Treatment programs for chronic pain by Burlington Acupuncture, Burlington, MA

Burlington Acupuncture

We care about your health!

30 Chestnut Ave. Burlington, MA 01803 TEL: (781) 272-0247 Email: burlingtonacupuncture@yahoo.com

Acupuncture Treatment For Arthritis/Chronic Pain

       Every year millions of people consult their doctors about pain. High on the list are the rheumatic ailments. The various pains, aches and stiffness that arise out of inflamed joints or muscle tissue of rheumatoid arthritis or the progressive degeneration of cartilage responsible for the stiffness and eventual immobility of osteoarthritis. Chronic back pain is the other most frequent complaint and rivals only arthritis as being the cause of most missed days of work. Acupuncture can give us valuable choices in the treatment of these acute and chronic conditions.        One modern scientific explanation of acupuncture that can help us understand its effectiveness, is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These endorphins, cortisol, and ACTH will either change the experience of pain or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
       In arthritis, previously tender muscles relax following a successful treatment; much of the immobility, pain and sometimes the swelling over the joints disappears; at the same time, the patient feels a great deal better. In osteoarthritic conditions, where the adjacent bony surfaces are worn away over time, the needles are not going to alter the X-ray changes. However, it is remarkable how well a patient can function in spite of these changes if they are free from pain and stiffness. Many patients have their pain, swelling and stiffness significantly relieved by the time they have 6-10 acupuncture treatments. Often, patients experience relief from pain during their first treatment. They have been able to reduce the pain, discontinue the corticoids and lead a more normal life.
        Acupuncture can be very effective in almost any kind of back pain. Whiplash from car accidents is a very common injury. X-Rays are often negative but the pain in the neck, back and headache may persist for many years. Many patients report that acupuncture relieves muscle spasms and pain promptly. Slipped or degenerative discs cause severe pain in neck or lumber area or the back problem can often be a muscle and ligament problem. The spine’s mobility decreases; and weakness, spasm and pain commonly follow. Acupuncture can have marked improvement in a short period of time. That is one of the Chinese medicine’s strengths -- significant reduction of pain without the prolonged use of drugs.