Acupuncture and Pain Managment

Living with acute or chronic pain has an enormous impact on individuals and often can decrease quality of life, on both a physical and emotional level. My aim in to restore balance to your body and reducing clients pain is one of our biggest aims in treatment.

In Australia, chronic pain is the third most common healthcare issue after cancer and heart disease. We observe that chronic pain (pain lasting longer than 6 weeks) often creates a pain cycle by which the client experiences the pain, develops a lack of exercise/limited physical activity, develops fatigue, stress, depression, more muscle tension, cramping, tightness, sensitive nerves – which all leads to one thing – more pain! Patients often express that their whole quality of life changes due to this pain cycle.

How does acupuncture relieve pain?

Generally, if patients can address their pain quickly when it is still in the acute stage, it is easier and quicker to reverse than chronic pain. Clinical Studies suggest that acupuncture is an effective modality in the treatment of most kinds of pain which can include: back pain, neck pain, hip pain, herniated discs, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, knee pain, TMJ, migraines and headaches, tendinitis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sports injuries, surgical pain and much more. Researchers have revealed the benefits that acupuncture elicits in regard to immune and endocrine alterations in the relief of pain. From a western medicine perspective, acupuncture may actually help prevent pain by acting on the sympathetic nervous system and by stimulating the body to produce biochemical substances such as endorphins, to help reduce pain.

Acupuncture relieves pain via a series of complex signalling pathways, mediators and receptors. When an acupuncture point is stimulated (for example on the hand or foot) a signal travels up the spine to the brain stem and brain where a series of interactions are triggered between particular brain centres. This is known as the “mesolimbic loop of acupuncture analgesia” and involves numerous brain centres and mediators including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin and endogenous opioids such as endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins and endomorphins. To date over 30 chemical mediators have been identified as participants in this process. The completion of the mesolimbic loop then triggers another signal which descends to the dorsal horn of the spine producing a pain relieving effect. For those who are interested in the details of the physiology, a number of excellent review articles have been published in recent years.

Zhang et al 2014 – Mechanisms of acupuncture in persistent pain

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What to expect from treatment?

I want you to achieve your pain reduction and resolution goals as fast as possible. Pain reduction and resolution are some of the most common issues we see in the clinic, and Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine has a prolific history in treating pain conditions. When you make an appointment you can expect a thorough assessment of your condition, the exploration of the potential root cause of the issue and the immediate commencement of treatment. We will establish a pain management plan with our clients as to how many appointments are needed to achieve their goals and to empower our clients with information and exercises to take home and work on themselves. Your goals align with ours, which is why we are dedicated to excellence in service, advice and treatment.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

A large amount of research has been conducted to investigate how acupuncture works at a physiological level. The areas which have been studied most are the effects of acupuncture in relieving pain and inflammation. However many other physiological effects of acupuncture have been identified including modifying cardiovascular functions, gastric acidity and motility, bladder pressure, as well as many other actions.

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Among the most common actions of acupuncture is regulating the balance between the sympathetic (fight and flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems. Increasing parasympathetic activation produces relaxation, reduced heart rate and blood pressure, improved sleep patterns and enhanced digestion.

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Some of the key focuses at On The Road Acupuncture to help to reduce pain include:

• Clearing inflammation

• Regulating blood flow

• Strongly relaxing muscles

• Promoting blood circulation

We have special interests in treating the following conditions:

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• Back, Hip & Neck Pain

• Ongoing or recent sporting injuries

• Workplace injuries

• Spinal problems

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Lower back pain and Sciatica

• Stiff neck and shoulders

• Torn or tight muscles

• Arthritis and joint pain / swelling

• Swelling and scar pain/Healing

• Bursitis or Tendonitis

• Muscle spasms and cramps

• Acute injuries (i.e. bruising, sprains, pulled muscles)

• Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia

The best way to determine whether acupuncture is the right fit for you is through an assessment. This allows us to get a full picture of your situation, and explain the possible options or course of treatment.

If you wish to book an assessment, of have questions you would like answered, please be in contact, we’re more than happy to help!