Acupuncture is a highly effective treatment for relieving pain and muscular aches and for preventing further inflammatory processes in the body. It is widely used following a medical diagnosis as part of a comprehensive approach to pain management. This may also include physiotherapy and stretching exercises, as well as medication. Normally, a course of acupuncture sessions is recommended to derive maximum long-term pain relief. 

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture was developed in ancient China and has been used for thousands of years to treat pain. The treatment involves a qualified practitioner inserting very fine needles into certain key pressure points on the body. Traditional acupuncturists believe that energy flows through the body in channels called meridians and the needles are normally inserted at points along these channels. 

How does acupuncture work?

Fine needles are inserted into the muscles or just below the skin to help to stimulate sensory nerves. This affects your nerve impulses, causing the body to produce natural substances, such as endorphins, which help to relieve pain symptoms and reduce inflammatory processes.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic lower back or neck pain, joint pain and post-operative pain. It may also be used to treat migraine and tension headaches as well as dental pain. 

The procedure can be particularly beneficial for treating muscle pain as it stimulates the body to reduce pain signals and relieve inflammation naturally.  

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of mild to moderate osteoarthritis, particularly when used alongside other approaches such as physiotherapy, exercises and taping. It is not generally effective for very severe arthritic symptoms, however. 

The treatment may also benefit patients with sciatica and nerve pain, as it helps to cut the communication between the inflamed nerve and the brain and reduce pain levels. 

How is acupuncture performed?

An acupuncture session normally takes about 30 minutes. After discussing your symptoms and general medical history, and carrying out a physical examination, you will be asked to sit or lie down. The practitioner will begin inserting the needles, which are very fine, single-use sterilised needles a few centimetres in length, into certain points on your body. When the needles go in you may feel a tingling sensation or dull ache but the procedure is not normally painful. The needles may be left in position for up to half an hour before being removed. Acupuncture is generally safe and there are few side-effects, although it is not recommended for someone with a metal allergy or an infection in the area where the needles are inserted. It can be used during pregnancy however you should let the practitioner know if you are pregnant as some pressure points cannot be used safely during pregnancy. 

Does acupuncture work to manage pain?

Acupuncture is highly effective at managing pain because it produces a release of endorphins and dopamine which are the body’s own mechanisms for relieving pain signals and reducing inflammation. Even a few hours after receiving a treatment, acupuncture will continue to work and after three to four sessions you may experience long-term benefits lasting up to 12 months. 

It is important to choose an accredited acupuncture practitioner who will comply with standards set down by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. Ravenscroft is a multidisciplinary service that offers a range of pain management approaches, including acupuncture. Find out more here.