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Chronic pain is long-term pain that lasts for 3 to 6 months or more. Chronic pain is fast becoming a public health issue as pain prevalence is increasing at a rapid pace. It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans have some form of chronic pain.

Chronic pain can interfere with daily activities and limit mobility. People grappling with chronic pain are unable to partake in their favorite activities and can have a lower quality of life. 

From health conditions and injuries to incorrect posture, there are several causes of chronic pain. Some areas in the body that are prone to chronic pain are the lower back, shoulders, knees, hips, and neck.

Some common symptoms of chronic pain are sleep problems, loss of stamina & flexibility, fatigue, mood problems, and persistent muscle aches.

Many people use acupuncture for pain relief. Various studies have shown that acupuncture helps alleviate chronic pain by activating the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that energy imbalances in the body lead to illnesses and chronic pain. Pain acupuncturists in Albany insert paper-thin needles in specific points on the skin to correct the imbalances that cause chronic pain.

An international team of experts pooled the results of 29 studies involving 18,000 participants. Some participants received sham acupuncture, some actual acupuncture, and remaining participants did not receive any acupuncture. Researchers reported that acupuncture relieved pain by 50%.

Acupuncture triggers the nervous system to release endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals. It affects the part of the brain that regulates the production of serotonin, a chemical that stabilizes mood and induces feelings of happiness and well-being. Serotonin also enables brain cells to communicate with each other, promotes sleep, and aids digestion.

If needles make you nervous, you may shudder at the thought of them being inserted into your skin. However, it’s important to remember that acupuncturists use paper-thin needles, not hypodermic needles. They are trained to safely insert needles into different strategic points on the skin with little, if any, discomfort.

There are several myths about acupuncture doing the rounds. Many people believe that acupuncture is unsafe. This is strictly false. When done by a trained pain acupuncturist in Albany, acupuncture is 100% safe. Moreover, there are no serious side effects of acupuncture.

Anchor Acupuncture is committed to helping people grappling with chronic pain get their lives back on track. Our acupuncturists use a range of Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques to treat chronic pain. To make an appointment, call (415) 855-3112.