Acupuncture, a Chinese traditional medicine method used to treat a series of illnesses, can restore the energy flow in the body. Acupuncturists insert thin needles in the patient’s body along acupuncture meridians and in exact points to stimulate circulation and help the body release hormones. An acupuncture session triggers the release of endorphins in the body, also known as “happiness hormones,” and give the patient a feeling of relaxation and pain relief. Acupuncture can help relieve pain caused by illness, injury, surgery or regular muscular pain caused by stress. So if you are experiencing some serious neck pain issues, you might want to consider acupuncture for neck pain.
- Discuss with your doctor the possibility of using acupuncture. Find the source of your pain and check to see if the pain is a symptom of a medical condition that needs to treatment. Your doctor can recommend some acupuncturists in your area. You can also find qualified acupuncturists by visiting the website of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at http://nccam.nih.gov/.
- Acupuncture can prove a great addition to health care, especially if you experience pain. Don’t stop the treatment your doctor prescribes, even if the pain gets better. Continue with your treatment and go to acupuncture session even after the pain disappears.
- The acupuncturist will talk with you before your first session. You will have to answer questions about the medical condition causing your pain, your medical history and your lifestyle. Mention any medication or treatment you’re taking to the acupuncturist. You must tell the acupuncturist if you have high blood pressure or take blood thinners. The acupuncturist will tailor the acupuncture sessions to your case and needs; further, she might also be able to suggest other alternative medicine methods to help with your pain.
- Find out if your insurance plan covers acupuncture. Acupuncture sessions can prove moderately expensive, and you’ll have to go more than once to the acupuncturist to get results. Discuss with the therapist a treatment plan and ask how many sessions you’ll have to have and how often. If you experience chronic pain, the acupuncturist might recommend indefinite treatment. Contact your insurance company to find out if they cover acupuncture and how many acupuncture treatments you can have in one year.
- The acupuncture session will last approximately one-half hour. Relax and don’t worry about the needles. Acupuncturists use thin, sterile needles, and you won’t experience pain. You will probably feel a slight sting, but nothing more than that. Some people feel so relaxed during an acupuncture session that they fall asleep.
- Continue with the treatment plan your acupuncturist sets up even if your pain alleviates. Stopping the treatment before it reaches completion might result in the pain coming back. Depending on the severity of your pain, you will probably feel better after the first few sessions
