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Chronic pain is one of the chief complaints and health conditions that affects several million Americans. Pain in the joints and muscles can indeed make life miserable. Standard go-to treatments such as heat, ice, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and appropriate exercises often do help ease the pain, and yet more and more people are opting for acupuncture treatment in San Francisco to deal with pain and for good reason!
Does Acupuncture Help in Treating Chronic Pain?
There has been substantial debate over the years whether acupuncture can indeed help with chronic pain or not. Research done by an international team of medical experts proves that acupuncture does provide relief from various kinds of chronic pain. The team studied over 18,000 participants, and acupuncture relieved pain by about 50% for those who underwent acupuncture sessions as opposed to those who were given sham acupuncture or no acupuncture at all. It is safe to conclude that acupuncture can treat chronic pain and other medical illnesses sans any side effects.
How does acupuncture work?
An acupuncturist will first ensure the patient is comfortable before she inserts hair-thin needles into the skin at certain specific points of the body. It is interesting to note that the insertion of these needles is virtually painless. These needles help correct imbalances in the flow of Qi in the body. This helps alleviate pain by stabilizing hormone levels, improving the immune system, and triggering neurotransmitters. According to the NIH, several studies have been conducted that show that acupuncture works well on chronic pain that affects the neck and back. Patients suffering from migraines, tension headaches, knee pain, and even osteoarthritis benefit greatly from acupuncture sessions. Acupuncture inactivates the source of pain by the modulation of endorphin levels – the body’s natural painkiller and feel-good hormone.
If you are suffering from any kind of new pain, it is a wise idea to consult an acupuncturist who can diagnose what is causing your pain, and rule out any serious medical conditions that may need immediate attention.
How often is acupuncture needed?
Most experts will agree that you must plan on weekly acupuncture treatment in San Francisco. As the treatment progresses, and you begin to see results, the acupuncturist will gradually lengthen the time until your next visit.
Do not let chronic pain come in the way of your life. Contact Anchor Acupuncture and Wellness to schedule an appointment with one of the best acupuncturists in all of San Francisco. Call us today at 415-855-3112 or visit us at 22 Battery Street, 8th Floor, Suite 802, San Francisco, CA 94111.