Scientific research has shown that modern acupuncture can effectively treat various types of chronic pain, including neck or low back pain.
Modern Acupuncture is also considerably less expensive than other traditional treatments for chronic pain, such as surgery or prescription medications. In this article, you’ll find out what modern acupuncture is, how it works on your body and why it’s so popular among those suffering from chronic pains. You’ll also learn about the costs associated with modern treatment methods as well as the typical number of sessions for back pain.
What is modern acupuncture?
Modern acupuncture has been a form of treatment used in China since the 1950’s when it was introduced by Chairman Mao Zedong and Dr. Zhiqiang Zhang to address chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or herniated discs. Modern Acupuncture uses very thin needles that are barely noticeable if the acupuncture therapist is well trained.
The modern practice of acupuncture originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body with needles to achieve a therapeutic effect. It has been used for treating different conditions and diseases such as back pain and headaches. But acupuncture can be used to help with a variety of health issues, including stress, anxiety, addiction, and many types of physical ailments like back pain.
The traditional Chinese perspective is not based on anatomical, physiological, or biochemical evidence, and thus cannot form the basis of a mechanistic understanding of acupuncture. Western theories are primarily based on the presumption that acupuncture induces signals in afferent nerves that modulate spinal signal transmission and pain perception in the brain.
Shu-Ming Wang, MD* Zeev N. Kain, MD, MBA†‡ Paul White, PhD, MD§
The price of modern acupuncture?
The cost of modern acupuncture is determined by a number of factors, including length and intensity.
The typical price for one session can range between $25-50 in New York City, while more intense treatments may run as much as $200 per hour.
Number of acupuncture sessions needed for back pain?
Take back pain as an example. I recently had this treatment for my lower back pain.
If you’re only experiencing low to moderate levels of pain, then typically, just three or four modern acupuncture sessions should be enough over the course of two months to see significant improvements. However, if your condition is complicated and chronic with many different symptoms, .you’ll need to have at least 6-10 sessions before feeling permanent relief.
I needed 6 sessions, but after the first one, my lower back pain became less noticeable.
How does acupuncture work scientifically?
Acupuncture has been researched extensively and is documented effective for a wide variety of health conditions.
In the study of modern acupuncture, modern RCTs have shown that modern simplified acupuncture is more effective for treating chronic pain than a no-acupuncture control.
Researchers are now using MRI machines and other tools to see precisely where needles go within patients’ bodies and watch cells respond to stimulation from either electric currents or acupuncture treatments.
Scientifically studies of arcupuncture
The article “Acupuncture: The Logic Behind the Treatment” offers an overview of how modern science has begun to unravel what may happen in the body when someone receives this treatment.
In another study, researchers found that people who received one month of electrostimulation therapy had decreased levels of depression symptoms compared with those who were given medication only.
Links: Acupuncture review Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia
