Acupuncture: Pain Management for Active Boomers
In Search of the
Fountain of Youth, Boomers Say No to Pain
More and more often,
baby boomers tell me they have to either “slow down”
or stop doing their favorite activity because it
causes them pain. For some people it is true that
slowing down would benefit their health, but for
many that needn’t be the case. Whether it be
playing that extra round of golf or traveling the
world to sites unseen, pain shouldn’t be a barrier
to experiencing life to the fullest.
Ancient Wisdom
for the Modern Day
Acupuncture has
effectively treated pain—including back, neck, knee,
shoulder, and arthritic conditions—for over 3,000
years. Recent studies point to acupuncture’s
ability to affect the release of pain-reducing
chemicals (such as endorphins) in the brain.
Although not proven, it is also widely believed that
acupuncture helps reduce inflammation and improve
circulation.
NIH Gives
Acupuncture Thumbs Up
In December of 2004, the
National Institutes of Health published their
findings from a randomized clinical trial of
acupuncture for the treatment of knee
osteoarthritis. This trial conducted over 26 weeks
was one of the most comprehensive studies done to
date. The results concluded that “those who received
acupuncture had a 40% decrease in pain and nearly a
40% increase in function….”*
The Golfer That
Could
Recently Ed, a 45 year
old man, came to see us after being referred by his
wife. He had suffered from chronic neck and upper
back pain for many years. His doctors had diagnosed
him with herniated discs in his neck. Because of
these herniations, he experienced a considerable
amount of pain. The pain began in his neck and
radiated into his shoulder and down his back between
his shoulder blades. Because of this pain, he was
sure that he would have to give up his favorite
pastime, golf. The discomfort in his neck impaired
his swing and made it difficult to get through a
full round of golf. Needless to say, Ed’s game
suffered as a result.
I assured Ed that I
believed we could help. After a week of three
treatments, Ed left for vacation. Upon returning,
he enthusiastically recounted his ability to play 3
rounds of golf, two of which were back-to-back,
without any pain. After years discomfort, Ed was
relieved to finally get his active lifestyle back.
Ed continues to receive acupuncture treatments to
keep his pain under control.
Freedom from Pain
Many suffering from pain
turn to medications and at times and surgery for
relief. Acupuncture offers an alternative solution
and a chance of an improved quality of life. If,
like Ed, pain impairs you from having the active
lifestyle you desire, consider acupuncture as an
effective pain management solution.
* National
Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
“Acupuncture Relieves Pain and Improves
Function in Knee Osteoarthritis,” (National
Institutes of Health, Dec. 20, 2004) at
www.nih.gov/news/pr/dec2004/nccam-20.htm.
-
Jose Ruiz, Lic.Ac.,
MAOM
|
