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Important Note: The following information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

human sensory neuron model for biology studies

Can Acupuncture Alleviate Neural Pain?

What is nerve pain? 

Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, occurs when the nerves that transmit signals in the body are damaged or not working properly. This type of pain can be caused by conditions like diabetes, spinal cord injuries, or trigeminal neuralgia. Symptoms can range from burning or tingling sensations to shooting pain and numbness. For many people, nerve pain is a chronic condition that is difficult to manage.

 

Why is nerve pain so hard to treat?

Nerve pain is challenging to treat because traditional therapies, such as medications and physical therapy, often provide limited relief and can cause significant side effects. For example, medications like opioids or anti-convulsants may help with pain but often come with risks like drowsiness, dizziness, or dependency. 

 

What Is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting disposable ultra-thin needles into selected points on the body. Recent research suggests that acupuncture may work by stimulating the nervous system, releasing endogenous pain-relieving chemicals, and reducing inflammation.

 

How often should you get acupuncture for nerve pain?

The effectiveness of acupuncture depends on the frequency and duration of the treatment. Recent research has provided insights into how often and for how long acupuncture is used to treat specific types of nerve pain:

 

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

 

    • Frequency: Twice per week
    • Duration: 8 weeks
    • Details: A study by Dietzel et al. (2023) showed that acupuncture provided significant relief for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Patients who received acupuncture twice weekly for 8 weeks experienced reduced pain and improved physical function.

 

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy in Underserved Populations

 

    • Frequency: Once per week (group sessions)
    • Duration: 12 weeks
    • Details: Chao et al. (2019) investigated group acupuncture for individuals with diabetic neuropathy. Weekly sessions over three months significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life, making it a practical and cost-effective option.

 

 

Neuropathic Pain from Spinal Cord Injuries

 

    • Frequency: 3–5 times per week
    • Duration: 4–8 weeks
    • Details: A systematic review by He et al. (2022) found that frequent acupuncture sessions (up to five times weekly) over one to two months significantly reduced neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injuries.

 

Trigeminal Neuralgia

 

    • Frequency: 2–3 times per week
    • Duration: 4–6 weeks
    • Details: A 2024 review by He et al. reported that acupuncture reduced severe facial pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Sessions conducted two to three times per week for about a month were particularly effective.

 

Why consider acupuncture for nerve pain?

 

Advantages of acupuncture

 

  • Fewer side effects: Compared to medications, acupuncture’s side effects are usually mild, such as slight soreness or bruising at the needle site.

 

  • Natural pain relief: It promotes the release of the body’s natural painkillers and reduces inflammation.

 

  • Improved well-being: Patients often report feeling relaxed and energised after treatments.

 

What to watch out for?

Acupuncture isn’t for everyone. If you have a bleeding disorder, are taking blood thinners, or have a weakened immune system, consult your medical doctor before trying it. Additionally, seeking care from a licensed acupuncturist is essential to ensure both the safety and comfort of your acupuncture experience. 

While acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it can be an adjunt therapy to a comprehensive pain management plan. 

 

Reference list

Dietzel, J., Habermann, I. V., Hörder, S., Hahn, K., Meyer-Hamme, G., Ortiz, M., Hua, K., Stöckigt, B., Bolster, M., Grabowska, W., Roll, S., Binting, S., Willich, S. N., Schröder, S., & Brinkhaus, B. (2023). Acupuncture in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of clinical medicine12(6), 2103. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062103

 

Chao, M. T., Schillinger, D., Nguyen, U., Santana, T., Liu, R., Gregorich, S., & Hecht, F. M. (2019). A Randomized Clinical Trial of Group Acupuncture for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Among Diverse Safety Net Patients. Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)20(11), 2292–2302. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz117

 

He, K., Hu, R., Huang, Y., Qiu, B., Chen, Q., & Ma, R. (2022). Effects of Acupuncture on Neuropathic Pain Induced by Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM2022, 6297484. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6297484

 

He, H. X., Li, Y. X., Xiao, Y. S., Fan, W. H., & Xue, H. (2024). The efficacy of acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia: an overview of systematic reviews. Frontiers in neurology15, 1375587. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1375587

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