Acupuncter...anybody tried it for upper back/neck pain?

[Dueller]

Subsequent to old whiplash injury, my wife has suffered with chronic upper back/neck pain. She is trying to avoid surgery and has tried everything--blocks, steroid injections, ant-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, chiropractors, etc with only short term relief.

She is seeeing an acupuncturist today who claims almost immediate relief. Anybody have ant personal experience? Results? Longterm relief?

[Nostril Cheese]

yes. It works well.

Go to someone who knows what they are doing.

[Dueller]

How long does relief last?

[trekkor]

I've been. Many times. For relief from carpal tunnel symptoms and elbow pain.

Chiropractor, too.


KT

[trekkor]

You will need repeat visits, massage and rest to avoid straining the injured area again.


KT

[Dueller]

Does it eventually "cure" the injury? Or is it a llong term treatment of the symptoms?

[trekkor]

Actual injury, rips, tears, breaks, etc. Proll not. "Real doctor" needed.

I've only found relief from strains or soreness.


KT

[Dueller]

Thanks KT...this is something of a "soft tissue" injury. No evidence of a slipped disc, etc. She develops muscle spasms and Knots in muscles of her upper back that are very painful. Hopefully it will give her some relief.

[trekkor]

I believe it will.

Heating pad when you get home, then cold?
Ask about that one.

KT

[john70t]

I'd highly recommend accupuncture as well- it stops whatever is clinched up and spasming inside, so the area gets a chance to heal. After that happens there will be more pain than before, but that's a good sign because the nerves are starting to work again.
It may take weeks or months. My back took half a year+ to start the pain stage but was helped with weight loss, lower stress(sleep), and better diet etc...

Drugs will sometimes do the same thing, except they also circulate throughout the body to the parts which don't need them.

Practictioners are pretty different in mannerism and philosophical technique, so find one you can be comfortable around(half naked and pincushioned), and has good credentials.

[Dueller]

OK...We've just returned. Female practitioner who is the daughter of an endocrinologist. Seems to be very legit...studied OM in Austin. 4 years of study, in practice fpr 10 years.

She allowed me to sit in on the treatment. Very thorough in explaining everything. Started out with very thorough background inquiry explaining everything, answering questions, etc. Started out procedure with "cupping" where she used these glass bowls that created a vacuum that she moved all over wife's back that left big "hickies" all over her back, then massage then acupunctire needles (20+) followed by massage.

Wife says it feels like there is less pressure/pain so I guess time will tell. In any event it lasted 1 1/4 hours and she recpmmends 3 more weekly treatmenrs. She only charges $75 per visit, so if it helps any it'll be a bargain.

[red-beard]

Celebrex would be much cheaper.

[Flatbutt1]

6 years ago I suffered a C5 hyperflexion. Lots of pain and muscle spasticity. I was on oxycontin and hydrocodone for 3+ years to manage the chronic pain. Thats alot of narcotic. I started acupuncture over 2 years ago. I get weekly treatments along with massage and the pain has been reduced to the point that I no longer need the narcs in order to be functional. Since my spinal cord is damaged my pain is persistent, but acupuncture makes it manageable.

[Dueller]

Originally posted by red-beard
Celebrex would be much cheaper.

Tried it...no effect

[trekkor]

Glad to hear of the improvements.

Was it heat, then cold? ( I forget )


KT

[nostatic]

cupping makes a big difference for me. that in combination with the needles has worked quite well for various back and neck ailments.

You should also look into qi gong.