acupuncture- to have or have not: following on my... - PMRGCAuk

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acupuncture- to have or have not

Doraflora profile image
27 Replies

following on my post about my hubby contemplating having acupuncture for his cervical stenosis.

He was talking to someone today (a neighbour) who is a physiotherapist and also does acupuncture. She said acupuncture wouldn’t be the right thing for cervical stenosis. So hubby has kind of dismissed it.

But I would have asked her: why wouldn’t it be alright?

He needs something!!

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Doraflora profile image
Doraflora
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27 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

I'd go back and ask her ...

Maybe she meant it won't cure it - obviously not. But I don't see why it might not help with pain.

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply toPMRpro

Hubby said she said something about it being muscular 🙄

I’d have shone the blooming torch in her face and interrogated her!

And there’s a lot of people on here who’ve had it and it’s done them good. There’s not much to lose when we all know the condition won’t get better.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toDoraflora

If it is muscular - a lot of people get pain relief from acupuncture. Maybe she doesn't do it properly ...

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply toPMRpro

Ha, that’s funny 🤣

piglette profile image
piglette

I suppose the two things normally suggested is physio and medication also steroid injections.

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply topiglette

Yeah, but the physio at the surgery today said there’s stages to go through before it got to injections - (box ticking at its best huh?)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toDoraflora

There probably are stages to go through - found this online -

Is acupuncture good for cervical stenosis?

Cervical stenosis may be treated with conservative treatment approaches such as use of pain medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, or acupuncture.

.. and some mainstream medical professionals still see acupuncture as an alternative therapy…

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply toDorsetLady

I know some doctors view people who do acupuncture or Bowen treatment as ‘witch doctors’. But if the treatment works…..

And we do understand the stages of treatment - and they have to follow the protocol. It’s just when someone is suffering they get impatient 😌

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toDoraflora

Quite agree…

Lickle profile image
Lickle in reply toDoraflora

I've had acupuncture for my occasional recurring back problems over many years, along with other treatments. It has always worked for me, got me moving and usually after only about 3 treatments. My advice is to seek out an acupuncturist who also has traditional medical training. The Tianjin University in China trains Doctors also but some English/British Training Universities also give diplomas in Acupuncture.

My problems come from ligament damage caused by being a rather small prop forward at Rugby, and occasional bad posture or even a sneeze will lock it up.

Over the years I've had treatment from an Indian who walked on my back and a Buddhist Monk who blessed me with Holy Water, and they also worked. But for me seeking out a Chinese acupuncturist in particular is now my first port of call. I would suggest giving it a try as it certainly won't harm him.

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply toLickle

Wow, that all sounds interesting stuff. We’ll certainly look into things more in that respect.

I will definitely challenge my neighbour myself about her comment about acupuncture not being right for my hubby. There’s been too many positive comments been made on this site about it.

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply toDorsetLady

Thank you DL - as ever.

KASHMIRI1 profile image
KASHMIRI1 in reply toDoraflora

There are stages to go through, mine started with physio which went on for far to long as my condition just got worse, about 18 months in total. I ended up in A and E once. I then saw a fantastic higher up the scale physio who sent me for an MRI then to the orthopedic team for a steroid injection with the option of having surgery if it didn't work. I think some people have to go through the pain management team who do various things like exercise, diet, physio advice etc. They wouldn't see me until my problem had been diagnosed and by then the advanced physio person sent me straight to the orthopedic surgical team.

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply toKASHMIRI1

My hubby asked the physio about injections the other day and the physio said he would move things on at the next appointment. So I guess it’s a case of patience until then.

KASHMIRI1 profile image
KASHMIRI1 in reply toDoraflora

That's great I hope it goes well for him

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Well as she’s a neighbour then ask her why she thinks that…she must have a valid reason for her opinion.

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree

I would very much like to know what she meant. I have had acupuncture with electrodes attach to stimulate the muscles... long time ago now...

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply toSophiestree

I’ll challenge her myself when I see her next.

I also have read about quite a few people who have had acupuncture and been successful .

sassykitty profile image
sassykitty in reply toSophiestree

Was that acupuncture or dry needling?

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply tosassykitty

Acupuncture I think.

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree in reply tosassykitty

acupuncture.. they put electrodes on the needles. It's like a tens machine feeling stimulating your muscles so you feel them pulse.

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply toSophiestree

But would that work for a chronic degenerative spine that’s had a lifetime of wear and tear and there’s not much spinal fluid?

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree in reply toDoraflora

I couldn't possibly say, not sure I would take the risk to be honest. Sounds really tough for you.

Doraflora profile image
Doraflora in reply toSophiestree

Well, my hubby is very good, saying there’s other people a lot worse off than him!

And I guess any decent acupuncturist would fully discuss whether it is safe to do it.

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree in reply toDoraflora

Yes, absolutely. Sorry didn't realise it was your husband. Must be awful for him. I think when you are in pain you will try anything. I have done the same myself.

ladygigger profile image
ladygigger

Currently having acupuncture to help with hip bursitis and piriformis syndrome; 3 treatments in and it is helping slowly - I'm also doing all the exercises advised and walking as much as I can. It seems to be one day exercise, one day rest at the moment.

Waverley63 profile image
Waverley63

I’ve been waiting months now for physio for nerve issues in my lower back which has caused me to have constant pain, I have been having acupuncture for a few months now and it has really helped me, no more feeling that someone’s fist is in my back and they treat my pmr as well.

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