Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a common alternative therapy used to treat pain and disease throughout the body, including the treatment of a number of spinal conditions. Many individuals have said this form of treatment was successful in easing the symptoms of a compressed spinal nerve, which can include pain, muscle weakness, numbness, spasms, cramping, and/or tingling. Acupuncture may be utilized in conjunction with doctor-prescribed, noninvasive treatments such as pain medications, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is performed by strategically placing fine needles into specific parts, or “meridians,” of the body. This process is said to reduce pain by scrambling nerve impulses and increasing the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. Acupuncture may also:

• Increase T-cell counts, which strengthens the immune system
• Regulate serotonin, helping to elevate mood and lessen the symptoms of depression
• Increase circulation, allowing bodily tissues to heal more efficiently

This alternative treatment method has no known side effects, making it especially appealing to many patients.

Conditions Treated by Acupuncture

This form of medicine has been practiced for thousands of years to treat a number of conditions. In addition to spinal conditions, such as bulging discs, herniated discs, sciatica, and others, acupuncture has also been used to treat:

• Sinusitis
• Addiction
• Asthma
• Headaches, including migraines
• Anxiety
• Infertility
• And many others

Other Forms of Treatment

If non-invasive treatments, including acupuncture, have proven ineffective for treating your neck or back pain, a doctor or spine specialist may recommend open spine surgery. Patients should consider all options before undergoing a highly invasive operation. The orthopedic experts at Laser Spine Institute have developed safe and effective endoscopic procedures that have helped tens of thousands of patients find relief from chronic back and neck pain. Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn about our outpatient procedures and to schedule a complimentary consultation.