The Healthy You Is the Better You

Posted on: 13 November 2020

Whether due to HIV, a herniated disc, fibromyalgia, or some other health condition, chronic nerve pain can be incredibly debilitating. And while you can take pain relievers and some herbal remedies to help keep the pain at bay, sometimes these medications have side effects or still leave you dealing with some lingering degree of pain. That's where acupuncture can come in handy. It's an excellent treatment for chronic nerve pain. Here are some guidelines to help you use acupuncture to treat chronic nerve pain.

1. Find a practitioner with experience treating your specific condition.

If you have a herniated disc or fibromyalgia, look for an acupuncturist who has experience working helping patients who have these conditions. Every health condition affects the neurological meridians differently, so a practitioner who has treated patients with your ailment before will have a better idea of where to place the needles on your body.

2. Arrive at your appointment in a relaxed state.

If you are relaxed when your acupuncture treatment begins, it is likely to be more effective. The needles will be better able to penetrate your skin, and they'll have a more profound effect on the nerves that carry pain signals through your body. Do some yoga, deep breathing, or meditation before your appointment to quiet your mind and body.

3. Go for acupuncture on a regular basis.

Rather than waiting for your pain to get back and then scheduling an acupuncture appointment, go in for regular appointments regardless of your current pain level. If your acupuncturist can stop your pain in its tracks before it has a chance to worsen, your overall results will be more profound. Patients often see their acupuncturists for treatments every one to two weeks. Your acupuncturist can recommend the ideal interval for your appointments based on the level of pain you're experiencing and the condition causing your pain.

4. Don't stop your other medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Rather than using acupuncture as a replacement for your prescription or over-the-counter meds, use it as a supplemental treatment. It tends to be most effective when used in conjunction with other remedies. If your pain improves profoundly after acupuncture and you've been reacting poorly to your meds, then talk to your doctor about quitting but do not quit without their approval.

Acupuncture can be a safe, effective way to keep chronic pain under control. Visit an acupuncturist near you for some relief.