Acupuncture might be a powerful tool to help you find relief from chronic pain. Unfortunately, some of us will experience chronic pain at some point, whether it’s a persistent ache, sharp discomfort, or a condition that lingers for months or years. No matter your current level of pain, I’m here to help!

This article will guide you through the acupuncture approach to managing chronic pain. This approach may differ from what you’re used to, so read on to learn more.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is complex, often involving a combination of physical, neurological, and even emotional factors. It can stem from injuries, inflammation, nerve damage, or conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Pinpointing the exact cause isn’t always straightforward, and imaging tests like MRIs don’t always tell the full story.
 

Chronic pain can persist long after an initial injury has healed, as the nervous system becomes hypersensitive, amplifying pain signals. A 2023 study in The Journal of Pain found that 35% of adults in the U.S. experience chronic pain, with many reporting reduced quality of life due to its persistence.
 

Common Chronic Pain Issues

• Musculoskeletal Pain: Conditions like arthritis or repetitive strain injuries can cause ongoing joint or muscle pain.

• Nerve Pain: Neuropathic pain, such as sciatica or post-surgical nerve damage, often feels like burning, tingling, or shooting sensations.

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, or scar tissue from past injuries can lead to chronic discomfort and restricted movement.

• Trigger Points: Chronic stress or tension can create tight, painful knots in muscles, contributing to persistent pain.

• Inflammatory Conditions: Diseases like fibromyalgia or autoimmune disorders can cause widespread pain and fatigue.

How Is Acupuncture Different?

In one word: "energy." Ancient Chinese medicine has long recognized that the body needs balanced energy (or "Qi") to heal and function properly, a concept now supported by modern research.

Chronic pain often signals that energy in a specific area—like your joints, muscles, or nerves—is blocked or depleted. If the energy in these areas falls below a certain threshold, your body struggles to repair itself, leaving you vulnerable to ongoing pain.

An article in Pain Medicine showed that acupuncture cut chronic pain levels by half in 60% of participants, with effects lasting up to six months after treatment stopped. That shows that the acupuncture is actually healing the cause of the pain and not just covering it up.

Unlike other treatments—such as medications, physical therapy, or surgery—that focus on symptoms or structural issues, acupuncture directly targets the body’s energy pathways (meridians) to restore energy balance and promote healing.

While these other tools can be helpful, they do not address underlying energy imbalances. Acupuncture is unique in its precise method of delivering energy where it’s needed, helping to "recharge" your system and restart the healing process.

A Short Note About Chronic Pain

From an acupuncturist’s perspective, chronic pain indicates that energy is either blocked or low in a specific area. Pain may arise from an obstruction in an energy pathway or a broader depletion that prevents healing. I use a combination of traditional and modern acupuncture techniques to clear energy blocks, restore flow, and rebuild energy levels.

This is why acupuncture can feel like a breakthrough. For some, pain stems from a simple energy block, and clearing it brings quick relief. For others, chronic pain reflects a deeper energy deficit, requiring several sessions to fully recharge the affected area and quiet pain signals.

I’m Here to Help!

If you’re curious about how acupuncture can support your journey to managing chronic pain, I recommend scheduling a new patient consultation. Click the button below to contact me and take the first step toward a more comfortable, pain-free life.