Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine that has become a popular and well-researched method for managing back and neck pain. The primary purpose of acupuncture is to target energy (or “qi” in Chinese medicine) to painful nerves and muscles in the back and neck. Acupuncture can also help with headaches, fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal pain, sciatica, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). Treatment consists of inserting needles at various pressure points to alleviate pain, stiffness, muscle tightness, and inflammation. The needles are very skinny, and most people experience little to no discomfort when inserted. The acupuncture needles:
- Stimulate the nervous system: Pressure points are triggered with the help of acupuncture to release responses within the body.
- Release chemicals produced in the body: Acupuncture can help release chemicals from the spinal cord, muscles, and brain, which are naturally pain-relieving.
- Release neurotransmitters: Acupuncture can stimulate the hormones that send messages to nerve endings to shut off pain.
How Often Should You Do Acupuncture?
The recommended frequency of acupuncture sessions may depend on the severity of symptoms and how long your pain and stiffness have lasted. As you go for acupuncture visits, your doctor can assess the benefits of the treatments and if you need to continue the acupuncture sessions. It is also essential to check with your health insurance plan to see if and how many acupuncture visits may be covered.
At Merckling Family Chiropractor, we can help alleviate your back and neck pain with acupuncture. Give us a call at (631) 286-2300 to schedule an appointment to find out how acupuncture can benefit you.
