Acupuncture vs opioids for chronic pain relief

The deadly opioid addiction has forced the medical profession to seek out alternative methods of treating chronic pain. One unconventional and safer replacement that could be of potential help for many is acupuncture.  Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine dating back more than 2,000 years ago with the earliest recorded use of it beginning around 200 BCE.  From China, acupuncture eventually spread along the Arab trade routes on towards the West.

Many people have found acupuncture as an easy and effective means of relief from easing chronic pain. Pain can be different for each person experiencing it as there are many different types of pain – neuropathic, muscular, degenerative joint – all which can make management of pain complex.

This is where acupuncture may be able to help.  This ancient practice can either be used alone or with conventional therapy to not only help reduce physical pain but also the psychological pain that often comes with it. 

How acupuncture works

Describing how acupuncture works is complex as it is not entirely understood.  In theory, it works by inserting hair thin needles into specific points that fall on certain pathways or meridians in the body.  At the core of Chinese medicine is the notion that a type of life force, or energy, known as qi (pronounced “chee”) flows through energy pathways or meridians.  Each meridian corresponds to one organ or group of organs that govern particular body functions.  It is believed that achieving the proper flow of qi can create health and wellness. When the energy flows freely, the body’s nervous, endocrine, digestive, and immune systems can function at optimal levels. 

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

There are a variety of health conditions acupuncture can help.  The majority of the time it is used to address chronic pain issues ranging from low back pain to migraines as well as other problems driven by stress and tension. 

Here are some conditions acupuncture may possibly be able to treat:

·      Chronic pain

·      Low back pain

·      Migraines

·      Irritable bowel syndrome

·      Depression

·      Insomnia

·      Constipation

·      Osteoarthritis

·      Peripheral neuropathy

·      Carpal tunnel syndrome

What to expect

During the first visit, the practitioner may ask about a person’s health conditions and lifestyle.  They will want to obtain a complete picture of treatment needs and behaviors contributing to conditions and wellness. 

The needles used in acupuncture range in size from 0.14 to 0.2 millimeters in diameter and have fine tapered tips – in comparison, human hair is about 0.18 millimeters.  The number of needles used and locations during a treatment depends on the ailment being treated.  The needles are inserted with a guide tube and stay in place for five to 30 minutes.  Most people do not feel them being inserted while others may feel an initial tingling or electrical sensation that quickly fades.

Anyone who is hesitant about needles can try a “no needle” acupuncture in which the points on the meridians are stimulated with manual pressure and low-level cold laser therapy that is not felt at all.

The number of treatments will vary from person to person but it could be as frequently as one to two a week for several months.  Many people may notice relief after the first treatment while for others it may take weeks to notice much difference.  Regular follow-ups may be necessary after the initial series of treatments.

What does science say about acupuncture?

Studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture are mixed and it is best to keep in mind that acupuncture may not work for everyone.  Results from a number of studies suggest that acupuncture may help ease types of pain that are chronic such as low-back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis/knee pain.  It may also reduce the frequency of tension headaches and prevent migraine headaches.  Therefore it appears to be a reasonable option for people with chronic pain to consider.

However, clinical practice guidelines are inconsistent in recommendations about acupuncture. 

As far as safety of acupuncture is concerned there have been relatively few complications from using acupuncture reported. The main complications have resulted from nonsterile needles and improper insertion of the needles. 

It is strongly advised to make sure the practitioner of acupuncture used is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and licensed by the state acupuncture board.