Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help alleviate pain and manage physical ailments. Today, it remains a popular treatment because it’s drug-free, works well with complementary treatments (like physical therapy), and treats a wide range of conditions. Barry Hughes, DC and our team at Premier Chiropractic offer acupuncture at our Pearland, Texas office.
If you’ve never had acupuncture before, you might wonder if it’s right for you. In this article, we’ll explore seven reasons why this Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment can benefit you.
1. You have lower back pain
If lower back pain stops you from your favorite activities, acupuncture might be right for you. Studies show that acupuncture relieves back pain, stimulates your nervous system to release pain-relieving chemicals, and triggers electromagnetic impulses in the body (which can help release endorphins.
2. You have joint pain
The pain-relieving abilities of acupuncture aren’t just limited to back pain. Acupuncture can help you manage joint pain, including pain from osteoarthritis. In a review of various studies, the Arthritis Foundation reported that several studies show acupuncture as effective in pain management for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
3. You struggle with migraine headaches
Migraines aren’t just a “bad headache.” They can be debilitating. According to a review of 22 clinical trials, acupuncture treatments can reduce the number of migraine days by up to 59% each month. Not only are the number of migraine days reduced, but the intensity of symptoms is also reduced.
4. You have premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
PMS affects many women, causing bloating, mood swings, muscle pain, headaches, and sleep changes. According to a systematic review in the Cochrane Library, acupuncture may reduce overall mood and physical PMS symptoms when compared to placebo treatment.
5. You want a medication-free option for sports injuries
Acupuncture can be incorporated into a sports injury treatment plan, especially if your injury resulted in joint pain, strains, sprains, lower back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the U.S. military uses acupuncture to treat injuries, too. An added bonus: acupuncture can help treat injuries without the gastrointestinal side effects of OTC pain relief medication.
6. You’re looking for a new stress management technique
Because acupuncture stimulates your central nervous system (and releases natural bodily chemicals), acupuncture can help you feel less stressed. You might also feel less stress once you see lower back pain (or migraines, etc.) start to subside.
7. You’re not afraid of needles
Unlike acupressure, acupuncture treatments do use needles. However, they are very thin. While you might feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, you might feel nothing (or a slight pulsing sensation). Many people find the experience relaxing.
Is acupuncture right for you?
If you’re interested in experiencing the many benefits of acupuncture for yourself, call our Pearland, Texas, office at 281-223-1172. You can also visit our website to request an appointment today.