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January 18, 2007 by Domenic Thomas, M.S.O.M., L.Ac.
Acupuncture is the fastest growing alternative medical modality in the United States. Most of the information regarding acupuncture therapy revolves around its ability to treat pain syndromes. The biological mechanism behind acupuncture is rooted in its effect on the circulatory, endocrine and nervous systems. Clinical research suggests various mechanisms for the therapeutic results of acupuncture:
- Hyperstimulation analgesia (gate control theory)
- Stimulation of endogenous opioid production
- Stimulation of neurotransmitters
- Defined spinal, subcortical, cortical loci
- Diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC)
Most of the physiologic responses above have a direct effect on pain in the human body, making acupuncture an excellent candidate for pain management. Research is ongoing as to the efficacy of acupuncture for various common pain syndromes with recent studies showing great promise.
A recent study at the University of Maryland shows acupuncture as very useful in treating osteoarthritis of the knee as compared to sham acupuncture or no acupuncture treatment. One of the issues with researching acupuncture is the absence of strict protocols (treatments are individualized) making true double-blind clinical studies difficult.
Currently acupuncture is widely accepted as a suitable therapy for most acute and chronic pain syndromes including lumbalgia, cervicalgia, arthritis, tendonitis, and headaches. The increase of local area circulation coupled with the stimulation of endogenous opioids produces a reliable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect with lasting effects.
Acupuncture is very effective as a component of pre and post surgical rehabilitation helping to control pain, reduce inflammation and improve surgical outcomes. Acupuncture is an excellent adjunct to conventional orthopaedic medicine, creating a truly integrative approach to modern orthopaedic treatment
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