The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Management

Abstract

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice of medicine that has gained popularity in Western culture and around the world. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues throughout the body with the goal of alleviating pain, tension, and stress. More broadly, acupuncture is actually a family of different procedures. Conceptually, it is believed to stimulate the body's meridians, or energy-carrying channels, in an attempt to correct imbalances and to restore health. These benefits are thought to be derived from the proximity of acupoints with nerves through intracellular calcium ions. This lesson outlines a brief history of acupuncture and how it may be used to treat various types of physical and emotional pain and specific conditions, including overactive bladder and psoriasis. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to enhance endogenous opiates, such as dynorphin, endorphin, encephalin, and release corticosteroids, relieving pain and enhancing the healing process. There are associated risks; however, serious side effects are rare. When compared to traditional methods of pain management, more studies are warranted in order to establish the efficacy of acupuncture and its place in pain management.

Treatment of Sciatica Following Uterine Cancer with Acupuncture: A Case Report

“…As a result, some patients turn to acupuncture for which there is some evidence of efficacy in treating painful symptoms associated with sciatica [8]. Acupuncture has been shown to be minimally invasive [9] and safe [10]. The treatment modality of acupuncture is based on the principles of TCM.…”

Electrical interferential current stimulation versus electrical acupuncture in management of hemiplegic shoulder pain and disability following ischemic stroke-a randomized clinical trial

“…Acupuncture stimulates large myelinated nerve fibers thereby closing the gate to pain afferents (gate control theory). In addition, acupuncture increases endorphin level in various parts of central nervous system and beta-endorphin has been shown to attenuate chronic pain [15]. Above-mentioned biologic effects of acupuncture could increase improvement following the stroke and facilitate patient's performance in physical therapy [16].…”

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Therapy for Patients with Acute Ankle Sprain: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Acupuncture belongs to complementary and alternative medicine and is commonly used for relieving acute and chronic pain [ 7 , 8 ]. Two previous systematic reviews assessed the efficacy of acupuncture for ankle sprain [ 1 , 9 ].…”