Solid science proves acupuncture is an effective and safe pain-reliever. Now, research is closing in on how it works.

A major study released by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in 2012 that looked at almost 18,000 patients confirms the ancient therapy relieves chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain; osteoarthritis, and recurring headaches. Additionally, proponents claim needle treatment can ease allergies and anxiety among other health problems.

But acupuncture is still controversial in the U.S. One big reason: It’s rooted in centuries-old concepts of health and illness in contrast to measurable and reproducible clinical data.

“Acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese belief that energy called Qi flows throughout the body along meridians—or channels—to create balance and health,” says Marcos Hsu, an acupuncturist at the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine.

As the traditional theory goes, physical pain and illness occur when energy slows or stops flowing in a particular body zone. Inserting tiny needles into related acupuncture points (there are 350 of them) releases the energy and helps the body heal itself.

Hsu continues: “Any blockage or stagnation of energy can cause pain and lead to illness. Each acupuncture point along the meridians is related to a specific body system or function that can be stimulated by inserting fine needles to restore health. The goal of acupuncture is to promote the body’s innate ability to heal by correcting imbalances of energy flow.”

So, how does modern research explain the healing powers of acupuncture? Even though its mechanism of action isn’t clear-cut, multiple studies confirm the ancient therapy unleashes good-for-you chemicals throughout the body.

“Many acupuncture studies show beneficial changes in blood circulation and levels of neurochemicals such as endorphins and serotonin that may produce an analgesic effect and suppress pain,” Hsu says.

“Other scientists suggest pain relief occurs when acupuncture blocks pain signals from reaching the brain via specific nerve fibers. Additionally, some propose the therapy stimulates a localized release of endorphins at the injury site. Regardless of the explanation, research consistently shows that acupuncture relieves pain.”

People respond differently to acupuncture but the treatment is safe and effective, with minimal adverse effects for most patients. That said, individuals with 1) heart problems, 2) metal allergies, 3) skin conditions, 4) bleeding disorders, 5) low immunity, or 6) who are taking anticoagulants should consult their doctor or acupuncturist prior to receiving an initial treatment, Hsu says.

With acupuncture drifting into the medical mainstream, more insurance companies are covering the treatment in medical centers and private clinics across the country. To find a practitioner, contact your health insurance carrier for a list of approved providers or consult your doctor for a referral.

Healing Needles The Saturday Evening Post

In the U.S., more than 37 million people suffer from migraines, according to Migraine.com. Photo courtesy Shutterstock.

Do you or a loved one have chronic migraines? Don’t give up! Evidence-based treatment guidelines released by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society strongly endorse seven prescription beta-blockers and seizure drugs [see chart: Proof Positive] and one herbal preparation (butterbur) for preventing migraines and lessening symptoms when they do occur. And even Botox, better known for erasing age lines, got the thumbs-up in 2010.

Research also shows that managing common triggers (such as foods, stress, and bright lights), eating well, and getting enough sleep help prevent migraine pain. “But when the steps you can take without going to a doctor don’t work, prescription medicines are well worth exploring,” says Stephen D. Silberstein, M.D., of Jefferson Headache Center in Philadelphia and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

The point is to do something: Migraines are often undertreated, says Dr. Silberstein. It is estimated that only about one-third of migraine sufferers who could benefit from preventive treatments currently use them.

Click here to review all the guidelines.

Heading Off Migraines The Saturday Evening Post

PN occurs when poor circulation and damaged nerves disrupt the body’s communication network. Nerve fibers in the feet are often the first to go haywire, and the tingling and pricking pain can move up the body—from feet to legs, or hands to arms.

Prescription drugs Lyrica and Cymbalta are popular options to ease the pain.

Also, ask your doctor about Metanx, a less-known, prescription-strength combination of B vitamins that targets underlying nerve problems and is FDA-approved to treat PN in diabetics.

We’re excited about the potential of healing PN with B vitamins. Have you tried Metanx? Did it help? If so, tell us your story in the comments section below.

Treating Peripheral Neuropathy with Metanx The Saturday Evening Post

MU: What do you say to people with chronic pain who have given up hope of ever feeling better?

Dr. Giaimo: Don’t give up! Throwing in the towel limits any kind of therapeutic endeavor. First, get engaged. Talk to your healthcare provider about the pain you are having. If the provider feels uncomfortable about addressing the issue, ask for a referral to a pain management specialist. There are a number of physicians with this training, and you want to take advantage of their experience.

MU: What can people do to get the care they need?

