How Acupuncture Can Alleviate Your Aches and Pains
Dr. Nichelle C. Renk is a board-certified and fellowship-trained anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist practicing in Anchorage, AK at the Algone Interventional Pain Clinic. Dr. Renk performs a thorough evaluation of a patient's symptoms, imaging, and physical exam to create an individualized plan for the patient.... more
Pain treatment can be a complex process. Figuring out the right approach or combination of approaches to manage your time takes patience, knowledge, and care.
The interventional pain management specialists at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness in Anchorage, Alaska, led by Dr. Nichelle Renk and Dr. Mary Beth Calor, deeply understand this complexity.
At Alpenglow Pain & Wellness, we work with you to address and resolve your aches and pains, whether you’re suffering from joint pain, low back pain, or other types of physical discomfort.
Among the available treatment methodologies to manage your pain is acupuncture, a scientifically proven method with an ancient history. Here’s what you need to know about the pain-relief benefits of acupuncture.
Understanding acupuncture
The roots of acupuncture extend to ancient Asia. In traditional Chinese acupuncture, thin needles inserted into the body at specific points are believed to stimulate energy. This technique is different than “dry needling” which is performed by physical therapists to relieve muscle spasm. Variants of acupuncture are traditionally practiced around Asia.
We’re still learning more about the potential of acupuncture therapy in the West, but practitioners from around the world, including across the United States, now recommend acupuncture treatment for many types of interventional pain management.
During an acupuncture treatment session, you rest in comfort after the insertion of 4-10 needles for 10-30 minutes.
Acupuncture therapy typically involves multiple treatment sessions over the course of a few months.
If you’re concerned about pain from needles, you should know that the ultra-fine, single-use sterile needles used for your acupuncture treatment are nearly imperceptible. Acupressure treatment that does not use needles may also be an option for you.
How could acupuncture help you?
Acupuncture treatment may be able to help with aches and pains related to a wide variety of conditions. You can use acupuncture therapy to address both chronic and acute pain problems.
You might seek acupuncture treatment if you suffer from headaches especially migraines, neuropathic or nerve pain, low back pain, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, painful menstrual periods, or infertility among other potential uses.
While studies show that acupuncture can help with pain relief, exactly how it works isn’t completely clear. Acupuncture treatment shows promise as a way to stimulate your endorphins, a natural method of pain relief.
Acupuncture may also stimulate your natural production of serotonin, a chemical that regulates and stabilizes your mood, for beneficial pain psychology impacts.
With our professional care at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness, acupuncture is a low-risk pain management treatment method that is well worth exploring. Acupuncture can also be used in combination with other treatment methods for optimal pain relief results.
If you’re interested in acupuncture as a treatment for your aches and pains, talk to Dr. Renk and the team at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness about whether this type of therapy could be right for you. Schedule your initial consultation appointment online, or call now to book.
