I'm having an acupuncture for my bad back pain.First time - I'm scared. Tell me what to expect.

[Hawkeye-X]

I know it's needles and stuff. Do they also throw in incense?

Any helpful insight would be appreciated!

Hawkeye-X

[BanzaiBonnie]

1. I understand

I was nervous my first time too.


The needles are VERY thin. Usually you don't feel them as the go in. Occasionally there will be a spot that is uncommfortable, but never pain per se. If you're still in doubt or nervous, ask the accupuncturist what to expect.


Enjoy. It will feel wonderful when you're done.

[Pachamama]

2. I hate needles and when I've had acupuncture (atleast 4 times) I never even feel the needle or pain

Don't worry HawkeyeX! It won't hurt and the first time is the scariest because its unknown, but I can assure you, it won't hurt and you will find it very peaceful.

I go to the Pine Street Clinic in San Anselmo,CA. They helped me go into labor thru acupuncure when I was 2 1/2 weeks overdue and I didn't want to go get induced by the hospital.

So if a pregnant woman can go in and feel no pain, trust me, you will be okay.

PS: There were no incense where I was. Just peace. :hug:

[Kookaburra]

3. I've had it for allergies

It doesn't hurt, and the acupuncturist I went to was very clinical about the whole thing. Sort of like a regular doctor visit, except less invasive and more effective.

I wish you well.

[suninvited]

4. I have never heard of incense being used

I have had acupuncture for various reasons since 2000. For back pain it works great. You wont feel pain with the needles, at most just a tiny pinch.

Hopefully you have found one trained traditionally. (TCM) They will do a pretty extensive intake, maybe give you some Chinese herbs and then do a needle protocol. The needles will probably stay in for 20 to 30 minutes, and they will do their best to make you comfortable with the lights and temperature during that time.

Good luck !

[cabluedem]

5. It saved my job when my back got hurt. Its really quite pleasant in fact.

[dweller]

6. Relief

the needles aren't painful, in fact they aren't even needles, they are very thin and stiff wires, for lack of a better word. They will barely scratch the skin, imo.

for my back (the first time i rec'd acupuncture) they were placed in my legs and ankles, and i think my upper chest. I've used it for various pains (shoulder, back) and always had immediate relief, both temporary and permanent.

i believe you'll feel better quickly.
good luck, report back how you feel after.
dp

[still_one]

7. Nothing to be scared about. However, make sure that the needles are new

In other words one time use only.

As a warning, don't necessarily expect a miralce, it may or may not work

As a general rule, acupuncture will not make a condition worse. That is not the same with Chiropractor. In the wrong hands, a chiropractor can actually do damage depending on what is the cause of the pain

and the most important issue, have you had a conventional diagnosis and medical opinion?

[conscious evolution]

32. I agree here

I go to chiro's myself but I also think it is important to get a regular doctors opinion/x-rays for some things.

[dynasaw]

8. Not Painful

sometimes you may feel a tingle--in some unrelated area perhaps, but the main thing is to relax, breathe deeply and, as I sometimes do, take a nap. All the best!

[Richard D]

9. Well . . .

they might throw in Moxa (artemesia chinesis, a variety of mugwort) which is often burned either on the needles or used in a cigar like implement to warm up the area. Feels quite good actually.

As far as the acupuncture, the needles will almost certainly be very thin surgical quality stainless steel. You might feel a slight pricking sensation when they enter the skin. At the worst it'll be a little ouch - as long as it's a good acupuncturist. Then, depending on the style and skill-set of the acupuncturist, they will put the needle in a bit deeper to find the exact point. When the point is hit, you'll feel what is called in China "the arrival of Chi". This will feel pretty interesting. It's like the exact point of where the pain is will be touched by the needle and it should feel like a hole is put into the balloon of pain and the pain starts leaking out. Most people really like that feeling, though it is weird the first time.

Then the acupuncturist might connect wires to the point and put some low intensity electricity through the needles. This also feels really weird but for most people it feels really good and will relieve the pain quite rapidly in most cases.

Then you rest for 20 minutes or so with the needles in. Oddly enough you'll find it quite relaxing and might even fall asleep. One of the known chemical effects of acupuncture is the release of natural opiate like chemicals in the body.

When the treatment is over you may or may not feel relief. usually there is some or even a lot, but now always. Sometimes it takes several treatments to get an effect. If it's a long term condition it might take more, but there should be a noticeable effect by 10 treatments. If not, it probably isn't going to help.

You may then be given instructions for exercise, given some herbs to take, or not.

Hope that helped.

[Coyote_Bandit]

10. I know a guy who studied accupuncture

and opened his own practice after working for many years in the medical field. He combines accupuncture with accupressure and osteopathic massage techniques.

