Pain

Neck pain can have any number of causes, but the end result is the same. Namely, discomfort that can have a serious negative effect on quality of daily life. Doctors try many different approaches for treating neck pain, typically involving various medications. Sometimes they help and sometimes they do not, and all have side effects.

Chronic neck pain can be tremendously frustrating, and people who suffer from it should know all the options for treating it.

Chronic neck pain calls for a holistic approach to pain management. 

Acupuncture for neck pain management and other ailments has been practiced for around 2,000 years. The practice has been in use for so long because it gets good results. In fact, nearly 3.5 million Americans undergo acupuncture each year. Rigorously designed scientific studies reveal that acupuncture for pain management goes well beyond a “placebo effect” and can be an excellent alternative to more traditional Western treatments.

Theories on How Acupuncture Works

Doctors do not know the precise molecular workings of acupuncture, but there are several theories. One is that the insertion of acupuncture needles in specific places on the body causes the release of endorphins, which are the pain-relieving substances naturally created by the brain. Others theorize that acupuncture stimulates blood flow in certain regions, easing pain. Still others believe that acupuncture relieves anxiety and stress to the point that the body’s self-healing mechanisms can go to work.

Not everyone can have acupuncture, including people with chronic skin problems or for those who take certain medications, so it is wise to ask your doctor if you are a good candidate before you choose this treatment.

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