupuncture is generally considered a safe form of healthcare treatment especially when treating nerve pain. Acupuncture should always be performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner to ensure the safety of all patients.
However, even though acupuncture is highly beneficial for helping nerve pain there are still some risks and considerations to take into account. Here are some of the key precautions and potential risks to consider:
- Dizziness or Fainting
- Nerve Damage
- Bleeding Disorders
- Infection
Acupuncture is generally really safe, you may feel sore after your first few sessions but this is completely normal as your body gets used to the treatment. There is minimal risk when performed by a qualified practitioner and at Concordia Clinic we have a team of excellent practitioners who are experienced in treating nerve pain.
What to Expect From an Acupuncture Session
Before your initial session a practitioner will complete a full examination of your current condition to help them tailor a session to address your needs. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into the body to address the specific areas experiencing pain and discomfort.
Typically, patients will sit or lie down during the session and will often feel a brief tingling or stinging sensation once the acupuncture needles have been inserted. Typically the session will last for around 20 minutes but can vary depending on your needs.
Acupuncture at Concordia Clinic
At Concordia Clinic, we provide excellent acupuncture sessions available to all of our patients, helping them stay at the peak of their health. Acupuncture therapy has gained a lot of popularity in recent times for its natural approach to healthcare and it continues to do so.
We are proud to be working with the top athletes across the UK and aim to continue to provide a wide range of treatments in order to provide the best solution for you. If you are suffering from regular nerve pain and looking to receive treatment, book an acupuncture session with us today or contact a member of the team.
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