Dr. Joseph Giaimo

Dr. Giaimo: Two things come to mind: 1) Prior to the appointment, take time to write down all the information that you want to share with the physician. 2) Complete and print out an online pain survey—there’s one at osteopathic.org. Pain is very subjective, and difficult to describe. The short survey helps people explain their symptoms in more objective terms. Patients who walk into the office with these tools in hand are more able to help the doctor help them.

MU: What’s the most common myth about managing chronic pain?

Dr. Giaimo: Probably the most important and common one that I hear is: “Well, I have pain, and it’s just a normal part of my life.” That’s just not true. It is not normal to have pain.

Many also have concerns, some based on fact and some on myth, about becoming addicted to pain medications. But pain medication is not the only treatment out there. We will consider exercise—certainly an adjunct that we all use and should use more; physical therapy, manipulative therapy, acupuncture, and holistic medicine. There’s a host of alternatives that we can attempt to coordinate.

MU: But addiction to pain pills is a real and present danger, right?

Dr. Giaimo: Certainly, there are many so-called pill-mills—providers who inappropriately prescribe pain medications—and patients who suffer the consequences. And I think that scares away patients and physicians who are trying to do the right thing. Generally, medications used under supervision by a physician are well tolerated. There’s a time, particularly after acute injuries, when people require some pain medication. But then there’s a time when patients need to transition to other, less addictive medications.

Again, patients need to be comfortable with the people who are taking care of them. A holistic approach to alleviating pain is more than reaching for prescribed pain medication. Instead, we develop a coordinated plan to rest or ice an injured area, use pain medications and anti-inflammatories as appropriate, and patiently work toward physical therapy without the drugs.

MU: When should a person get professional help for managing pain?

Dr. Giaimo: Any time the pain is unremitting. Of course, chest pain or severe abdominal pain can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention. But other types of pain in a limb or joint that don’t respond to rest, ice, heat, and over-the-counter pain medicine within two weeks should be evaluated, at least at an initial level. Pain lasting more than six weeks becomes more difficult to deal with because supporting muscles start to weaken, and a greater degree of physical therapy and rehabilitation will be required to help the person recover.

MU: What do you look for during an initial examination?

Dr. Giaimo: The initial priority is to determine whether an acute problem, such as a fracture, is causing pain and needs immediate care. In addition, I perform a physical exam to assess nerve involvement. In someone with back pain, a recent onset of urinary incontinence, bowel problems, or dragging the foot while walking could signal significant nerve entrapment problems that also require emergency attention.

MU: What therapies are utilized for chronic back pain?

Dr. Giaimo: In the absence of acute problems, the most effective therapy for chronic pain includes a systematic plan of bed rest, stretching and strengthening exercises, yoga, and dietary changes to lose weight if indicated. Improving body mechanics and sleep habits are also very helpful. If you’re frequently sitting at a desk—and so many of us do—regularly get up and stretch.

MU: Who can best assess and address a person’s body mechanics?

Dr. Giaimo: Osteopathic physicians are well suited for this type of evaluation because, again, their basic philosophy is that the structure and function of the body are integrated. Certainly, other physicians also have good experience and knowledge of musculoskeletal issues, including primary care physicians, chiropractors, and some acupuncturists.

Managing chronic pain is a team effort. There’s no one individual that can do all of this. But out of the gate, I recommend that people experiencing pain see their physician, who can then call together and coordinate an entire team of pain management specialists as appropriate.

Sometimes I refer patients to an anesthesiologist who will inject a painful area for a few weeks of relief while they start to recover from an injury. Acupuncturists can be helpful. Physical therapists can do wonders, particularly with putting together a training regimen.

MU: You are a D.O. What distinguishes you from a Medical Doctor (M.D.), specifically as it relates to chronic pain management?

Dr. Giaimo: M.D.s and D.O.s go to four years in college followed by four years in medical school. An allopathic school for M.D.s focuses on treating a disease state while the emphasis at an osteopathic school is on the form and function of the entire individual. Osteopathic physicians are uniquely positioned for managing chronic pain because it is rarely isolated. More often, something happens in one part of the body that affects other areas. Our approach to pain involves looking at the entire structure of the person rather than the physical pain and discomfort of one region.

MU: Do M.D.s and D.O.s often collaborate?

Dr. Giaimo: They’re very complementary. There was a time when there was a very distinct line drawn between those two entities. But in today’s age of the Internet and electronic medicine, we can and do cooperate. My particular specialty is pulmonary and critical care medicine and our practice has osteopathic and allopathic physicians on staff.

Managing Chronic Pain The Saturday Evening Post