Last time I moved I fell while carrying something and injured my upper back/shoulder area. Reinjured it actually at the same area had been injured in an auto accident many years earlier.

The guy was just starting his practice at the time and asked if he could work on my painful back. I agreed to the accupressure - but not the accupuncture. He did the accupuncture anyway and I would not have know but for the fact that before he finished he asked if he could insert a warmed accupuncture needle. He inserted about 30 n3eedles into my upper back and shoulder area. The only one I was aware of being inserted was the one which was warmed - and it didn't hurt.

The treatment helped a lot. If I had a similiar problem I would not hesitate to have accupuncture treatment again.

This fellow did not use any incense and I do not recall any music playing in the background.

Relax. Hope your treatment helps.

[MADem]

11. Acupuncture is WONDERFUL.

You don't even feel the needles.

It's like getting "rewired" -- your circuits will start working better.

Blood will flow more readily to the affected area and promote healing.

I actually had an acupuncturist light a bunch of herbs on fire and stick them under a glass cup. It worked a treat!

Nothing to be afraid of....heck, if you'd pay, I'll take your appointment!

[shraby]

12. If you've tried almost everything

and it didn't work, and if this doesn't either, look into an implanted pump to dispense meds for your pain. My son has thalamic pain and finally went to the pump and it's so much better than the oral medicine. He doesn't have the side effects that oral pain meds give.

[Recursion]

13. It's tingly and kind of neat

[Hell Hath No Fury]

14. Moxa stick --

No incense, but they may use a stick called a Moxa stick that they light and use to heat the ends of the needles or points on your body. It is my favorite part of the treatment -- it feels really good to me. :)

Nothing to worry about. As mentioned above, the needles are very thin, you rarely feel them entering you. You may feel a bit of electrical charge with the insertion of some needles -- according to acupunture, that is the needle hitting the merridian - the energy path the acupuncturist is trying to stimulate. It can feel a bit funny or literally "schocking", but you get used to it.

A usual treatment will consist of the practitioner taking your pulses -- not in the western sense -- this will inform what treatment to use. You will then lay down on a table -- you should remain clothed for the most part -- they will raise your clothing to access the points they need to work on. They will use a cottonball with alchohol to swab the areas they are going to insert the needles. The needles will go it -- they may twirl them, or raise them up and down a bit. THe number of needles can be anywhere from just a few to 15 depending on what treatment is being used. The needles wil stay in palce for 20 minutes or so -- during this time, you will just be still and relax as much as possible. I often fall asleep on the table, I am so relaxed. Once the treatment is finished, the needles are removed and you are free to go. I recommend taking at least 10 minutes after the treatment to sit quietly. I find myself a bit too relaxed after a treatment, and need a few minutes to "come back" before I go out and drive a car.

I have had treatments for many years and find them to be relaxing and healing. I hope they work well for you!

[kirby]

15. Pain is very rare..

The only time I have experienced pain is when the guy hits the wrong spot and it hits a capillary or nerve or something. This is normally when he is messing around on my fingers, not my back. I dont recall him ever hitting a painful spot on my back though.

As someone else said, be sure the guy uses NEW needles. Reusing needles can transmit bad things. I've heard of happening.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

16. I have always hated needles but no problem at all with acupuncture. No pain at all and

it worked in unfreezing my frozen shoulder.

[bdamomma]

17. never had it done, but some people give it high regard.

hey, you will feel like a new person!!! good luck.

[Peace Patriot]

18. The needles are tiny, and you barely feel them at all. With an experienced practictioner,

you can't even feel them going in (even as a slight pressure). Acupuncture is VERY effective for any kind of pain. It's a good choice, in lieu of pharmaceuticals. I would just say, RELAX! It is a time-honored medical system--very trustworthy and virtually painless. It may take more time than drugs--longer treatments, several visits--but it DOES work. And it sometimes works very quickly. I went to an acupuncturist once for a migraine headache. One needle (I can't recall where--in my foot, I think), and the headache vanished instantly! My partner has had many treatments for a much more serious, long term pain condition, and it is amazingly effective for pain.

I don't know what its effectiveness is for curing internal conditions/diseases that are causing pain. I just don't know that much about it. I know billions of Chinese and other Asians depend on acupuncture as a basic medical treatment. And I know that acupuncture, in some way, "tunes" the whole body. (Thus, a needle in a foot or hand or ear can affect pain or other symptoms in your head or back or stomach.) I'd say, you might want to have a licensed medical doctor (acupuncturist or not) diagnose your condition. (And reputable acupuncturists will tell you the same.) But whatever the underlying cause is, acupuncture is superb for pain management. And it will likely improve your overall health as well, since it treats the "whole" body.

