EXPERT
Neilly A. Buckalew
- Post Falls, ID
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
Yoga – Is it for Me?
The word yoga for many brings to mind a young woman or man in a seemingly impossible gymnastic posture. The postures, called asana in Sanskrit, that have become popular today...
Can acupuncture help with migraines?
Thank you for your question. The simple answer is, yes, if you have a formal medical diagnosis of migraines, acupuncture can be a helpful part of your care plan. Bee well, Dr. READ MORE
Thank you for your question.
The simple answer is, yes, if you have a formal medical diagnosis of migraines, acupuncture can be a helpful part of your care plan.
Bee well,
Dr. B
The simple answer is, yes, if you have a formal medical diagnosis of migraines, acupuncture can be a helpful part of your care plan.
Bee well,
Dr. B
How can acupuncture help in treating my loud cough?
I would need to do a complete history and physical to adequately answer your question. There are a number of medical conditions unrelated to your lungs that can cause one to cough READ MORE
I would need to do a complete history and physical to adequately answer your question. There are a number of medical
conditions unrelated to your lungs that can cause one to cough at night, some serious and some not as serious such as GERD, aka acid reflux. There are lung conditions like asthma that cannot be seen on xray and only result in a cough, more at night. Your primary should assess for all possibilities. Adding an acupuncturist can help with symptoms, but it is essential to know why a chronic cough is happening.
conditions unrelated to your lungs that can cause one to cough at night, some serious and some not as serious such as GERD, aka acid reflux. There are lung conditions like asthma that cannot be seen on xray and only result in a cough, more at night. Your primary should assess for all possibilities. Adding an acupuncturist can help with symptoms, but it is essential to know why a chronic cough is happening.
Brachial plexopathy pain from radiation fibrosis- what will help?
Your are braving a very challenging and complex chronic pain. I would find a physiatrist pain specialist near you who can assist you. There are many options to help, it depends READ MORE
Your are braving a very challenging and complex chronic pain. I would find a physiatrist pain specialist near you who can assist you. There are many options to help, it depends on your specific needs. A physiatrist who specializes in pain will know all the options, including acupuncture and physical therapy, and will have other options to choose from like a nerve block, etc. An integrative approach is best that gives you many choices and as much self-efficacy as possible.
Is acupuncture effective for arthritis pain?
It has been well researched for osteoarthritis and can offer assistance with pain management.
Is acupuncture a safe treatment for chronic pain?
Acupuncture can be a helpful adjunct with pain management in general. Discuss with your acupuncturist what your alternatives are and what specific concerns you have.
Can chronic fatigue syndrome be treated with acupuncture?
Thank you for your question. Your inquiry is not a simple yes or no. I work with those diagnosed with ME/CFS by other physicians or providers. In my experience, it is a misdiagnosis READ MORE
Thank you for your question. Your inquiry is not a simple yes or no. I work with those diagnosed with ME/CFS by other physicians or providers. In my experience, it is a misdiagnosis as the cause of the fatigue has not been identified correctly. It takes some real digging and a physician who is willing and knowledgeable to do this. Fatigue is a sign something is wrong. Yes, acupuncture has the potential to help balance this. But, it is an integrative and accurate understanding of what caused the fatigue that helps to heal ME/CFS.
Kind regards,
B
Kind regards,
B
Can acupuncture help with headaches?
Thank you for your question. First, it is important to have a medical evaluation by a physician to assess why you have headaches. There are lots or reasons and treatment should READ MORE
Thank you for your question.
First, it is important to have a medical evaluation by a physician to assess why you have headaches. There are lots or reasons and treatment should be according to cause.
In general, Acupuncture can be helpful for headaches, but again, the appropriate treatment is based on cause.
Be Well,
Dr. B
First, it is important to have a medical evaluation by a physician to assess why you have headaches. There are lots or reasons and treatment should be according to cause.
In general, Acupuncture can be helpful for headaches, but again, the appropriate treatment is based on cause.
Be Well,
Dr. B
What alternative healing practices can reduce my back pain?
Thank you for your question,
Acupuncture has been shown to be helpful for low back pain. It’s important that you have a complete medical evaluation regarding your back pain READ MORE
Thank you for your question,
Acupuncture has been shown to be helpful for low back pain. It’s important that you have a complete medical evaluation regarding your back pain to make sure that there’s not any medical conditions that can be treated otherwise by a medical doctor.
Kind regards,
Dr. B
Acupuncture has been shown to be helpful for low back pain. It’s important that you have a complete medical evaluation regarding your back pain to make sure that there’s not any medical conditions that can be treated otherwise by a medical doctor.
Kind regards,
Dr. B
Can acupuncture be dangerous?
Thank you for your question.
Asking if acupuncture is "dangerous" signals to me perhaps a fear of this type of treatment modality(?) In a licensed skilled practitioner who is READ MORE
Thank you for your question.
