If you’re one of the millions of people with arthritis, you know how debilitating it can be. But what you may not know is that acupuncture can help. Acupuncture is a natural, non-invasive treatment that effectively relieves the symptoms of arthritis. So, if you’re looking for relief, give acupuncture a try. You may be surprised at how much it can help.
Arthritis is a condition characterized by swelling or inflammation of the joint. It is a widespread condition and affects over 22% of the people (~53 million people) living in the United States. The median or average age for the onset of arthritis is 40 years and is more common in older adults. However, it can affect people from any age group.
What is acupuncture, and how does it work for arthritis pain relief
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. One routine use is for pain relief, particularly in cases of arthritis.
How does acupuncture work to relieve arthritis pain?
There are several theories about how acupuncture works to reduce inflammation and pain. One theory is that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are hormones that help block pain signals. Another view is that acupuncture helps improve circulation and encourages the body to heal itself. Moreover, it works to enhance the body’s natural energy balance through modification of the meridians and qi.
Regardless of the specific mechanism, there is substantial evidence that acupuncture can effectively treat arthritis pain. A review of several studies found that acupuncture was more effective than placebo in reducing pain and improving function in people with osteoarthritis.
The benefits of acupuncture over traditional medication
Arthritis is a debilitating condition that can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. While many traditional medications are available to help treat arthritis, acupuncture may be a better option. Acupuncture is a natural treatment that has been used for centuries to relieve pain and inflammation.
Most people are prescribed over-the-counter analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relieving the symptoms of arthritis. In more severe or refractory cases, the doctor might also prescribe corticosteroids such as prednisone. Like many other pharmacological therapies, these medications come with many side effects. Some common problems associated with the use of conventional treatments include:
- Digestion problems
- Stomach ulcers
- Headaches and insomnia
- Allergic reactions
- Weakened immune system
- Hunger and obesity
- Menstrual changes
- Increased risk of severe infections
On the other hand, acupuncture is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. In most studies, acupuncture is a safe and effective procedure. Some minor side effects include pain in the needling area, minor bruising, and mild irritation. In addition, acupuncture can be an affordable treatment option compared to traditional medications. If you are looking for an alternative to conventional arthritis medications, acupuncture may be the right choice.
How to find an acupuncturist in your area?
If you’re looking for an acupuncturist in your area, you can do a few things to make the process easier. First, check with your insurance company to see if acupuncture is covered under your plan. If it is, you can use the company’s provider directory to find a list of acupuncturists in your area.If your insurance doesn’t cover acupuncture, or if you prefer to see a practitioner on your own, there are several online directories that can help.
What to expect during your first acupuncture appointment to treat arthritis?
If you’re considering acupuncture as a treatment for arthritis, you may be wondering what to expect during your first appointment. Here is some information to help you prepare.
During your appointment, the acupuncture practitioner will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will then perform a physical exam, looking for specific points on your body that may need treatment. Once they have identified the necessary points, the practitioner will begin the acupuncture treatment. This usually involves inserting thin and sterile needles into the skin at these points. As the needles are inserted, you may feel a slight prick, but most people find the treatment relatively painless.
The length of a typical acupuncture appointment varies depending on the condition being treated but typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. If you’re new to acupuncture, it’s essential to be open and honest about your expectations and concerns with your practitioner. They can help you understand how acupuncture may help relieve your arthritis symptoms and answer any questions.
How often should you receive acupuncture treatments for arthritis relief?
How often you should receive acupuncture treatments for arthritis relief depends on the severity of your symptoms. If your arthritis is mild, you may only need to receive treatments once a week or every other week. If your arthritis is more severe, you may need to receive treatments two or three times a week. Talk to your acupuncturist about what frequency of treatments is suitable for you.
Acupuncture side effects and precautions
However, like any other treatment, acupuncture can cause side effects and has some precautions that need to be taken into account before starting treatment. Some of the most common side effects of acupuncture include:
- Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
- Infection at the acupuncture site (this rarely occurs with licensed acupuncture specialists)
- Fatigue
Some of the precautions that you should take into account before starting acupuncture treatment for arthritis include:
- Informing your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Telling your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, or allergies
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any medications, herbs, or supplements
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after acupuncture treatment until you know how it affects you
If you are amongst the people looking for natural ways to ease the pain of arthritis, look no further because acupuncture may be the answer to your arthritis pain relief. If you are interested in trying acupuncture, make an appointment with a qualified practitioner today. You may find that this ancient practice can help improve your quality of life significantly.
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/arthritis-acupuncture
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acupuncture-for-arthritis