How to Relieve Neck Pain Through Acupuncture

Acupuncture's origins go back thousands of years to old Chinese traditions. In this method of healing, thin needles are used to puncture the skin at various points to overcome illness and foster well-being. Recognized as a legitimate healing approach by the World Health Organization, many believe that acupuncture can be used to treat ailments such as indigestion, hemorrhoids, tennis elbow, headaches and sinus infections. It may also be possible to relieve neck pain through acupuncture.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for contacting acupuncturists

1. Locate a qualified acupuncturist in your area. Use the Acufinder Web site to get a list of practitioners in your area. If your state requires that acupuncturists be licensed, be sure to select a practitioner with the proper qualifications (see Resources below).

2. Know what to expect. If neck pain is chronic, you may need booster treatments every few months to relieve and control your symptoms.

3. Consider combining your acupuncture therapy with chiropractic care. In chiropractic care, the hands are used to physically adjust bones that are out of alignment.

4. Stick with the treatment plan created by your acupuncturist. Even if symptoms fade earlier than expected, don't cease treatment. You don't want neck pain symptoms to creep back into your life.

Tips & Warnings

• Acupuncture rates vary, and will depend on the credentials held by your acupuncturist, as well as his or her level of experience. Location also factors into the equation, as treatment in some cities costs more than treatment in others.
• Some states require that acupuncturists be licensed. Find out if your state is one of them by visiting the Acufinder Web site.
• Many healthcare plans cover acupuncture. However, it is not covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
• Your acupuncturist may prescribe inexpensive to moderately priced herbs as part of your therapy. Your insurance will not cover these items.
• Ten to 15 acupuncture sessions are all that's required to treat most conditions through acupuncture. Some chronic ailments may require as many as 20 to 30, however.
• Your initial acupuncture visit will tend to be the most expensive. Stick with the same therapist, though, and all subsequent visits will be cheaper.
• If suffering from severe symptoms like persistent nausea or shortness of breath, don't attempt to treat your ailment through acupuncture. Seek the help of a physician.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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