Nothing to fear! It cannot hurt you. It will probably be painless. And if you suffer serious pain from the needle insertion, I would say, stop the treatment and go to someone else--someone more experienced. When you are suffering a disorder, there can be a normal sort of pain or soreness at the relevant acupuncture points. The inserted needle is actually seeking this pain out, and will relieve it (along with pain elsewhere in the body). But if the sticking in of the needle itself causes you a lot of pain, and this continues as the acupuncturist puts in more needles, then I would say they are simply not practiced enough. It won't hurt you in any significant way (the way, say, a bad surgeon can hurt you). It's no more dangerous than pricking your finger with a needle. But it shouldn't be painful. And if that happens--a lot of pain, from not very experienced practitioner--the treatment may still work (if you decide to continue it).

One other thing--some acupuncturists have alternatives to the needles (if you are needle phobic). Methods involving heat and finger pressure. Ask about them, if you are freaked by the needles.

I associate acupuncture needles with relief from pain. I've experienced it. I've seen it. I have no fear of them at all. And, as I've said, they are very, very tiny needles.

[Peace Patriot]

22. One more thing: Do arrange for sleep or rest AFTER your treatment. Do not

jump from an acupuncture session into vigorous or stressful activity, if possible. Probably your acupuncturist will tell you this, but if they don't, be aware that rest afterwards enhances the effects of the treatment. Maybe have someone drive you there and pick you up. Whatever. Try to stay relaxed for a few hours afterwards.

[KittyWampus]

19. There is one school of acupuncture that does insert needles and then twists them to release energy

and that does in fact cause discomfort.

But this school is not very popular here in the US. It's really unlikely that you'd get this type of treatment.

[Merlot]

24. oh, lucky me, that's the type that my accupuncturist does

he looks for the "spot" and it does tweek a bit. But I go back becasue the results are so dramatic.

I've had headaches that have gone away for months after one treatment. Had tennis elbow cured in one visit.

It's amazing. And my accupuncturist will also explain that if I have a tooth ache, for instance, what other part of my body may be contributing to the tooth ache. It's a very whole body treatment system that I can't reccomend high enough.

One thing, people are saying it shouldn't hurt, and it doesn't. But you should expect some sensations that feel strange, maybe uncomfortable. I once went to an accupuncturist who was very inexperienced. I never felt any of the needles go in, I never felt any release of pain, and when it was over it was like the whole thing hadn't happened. She didn't know how to look for the right spots, she just put needles all over my body. Still, even if something like that happens, there is no damage done.

[SharonRB]

20. My husband has been having acupuncture for the last

three months or so for his back. He's never complained about pain, but make sure the doctor removes all the needles. A few times my husband found one or two still in his head when he got home!

[knitter4democracy]

21. It worked on mine.

I had a muscle spasm or whatever, and it worked! Darndest thing. My back's fine now.

My guy's a bit funny, but I have to say that he does good work. My vertigo over the summer got so bad that my ENT sent me to an ear specialist in Detroit (who wanted to do some crazy tests that sounded awful!), but my acupuncture doctor took care of it in just three sessions. My asthma was under much better control when I saw him more, too. I'm going to start going back to him after the New Year.

[On the Road]

23. Just Make Sure It's a Professional

and you'll love it.

I hate needles too but went to acupuncturist a few years ago when I pinched a nerve and had wrist drop. It was wonderful -- couldn't even tell when the needles went in. There are a couple places that are not great, but not on the back.

Just lay back and relax -- you'll feel like a new person afterwards.

Now, if they recommend moxibustion or cupping, be afraid. That hurts like hell.

[DavidDvorkin]

25. Nothing

It may help you. Some people feel it has helped them. It did nothing for any of my problems.

Be that as it may, you should feel nothing, or sometimes an odd feeling that isn't pain, if the acupuncturist is good.

[LiberalEsto]

26. Piece of cake

The needles don't hurt. They're very thin. It's amazingly relaxing.

And it works!

I had acupuncture for my lower back pain 2 1/2 years ago. Before that I was getting cortisone shots every 6 months. Haven't needed a single one since the acupuncture.

[jobendorfer]

27. this is what I typically experience

Hawkeye,

I've been visting an acupuncturist off and on for years.
My ex-wife is an acupuncturist in private practice, and she was going to school while we were married.
I held her cue cards and served as a "practice dummy" wben she was studying.
So while I'm not an acupuncturist, I have more than casual familiarity with it.

The theory of acupuncture is couched in what is to us a metaphorical language ("meridians", "points", the Chinese five elements, etc)
However, acupuncture takes a very empirical approach.
It posits the existence of organ systems (and "meridians") that are defined functionally, rather than structurally.
It gauges the state of each organ system, using visual observation and by taking pulses ( much more elaborately than we do in the West ).
This helps the acupuncturist formulate a diagnosis and treatment.
The treatment usually consists of an herbal prescription, and stimulation of selected points with needles.

