ACUPUNCTURE AND POSTOPERATIVE PAIN

Written by: DrTonyWillcox | May 28, 2013

Research One

ACUPUNCTURE AND POSTOPERATIVE PAIN
Pain? ….. How acupuncture can help

Acupuncture and postoperative pain. Systematic reviews suggest that acupuncture and postoperative pain are effective. Ear acupuncture or auricular therapy is a useful adjunctive treatment for post-operative pain management (Sun 2008; Usinchenko 2008). Several randomized controlled trials have found acupuncture and electroacupuncture to reduce post-operative pain, the use of patient-controlled analgesia (opioids), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (Salmeddini 2010; Larson 2010; Parthasarathy 2009; Wu 2009; Grube 2009; Wong 2006).
In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the analytical brain, which is responsible for anxiety.

Acupuncture and Postoperative pain

Dr. Tony Willcox in Anhui University of Chinese Medicine

Research Two

Firstly, one patient stopped acupuncture after seven sessions due to social reasons, but others completed both treatment courses. Consequently, all five patients reported reduced pain, numbness, and tingling after acupuncture therapy. Specifically, the average pain score dropped to 3 out of 10, ranging from 1 to 5. Moreover, one patient with six months of CIPN noticed symptom improvement after the first session. Additionally, patients with severe finger and toe numbness, treated by needling jing points, experienced significant sensation and movement improvements post-treatment. Furthermore, all patients reduced their analgesic dosage. As a result, gait markedly improved in all three patients who reported imbalance issues.

. There were no adverse side effects. At six months follow up, symptom control persisted in four patients. One patient with a history of diabetes and multiple sclerosis reported improvement of symptoms for only one month. Acupuncture and postoperative pain is a valid modality for those searching for improved recovery, pain relief, and stress relief. Click here to see other recent blogs about acupuncture with Dr. Tony Willcox.

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