Are you considering acupuncture to reduce back pain caused by your Tarlov Cysts? How does acupuncture work and what are its benefits?

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has gained attention for its potential in managing chronic pain. By stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles, it is believed to promote the flow of energy, known as Qi. This in turn is believed to promote the body’s natural healing abilities and alleviate pain. There’s controversy surrounding acupuncture with conflicting opinions about its efficacy and mechanisms. While some studies suggest benefit for certain conditions, skeptics argue that any perceived benefits might be attributed to placebo effects.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH ACUPUNCTURE

In a nutshell – I swear by acupuncture. I started believing in acupuncture back in 2013 – I had been trying to get pregnant for over a year with no success and my gynecologist suggested acupuncture before exploring fertility treatments. I was BEYOND SKEPTICAL but I gave it a try. My cycles had always been irregular and extremely long (>40 days!); in just 2 months my periods were regular and I got pregnant. After that, I’ve experienced its benefits with ‘pregnancy nausea’, ‘improved immune system’ and, more recently, ‘management of my chronic back pain’.

I WON’T say that acupuncture is the main reason why my back pain has been improving over the past years…I believe all the work I did with my ergonomist or the osteopathy sessions played a greater weight in my recovery. YET, I do believe acupuncture had a positive contribution and I would recommend it to anyone suffering from chronic back pain.

I went to weekly acupuncture sessions for about 4 or 5 months after my flare up. I found great relief during those sessions. I would lay down on my belly, my acupuncturist would insert the needles and then he would place a ‘heat lamp’ right on top of my sacrum area. During those initial months after my flare up, I was in excruciating pain; and during those sessions I found relief. The days I would go to acupuncture I would feel a bit better and sleep a bit better at night as well.

I also tried ELECTROACUPUNCTURE in few of those sessions – this is a variation that involves the application of a small electric current to the acupuncture needles. This technique is thought to enhance the effects by providing continuous stimulation to the acupuncture points. I personally found it stressful and painful; so after 3 weeks of trying it and not seeing a significant difference I asked my doctor to go back to ‘traditional acupuncture’.

WHAT HAPPENS IN AN ACCUPUNCTURE SESSION?

During a session, thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on your body (depending on your pathology). Acupuncturists target points along energy pathways, or meridians, to restore the balance of Qi (vital energy). Once inserted, the acupuncturist covers you with a blanket and you lay down with the needles in place for about 40 minutes.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

NO. But if you’re scared of needles you won’t like it at the beginning. I had always been very scared of needles and when I started going to acupuncture I was extremely tense throughout the session. It never hurt…but I just hated the idea of having needles inserted and left for 40′ in my body. With time I managed to let go of that stress to the point that I’m now ZERO tense when I go to acupuncture. I’m relaxed to the point that I enjoy those 40′ laying down doing nothing.

IN CONCLUSION…GIVE IT A TRY!

In conclusion – I’m not promising any miracles, but if you have chronic back pain it’s worth exploring!! I really encourage you to consult with a qualified acupuncturist to discuss your case, share your concerns, and embark on a journey of potential back pain relief!

PS – My acupuncturists belongs to the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies http://en.wfas.org.cn – I suggest you ensure you are treated by someone who has true expertise on the topic (ideally not only on ‘acupuncture’ in general but in treating ‘chronic back pain’).