To make a diagnosis, a good acupuncturist will ask a LOT of questions.
They are usually very interested in your diet, so going in with a log of what you've eaten at each meal for the last few days is helpful.
You might spend as much as an hour (!) talking to your acupuncturist before they start the treatment.
(This is very different from the "hit and run" interview approach that has come to dominate allopathic medical practice.)

The collection of herbal formulas used in Chinese medicine were written down a long time about (1500 years ago at least.)
They have a LOT of collected experience with them. It's one of the great ironies of the world that everyone panics about the "safety" of Chinese formulas that are 1500 years old (or more), whilst gobbling down pharmaceuticals that we have a grand total of 10 years of experience with. Sometimes they're taken in brewed form (tea), sometimes just straight as a teaspoon or so of granules. No, they don't taste particularly good, but a glass of water will help.

The needles used here in the U.S. are made of a very fine-gauge steel, much, much thinner than hypodermic needles.
A skilled practitioner can insert the needles so smoothly and gently that you won't even feel it. Ditto for the extraction when you're done.
As bizarre as it might sound, it's actually relaxing. I have been known to fall asleep on the table with needles in.
Depending on what's going on with a patient, sometimes you're needled laying on your back, sometimes while laying on your stomach,
it can be done while you're sitting up, etc.
Some practitioners will gently twirl the needles once they're inserted. Occasionally this can be uncomfortable, but real pain -- such as the kind it sounds like you've been having -- is pretty rare.

You asked about incense. Sometimes a pracitioner will spear a small chunk of incense ("moxa") on the needle, ignite the moxa, and then insert
the needle. The purpose of the moxa is to warm the needle, which conducts heat to the point. Equivalently, and more often these days,
the practitioner will aim a heat lamp at the appropriate needle (or group of needles) to achieve the same effect. Nothing mystical.

Western medicine is very good at treating infections and trauma. It's not so good with chronic conditions.
Acupuncture treats chronic conditions very well, it's not as good at treating infections or traumatic injury.
So we need both kinds of medicine.
The caveat, as always, is that everyone's response to treatment varies.
Keep looking until you find what works.

Good luck, friend.

J.

[LWolf]

28. You won't feel much.

I absolutely HATE needles. Probably a logical result of having veins that are hard to find, making any blood draw a major deal.

Acupuncture was ok.

The acupuncturist I saw sent a massage therapist into the room first, to help the patient relax. Anticipating needles apparently tends to tense people up, lol.

Then he'd come in, discuss the issues I was there to address, and place needles. For me, some in my wrists, some in clusters along the spine, some in my feet. It didn't hurt. It doesn't break the skin.

I couldn't relax, though. I was tense, holding still to keep from moving and bumping the needles. I didn't like it.

When I was "done," the assistant would come back in, remove the needles, and spend about 5 minutes massaging again.

It worked. I never liked it, but it worked.

My mom, on the other hand, loves accupuncture. She doesn't have the needle phobia and claustrophobia that I do.

[undeterred]

29. The needles are small and they shouldn't hurt, just tingle.

I hope it helps.

[Warpy]

30. It only hurts if you move

The needles are nearly as fine as a human hair and you won't feel most of them going in, just a tap on the plastic tube they use to position them. You can even lie down on them without pain. If you move with the needles in place, you'll feel them. It is uncomfortable but won't send you shrieking from the table.

You'll rest with the needles in place for 20 to 30 minutes. The needles will be withdrawn and you'll be done.

All acupuncturists in the US now use disposable needles, so there's no chance for transmission of blood borne disease.

The only warning I have is that if it's a Chinese acupuncturist, don't look at the display case of old needles until you're on your way out. The old jobs weren't as fine as needles used today and will scare the hell out of you if you're a needle weenie.

They only do the incense, moxibustion, and other stuff on request.

[conscious evolution]

31. Just don't let them use

this one and you will be all right.

[Hawkeye-X]

33. Aftermath of the acupunctionerist...

I LOVE IT! I have another appointment for another treatment this Friday. This guy is an TCMD and Ph.D. and has over 30 years of experience in acupuncture, and is a 3rd generation Chinese-American. Couldn't ask for a better person. Dad said the treatment went very well for him too.

It was SO relaxing I almost fell asleep. :)

Hawkeye-X

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

34. Let us know how it works this hydro and flexeril is getting old.

[Hawkeye-X]

35. I did take flexiril two weeks ago - no help..

Tylenol 3 helped with pain control and the back pain went away for about a week and a half, before it returned with a vengeance. Nearly crippled me.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

36. I've been taking it for 7 years.

I take the vicodin when it gets really bad. Which it has been for the last week. Hope it goes well for you.

David