3 Reasons to Try Acupuncture for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain, defined as pain on most days or every day over the past three months, is more common than you may think. In fact, more people experience chronic pain than other widespread health conditions, including diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure. About 51 million adults in the United States experience chronic pain. 

Chronic pain can be persistent and debilitating, affect your work and social life, and lead to depression and anxiety. While various treatment options are available, acupuncture has gained popularity as an effective and drug-free way to manage chronic pain. 

At Nutura Clinic in Portland, Oregon, our Chinese medicine (CM) providers choose acupuncture points according to your specific diagnoses and locations of pain. We offer acupuncture consultations and packages to help you relieve your chronic pain and return to a pain-free, vibrant life. If you're dealing with chronic pain, here are three compelling reasons you should try acupuncture.

Holistic approach to pain management

Instead of treating only your symptoms as many conventional treatments do, your CM provider uses acupuncture in conjunction with addressing the root causes of your pain. 

During an acupuncture session, your provider inserts very fine, sterile, disposable needles into your skin at multiple acupoints to restore the flow of Qi, your life energy source, and the balance among your organ systems.

Acupuncture can also help restore your overall well-being by improving sleep, reducing stress, and increasing your energy levels, all of which can contribute to pain relief. 

Minimal side effects

Prescription pain relievers can often lead to addiction, gastrointestinal problems, and other consequences. Conversely, acupuncture is a non-invasive therapy that carries a lower risk of adverse reactions.

The needles our providers use in acupuncture are extremely thin and cause minimal discomfort during insertion. In fact, most patients report feeling relaxed and sleepy. Additionally, acupuncture can be safely combined with other pain management strategies, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. 

Customized treatment plans

During your initial consultation, your CM provider conducts a thorough assessment of your medical history, lifestyle, and pain symptoms and locations. With that information, they create a customized treatment plan. Our personalized approach ensures that your acupuncture sessions are targeted and address your chronic pain effectively.

Acupuncture offers a holistic, low-risk, and customized approach to managing chronic pain. If you're ready to try acupuncture for your chronic pain or want to learn more about how this ancient practice can help you find relief, schedule a consultation by calling our office or requesting an appointment online today.