Be Healthy Information

Most often, joint pain or muscle pain goes away on its own. Time, movement, and self-care tools such as exercise, cold packs, hot packs, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease pain and speed healing. But if you’ve had pain for more than a few weeks, and these tools have not helped it, you may want to try other therapies. One option you may want to think about trying is acupuncture. 

What is acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is thought to balance the energy that flows along pathways—called meridians—throughout your body. This energy, or life force, is called “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). According to TCM, if your Qi becomes blocked or is too low, it may lead to pain or illness. To unblock Qi, very fine needles are placed into points along these pathways. This in turn may help ease pain and allow healing. 

How does it work? 

Researchers are trying to figure out how acupuncture works. It’s thought that it may help release chemicals near the nerves around the acupuncture points, the spinal cord, and the brain to ease pain. 

Can it ease pain? 

There is good evidence that acupuncture can help ease chronic, local spine pain. Some studies show that acupuncture can even help spine pain that travels down into the legs.  

I s it safe? 

Acupuncture is quite safe. A skilled, licensed expert will use sterile, single-use needles. That means there is very little risk of infection. Plus, it is often painless. Sometimes, there may be a little bleeding or bruising at the needle sites. Injury can occur if the acupuncturist pushes the needles in too deeply. But this is rare with a trained and highly skilled expert. Acupuncturists must complete many years of training and be licensed by the state where they live. 

Should you talk with your doctor? 

While acupuncture is safe for most people, some people may have a higher risk of side effects. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you: 

• Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners 
  
• Have a pace maker, or other electrical implant
  
• Are pregnant 
  
• Have conditions that might keep you from being still during the acupuncture treatment

How do you find a qualified acupuncturist? 

To find a skilled acupuncturist it may help to: 

• Ask friends or family to suggest someone. 
  
• See if your doctor has an acupuncturist they like to refer.
• Talk with 2 or 3 acupuncturists. Ask about their training. Find out how many years of experience they have. And check their credentials. Are they and their staff people you feel comfortable working with?
• Ask about the kinds of treatments they use. How does each one work to ease muscle and joint pain? How much does each one cost? 
  
• Ask if they bill insurance. Then check if your insurance covers treatments.  
  
• Check with your insurance company to see if they have contracted acupuncturists in your area.

Is acupuncture right for you? 

Acupuncture is not for everyone. Track your progress to make sure it is helping to ease your pain. If not, you may want to talk with your doctor about other treatments you might try. Chiropractic or physical therapy might be a good choice. Or sometimes combining therapies at the same time works well. 

This information is not intended to take the place of regular medical care or advice. Please check with your doctor before using this information or beginning any self-care program.