Asking if acupuncture is "dangerous" signals to me perhaps a fear of this type of treatment modality(?) In a licensed skilled practitioner who is treating for back pain, the risks should be minimal to none. Whenever a needle is being used, there is always a risk of bleeding, infection, or piercing a tissue excessively or in the wrong place. The risker types of acupuncture are those that do deep needling near an organ. Rarely in the US are such techniques used. Speak with your acupuncturist about your concerns, as they should be able to explain the procedure to you and any risks. If you are not satisfied with their explanation or experience, then choose another practitioner or forgo the treatment altogether.
Hope this helps,
B
Asking if acupuncture is "dangerous" signals to me perhaps a fear of this type of treatment modality(?) In a licensed skilled practitioner who is treating for back pain, the risks should be minimal to none. Whenever a needle is being used, there is always a risk of bleeding, infection, or piercing a tissue excessively or in the wrong place. The risker types of acupuncture are those that do deep needling near an organ. Rarely in the US are such techniques used. Speak with your acupuncturist about your concerns, as they should be able to explain the procedure to you and any risks. If you are not satisfied with their explanation or experience, then choose another practitioner or forgo the treatment altogether.
Hope this helps,
B
Is there evidence that acupuncture works?
Thank you for your question, There have been many good quality studies regarding the use of acupuncture for things like chronic pain, particularly pain generated from arthritic READ MORE
Thank you for your question,
There have been many good quality studies regarding the use of acupuncture for things like chronic pain, particularly pain generated from arthritic changes in the spine or knees.
Acupuncture can be a helpful additional therapy to standard therapies for chronic neck pain that is muscular skeletal.
However, it’s important to always have a good healthcare team including a physician that understands the source of your chronic pain to make sure that something medically treatable is not being missed.
There have been many good quality studies regarding the use of acupuncture for things like chronic pain, particularly pain generated from arthritic changes in the spine or knees.
Acupuncture can be a helpful additional therapy to standard therapies for chronic neck pain that is muscular skeletal.
However, it’s important to always have a good healthcare team including a physician that understands the source of your chronic pain to make sure that something medically treatable is not being missed.
Can acupuncture treat migraines?
Thank you for your question.
If you have been accurately diagnosed with migraines, yes. It’s important to make sure you have an accurate diagnoses in order to have an appropriate READ MORE
Thank you for your question.
If you have been accurately diagnosed with migraines, yes. It’s important to make sure you have an accurate diagnoses in order to have an appropriate treatment plan.
Kind regards,
B
If you have been accurately diagnosed with migraines, yes. It’s important to make sure you have an accurate diagnoses in order to have an appropriate treatment plan.
Kind regards,
B
Can acupuncture work for acne?
Hello, Thank you for your question. I personally don’t use acupuncture for acne per se. Without knowing more about you and the reasons for your acne, it would be hard for me READ MORE
Hello,
Thank you for your question.
I personally don’t use acupuncture for acne per se. Without knowing more about you and the reasons for your acne, it would be hard for me to say.
In general Acupuncture can help with rebalancing stress, and sometimes therefore hormones. As a physician, it depends on the type of acne and how I treat someone. As stated above, generally I don’t rely on acupuncture for the first line.
Good luck,
Dr. B
Thank you for your question.
I personally don’t use acupuncture for acne per se. Without knowing more about you and the reasons for your acne, it would be hard for me to say.
In general Acupuncture can help with rebalancing stress, and sometimes therefore hormones. As a physician, it depends on the type of acne and how I treat someone. As stated above, generally I don’t rely on acupuncture for the first line.
Good luck,
Dr. B
Can acupuncture be used to treat depression?
Thank you for your question. The causes and reasons for depression can be very complicated. I hope your friend has a primary physician that’s helping with this struggle. It’s important READ MORE
Thank you for your question. The causes and reasons for depression can be very complicated. I hope your friend has a primary physician that’s helping with this struggle. It’s important to be very well tied into healthcare professionals to help guide your friend and to have a safety net. Without knowing the Kaiser reasons for your friend's depression, it is not possible to, and whether acupuncture can help per se. Acupuncture can be very helpful with supporting general mental and physical health. But it's not a substitute for a thorough medical evaluation and complete care.
Dr. B
Dr. B
Will acupuncture help me with hand pain?
Thank you for your question.
That must be very frustrating to have constant pain. Especially in your hand. It’s important first to get a proper evaluation and diagnosis by a READ MORE
Thank you for your question.
That must be very frustrating to have constant pain. Especially in your hand. It’s important first to get a proper evaluation and diagnosis by a physician. (And, I highly recommend a true medical doctor, not a doctorate of nursing or physician assistant.) I further recommend a physiatrist If there is one near you. If not, then a general practitioner/family medical doctor. There are many reasons why you could be in pain from very simple to very complicated medical reasons. Acupuncture in general can be helpful for pain management, but it is not a substitute for a proper diagnosis.
