Is personalized acupuncture helpful for chronic neck pain?

There is some scientific evidence that personalized acupuncture can help treat chronic neck pain. Several studies have shown that acupuncture can provide relief from pain conditions, including neck pain, although the degree of effectiveness varies widely.

Several randomized controlled trials suggest that acupuncture may be helpful in reducing chronic neck pain. A Cochrane Systematic Review concluded that acupuncture may be effective in treating chronic neck pain, although more evidence is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Acupuncture’s pain relief is often attributed to stimulating specific points on the body, which can promote the release of natural painkillers such as endorphins and serotonin. This can reduce the perception of pain and help relax tense muscles.

Personalized acupuncture, which tailors treatment to individual symptoms and underlying causes of pain, may be more effective than standard acupuncture approaches. This is because it addresses the patient’s specific pain patterns.

While personalized acupuncture may be beneficial in relieving chronic neck pain, the degree of effectiveness often depends on the patient and the nature of the pain. It is often seen as a safe adjunctive therapy, but consultation with a doctor is important before starting treatment.

Source: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M23-2425

Source: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004870.pub3/full

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-04 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024