Acupuncture for Muscle and Joint Pain

Written by The Blue Heron Clinic

Acupuncture is a method used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to help alleviate pain. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human body is a delicate balance between the two inseparable and opposing forces of yin and yang. It is necessary to maintain this balance for good health. An upset in this balance leads to the disruption in the flow of life energy along paths in the body called meridians. The Chinese believe that this energy, or qi (pronounced chee), is essential and any upset in this flow must be corrected in order for the body to maintain health. Acupuncture is a series of treatments that involve stimulating certain points on the body that connect with these meridians. The most widely known of these treatments is stimulation with the use of metallic needles.

This treatment was introduced to the Western world in the early 1970s after President Richard Nixon paid a visit to China. When a journalist from the New York Times had emergency surgery during the trip, he was given acupuncture as anesthesia. The journalist, James Reston, wrote about his personal experience with the practice. This also contributed its rise in popularity. During this time period, many people were seeking out natural remedies for various ailments, which also contributed to the interest in this practice in the West.

In this age of rising medical costs, many people are turning to acupuncture as an alternative to traditional medicine. Other people wish to seek natural treatments for pain relief instead of turning to medications, some which have potentially dangerous side effects.

During the initial consultation, the practitioner will ask the patient for information on their current condition, any activities that may have contributed to the condition, and medications he or she might be taking in order to get a complete picture of the patient's health. After this, the practitioner will assess the situation to come up with the best treatment specific to the patient's condition. Treatments are scheduled over the course of a few weeks or months.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and most people feel little to no discomfort when receiving treatment. While the practice can be used to treat a variety of issues, most people seek this treatment as a form of pain relief for both muscle and joint pain.

Muscle Pain

Muscle pain can be caused by various factors. The causes of muscle pain include injury, repetitive motion, general fatigue, medical conditions such as a heart attack or fibromyalgia, or immobilization of a limb due to a broken bone. Symptoms generally include inflammation at a specific trigger point, bruising, numbness or tingling, swelling, or cramping. Conventional treatments can include over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, injections, ice or heat, physical therapy, and rest.

Joint Pain

This type of ailment affects one or more joints. The most common form is arthritis. There are two forms of arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes stiffness and discomfort in the joints. Osteoarthritis is marked by the appearance of bone spurs at the joints and the wearing away of cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion between two different bones. Bursitis is also a common form of this type of pain. Bursitis occurs when the bursae, a fluid filled sac located at a prominent joint such as elbows or knees, becomes inflamed and filled with fluid. The purpose of the bursae is to act as a cushion around these bony joints so that muscles and tendons can move freely over it.

Joint pain is caused by a variety of issues such as sprains, fractures, disease, illness such as hepatitis, weak bones in older people, obesity, or simple overuse. It is important to remember that this type of pain is a symptom of another condition.

Conventional treatments include over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, ice, and in some cases, surgery to repair or replace the affected joint.

Why Acupuncture is a Better Treatment Option

Unlike medications, acupuncture treats the cause of the ailment instead of merely treating the symptoms. The practice carries minimal risk and few side effects. A person receiving treatment does not have to worry about the procedure interfering with the medications they are taking. The procedure can be safely performed on any age group.

Acupuncture also treats the entire person. People who undergo the treatment report feeling relaxed and a renewed sense of energy. The treatment is also part of a holistic approach to healing. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and their physical, spiritual, and psychological needs rather than focusing only on the part that is not well. Sometimes, a change in diet, practicing meditation, a change in the amount of physical activity, or other healthy changes is taking place along with the acupuncture.

Embracing Acupuncture

No longer considered a New Age treatment, acupuncture is becoming a widely accepted practice as more people seek out natural remedies for their ailments. While more research is being done on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating other conditions, studies have proven acupuncture is effective in treating both muscle and joint discomfort.