Be well,
Dr. B
That must be very frustrating to have constant pain. Especially in your hand. It’s important first to get a proper evaluation and diagnosis by a physician. (And, I highly recommend a true medical doctor, not a doctorate of nursing or physician assistant.) I further recommend a physiatrist If there is one near you. If not, then a general practitioner/family medical doctor. There are many reasons why you could be in pain from very simple to very complicated medical reasons. Acupuncture in general can be helpful for pain management, but it is not a substitute for a proper diagnosis.
Be well,
Dr. B
Can acupuncture help with migraines?
Thank you for your question. Acupuncture has been found clinically and thoroughly researched to be helpful for migraines.
Be well,
Dr. B
Be well,
Dr. B
Is acupuncture effective for migraines?
Thank you for your question, There are sufficient evidence that Acupuncture can treat migraines. I have also attached a link to an article that reviews other alternatives. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/30790138/?i=3&from=acupuncture%20migraines I READ MORE
Thank you for your question,
There are sufficient evidence that Acupuncture can treat migraines. I have also attached a link to an article that reviews other alternatives.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/30790138/?i=3&from=acupuncture%20migraines
I also recommend neuromodulation using Gammacore of which has been approved in the US for migraines. Most insurances cover this. If not GammaCore also offers a 12 month free trial period to some patients. American headache society recommends this treatment as well.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/30536394/
Be Well,
Dr. B
There are sufficient evidence that Acupuncture can treat migraines. I have also attached a link to an article that reviews other alternatives.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/30790138/?i=3&from=acupuncture%20migraines
I also recommend neuromodulation using Gammacore of which has been approved in the US for migraines. Most insurances cover this. If not GammaCore also offers a 12 month free trial period to some patients. American headache society recommends this treatment as well.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/30536394/
Be Well,
Dr. B
How does acupuncture relieve pain?
Thank you for your question, That is a difficult question to answer without having done my own physical exam and assessment. Your acupuncturist should be able to explain to you READ MORE
Thank you for your question,
That is a difficult question to answer without having done my own physical exam and assessment. Your acupuncturist should be able to explain to you what treatment they are choosing based on your needs. It’s important to have good communication with all providers who are a part of your care and to make sure that your providers are speaking with each other as well to make sure that there are no contraindications or contrary treatments taking place.
Be well,
Dr. B
That is a difficult question to answer without having done my own physical exam and assessment. Your acupuncturist should be able to explain to you what treatment they are choosing based on your needs. It’s important to have good communication with all providers who are a part of your care and to make sure that your providers are speaking with each other as well to make sure that there are no contraindications or contrary treatments taking place.
Be well,
Dr. B
Does acupuncture hurt the first time?
Thank you for your question, Everyone has different levels of sensation. You may feel a tiny pinch, but then you won’t feel anything at all. This is the most common experience. READ MORE
Thank you for your question,
Everyone has different levels of sensation. You may feel a tiny pinch, but then you won’t feel anything at all. This is the most common experience. This is not to say that you will feel something different.
Try not to have any anxiety or fear about it. And just see what happens. You can always change your mind. Your acupuncture should be willing to discuss with you any of your needs or concerns. Most people find the experience very relaxing.
I hope it goes well for you.
Dr. B
Everyone has different levels of sensation. You may feel a tiny pinch, but then you won’t feel anything at all. This is the most common experience. This is not to say that you will feel something different.
Try not to have any anxiety or fear about it. And just see what happens. You can always change your mind. Your acupuncture should be willing to discuss with you any of your needs or concerns. Most people find the experience very relaxing.
I hope it goes well for you.
Dr. B
Does acupuncture help knee pain?
Thank you for your question.
Without knowing the cause of your knee pain, it is difficult to answer your question. The first step would be an evaluation of your knee. I recommend READ MORE
Thank you for your question.
Without knowing the cause of your knee pain, it is difficult to answer your question. The first step would be an evaluation of your knee. I recommend by a physiatrist a medical doctor specially trained in muscular skeletal pain. And, then if appropriate working with an acupuncturist. I am physiatrist that uses acupuncture quite often for certain types of knee pain. But, as stated, the first step is to find out what causing it to make sure that acupuncture is a correct modality to use.
Kind regards,
Dr. B
Without knowing the cause of your knee pain, it is difficult to answer your question. The first step would be an evaluation of your knee. I recommend by a physiatrist a medical doctor specially trained in muscular skeletal pain. And, then if appropriate working with an acupuncturist. I am physiatrist that uses acupuncture quite often for certain types of knee pain. But, as stated, the first step is to find out what causing it to make sure that acupuncture is a correct modality to use.
Kind regards,
Dr. B
Do you need a diagnosis to get acupuncture?
Thank you for your question.
An acupuncturist will make their own assessments and treat based on their assessment.
Hope this helps.
B
An acupuncturist will make their own assessments and treat based on their assessment.
Hope this helps.
B
