How Can Acupuncture Help Relieve Pain

Though pain is an unpleasant sensory experience, we all will experience it at some point in our lifetime. Pain is our body’s way of telling us something’s amiss and can indicate an underlying problem. From injuries to various health conditions, pain can have multiple causes. Sharp, dull, acute, chronic, or debilitating pain can affect one’s mobility and quality of life.

Physical activity can trigger pain flare-ups. Many people with painful conditions are unable to stick to a workout plan and, over time, become sedentary. Such inactivity can thus cause additional problems, including obesity and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

In a desperate attempt to avoid pain triggers, many people grappling with pain stop going out or attending social events. Social isolation can wreak havoc on one’s physical and mental health and is a leading cause of emotional disorders. In fact, studies have found that social isolation increases one’s risk of dementia by 50%. Research shows that lonely and socially isolated people are more likely to be obese and have high blood pressure and weakened immune systems.

At Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness, our team of practitioners provides the leading pain-alleviating services for those in the Sacramento area. Our team offers a wide range of services to help those suffering from all pain levels regain their freedom from the condition. To speak with one of our professionals, call our Sacramento location at (916) 848-6640.

Types of Pain

There are five common types of pain – chronic pain, acute pain, neuropathic pain, nociceptive pain, and functional pain.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain lasts for at least three months. It is one of the most common pain conditions in the U.S., affecting around 100 million Americans. Depending on the root cause, chronic pain can in some cases, last for years and can be consistent or intermittent. Chronic pain can affect any part of the body and can interfere with a person’s daily activities. It can feel like a dull ache, a throbbing, shooting, or burning sensation. Chronic pain can cause soreness and stiffness.

Common chronic pain causes include health conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and migraine. Nerve changes due to cancer treatment can also cause it. Chronic pain can affect your physical as well as mental health. Untreated chronic pain may lead to depression or anxiety. If you already have a health condition, chronic pain can make symptoms even worse.

Chronic pain can occur after an injury or surgery. Some risk factors for chronic pain include age, being overweight, and sex – females are more likely to experience chronic pain than males. People with a stressful lifestyle, physically demanding jobs, and smokers are also more likely to experience chronic pain.

Acute Pain

Acute pain usually comes on suddenly. It is sharp or intense and goes away once the problem is addressed or resolved. Acute pain is often a warning sign of an underlying health problem.

It may result from injuries, illnesses, or medical procedures such as surgery or dental work.  Common acute pain symptoms include mobility problems, change in appetite, tense muscles, and low energy. Acute pain can last a few days, weeks, or months (but typically less than six months).

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain results from damage or injury to the nerves that facilitate communication between the brain and spinal cord. People with neuropathic pain describe it as a burning sensation.

Depending on the cause, neuropathic pain can either persist or come and go. It can be caused by diabetes, herniated discs, multiple sclerosis, HIV infection or AIDS, syphilis, shingles, and thyroid problems. People with neuropathic pain are hypersensitive to touch.

Nociceptive Pain

Nociceptive pain can result from any injury or health condition that causes tissue damage. Some common injuries and health conditions that can generate nociceptive pain include burns, bruises, cuts, fractures, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

Nociceptive pain may feel throbbing, sharp, or achy. It can develop in your internal organs or tendons, bones, ligaments, muscles, or joints.

Functional Pain

Functional pain can be either chronic or acute. It isn’t caused by an underlying health condition or an injury. Around 2 in 10 people live with functional pain syndrome. Some functional pain syndromes include chronic cardiac chest pain, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

How Can Acupuncture for Pain Help?

Studies show that acupuncture in Sacramento can help manage different types of pain. It stimulates glands to produce feel-good hormones such as endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin while reducing stress hormones such as cortisol, vasopressin, and norepinephrine.

Acupuncture can relieve pain and discomfort associated with diseases and health conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer, and osteoarthritis. In addition, this ancient Chinese practice can support women’s health by relieving period pain and labor pain. It can also ease troublesome menopause symptoms, including joint and muscle pain and stiffness.

Stress is a leading cause of pain. Acupuncture eases stress by stimulating the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to increase the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins promote a sense of well-being. Acupuncture also improves blood circulation and removes toxins from the body.

Pain often stems from an injury. Acupuncture can fast-track injury recovery by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation so you can get your life back on track as soon as possible. Pain from an injury or health condition can force you to modify your gait, resulting in posture problems. Poor posture places extra stress on the muscles, causing further pain. Acupuncture addresses the root cause of pain and can help address posture problems.

Several studies suggest that acupuncture can ease the symptoms of chronic back, shoulder, and neck pain as well as migraine pain, another common cause of pain. It can help reduce the severity and intensity of migraine attacks.

Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness is a reputable acupuncture clinic in Sacramento. Our acupuncturists use the healing power of acupuncture to treat everything from mild headaches to debilitating back pain. To make an appointment, click here, or call our Sacramento office at (916) 848-6640.