Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Wrist Pain, Foot Pain, Abdominal Pain, Fibromyalgia, San Diego
 
 
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Treatment of Pain

Comprehensive Pain Treatment | Acute Care | Chronic Care | Recurrent Pain Care | Print This Page

Acupuncture has been proven to be more effective than placebo for migraine headache, with fewer side effects.  Patients report fewer attacks and improved quality of life when using acupuncture to manage their pain.

Comprehensive Pain Treatment
At Eastern Body Therapy we have successfully treated a variety of acute injuries and chronic pain conditions using a combination of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, and bodywork. We can help you to manage the symptoms of

  • strains and sprains
  • migraine headaches
  • TMJ dysfunction
  • trigeminal neuralgia
  • endometriosis
  • arthritis
  • fractures and bruises
  • fibromyalgia
  • post-surgical pain
  • back or neck pain
  • disc bulges or herniations
  • wrist pain or carpal tunnel syndrome
  • knee pain
  • tennis or golf elbow
  • plantar fascitis

Treatment starts with a complete evaluation of your history and present complaints including physical examination and review of relevant medical records. An Oriental Medicine diagnosis is made, and an individual treatment plan is developed which may incorporate a variety of modalities.

There is a wide body of research supporting the use of acupuncture for treatment of pain. back to top

Acute Care
For acute conditions such as sprains or strains, treatment usually involves acupuncture and/or electroacupuncture depending on the amount of inflammation and your constitution. Treatment is typically 2-3 times per week for the first two weeks, then gradually decreasing in frequency over a 2 month period. As you recover, exercises will be recommended to help you regain strength and range of motion. We may refer you to a physical therapist for more comprehensive rehabilitation if it is indicated. Depending on your specific case, moxibustion or cupping may be used in addition to acupuncture. We may recommend an herbal formula or supplement which will support your body's healing process. Although we can order x-rays, MRIs, CT scans and other diagnostics, we recommend you also see your physician if a fracture or soft-tissue tear is suspected.

Post-surgical pain is an area where Oriental Medicine excels. If you are experiencing pain following a surgical procedure, a combination of acupuncture, electroacupuncture and moxibustion can dramatically decrease your discomfort, allowing you to participate more fully in your rehabilitation program. This helps you to recover and be back to the rest of your life faster! back to top

Chinese Medicine is effective for treatment of both acute and chronic pain. Modalities may include acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and Chinese herbs.

Chronic Care
For chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, pain from disc bulges in the neck or back, carpal tunnel syndrome, or fibromyalgia, treatment usually involves acupuncture, electroacupuncture and moxibustion as well as therapeutic massage or craniosacral therapy. The modalities are chosen based on the location of the pain, the severity of the pain, and what makes it better or worse, in conjunction with your constitutional make-up as determined during your intake. Treatment is less frequent than for an acute condition, typically once per week, but over a longer period of time. We always strive to minimize dependence on treatment and encourage self-maintenance, so visits should decrease in frequency over time. You may be sent home with exercises, herbs, supplements, or even your own moxa stick to help maintain the benefit of the treatment for a longer period of time.

Recurrent Pain Care
Many pain conditions are characterized by periods of pain followed by periods of remission.  Migraine, TMJ dysfunction, trigeminal neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, endometriosis, and low back pain due to disc bulge are examples of pain conditions which may leave you feeling horrible for a period of time, then seem to go away for awhile.  Acupuncture and electroacupuncture can be extremely effective in helping in breaking the pain cycle and bringing you back to a relatively pain-free state.

Our San Diego acupuncturists are happy to work alongside your physician and/or physical therapist to help you manage your pain. back to top

 

1) Facco E, Liguori A, Petti F, Zanette G, Coluzzi F, De Nardin M, Mattia C. Traditional Acupuncture in Migraine: A Controlled, Randomized Study. Headache. 2007 Sep 14;(e-published ahead of print).

2) He D, Veiersted KB, Høstmark AT, Medbø JI.Effect of acupuncture treatment on chronic neck and shoulder pain in sedentary female workers: a 6-month and 3-year follow-up study. Pain. 2004 Jun;109(3):299-307.

3) Melchart D, Weidenhammer W, Streng A, Hoppe A, Pfaffenrath V, Linde K. Headache. Acupuncture for chronic headaches-an epidemiological study. Headache. 2006 Apr;46(4):632-41.

4) Trinh KV, Graham N, Gross AR, Goldsmith CH, Wang E, Cameron ID, Kay T; Cervical Overview Group. Acupuncture for neck disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jul 19;3:CD004870.

5) Weidenhammer W, Linde K, Streng A, Hoppe A, Melchart D. Acupuncture for chronic low back pain in routine care: a multicenter observational study. Clin J Pain. 2007 Feb;23(2):128-35. back to top