With all the advancements of medical science in the treatment of pain, it is surprising that no drug company has ever invented a drug to treat chronic pain. Chronic pain is a condition that can negatively affect the emotional not to mention the physical aspect of the individual. Since chronic pain is a severe affliction, conventional treatment involves more than one or two techniques. The treatment program is based on the patient’s symptoms and conditions and usually utilizes medication in combination with non-drug treatments. These non-drug treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy, massage, biofeedback, physical treatment exercise, chiropractic treatments and acupuncture among others.
Acupuncture Miami has been with us for more than 4,000 years albeit it has been exclusively used in the Orient for thousands of years before it was introduced in Europe hundreds of years ago. The World Health Organization has listed over 40 health issues, including chronic pain they state can be treated with acupuncture. It was during the 1970’s that acupuncture was introduced in the United States as a relief for pain.
Acupuncture is a verified treatment for types of conditions listed below:
- Post-surgical pain
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Fibromyalgia and muscle pain
- Tooth pain
- Migraines
- Pelvic pain
- Neck and low back pain
- Degenerative arthritis of the joints
With regard to risks, as long as it is performed by a licensed and well-trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is entirely safe and relatively painless. Nevertheless, here are some tips to avoid experiencing any unforeseen problems or complications during treatment:
Before embarking on an acupuncture treatment, talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor often knows a really good acupuncturist who can address your specific problem.
It is very important that the acupuncturist uses only disposable, single-use sterilized needles.
If herbal medicines are required for treatment, you must ascertain whether it is good for you and whether it is not tainted with other harmful substances such as arsenic. There have been reports of herbs that were mixed with harmful substances such as lead and arsenic. One should seek herbal products with a UPC certification stamped on the label. Furthermore, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to verify if the herbs you may need will not negatively interact with the medications you are taking or will not cause negative impact to your present health status. Therefore, it important to inform your acupuncturist of your current health status and the drugs you are presently taking.
You need to choose an acupuncturist who is licensed by the State. Do some research and see whether your acupuncturist is a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
If possible, find a licensed acupuncturist who has extensive experience in the treatment of your specific condition. This will ensure that the acupuncturist will address your health problems in a satisfactory way.