Understanding Chronic Pain and How Acupuncture Provides Relief

Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, impacting every aspect of life—sleep, mobility, work, relationships, and mental health. While conventional treatments like medication and physical therapy provide relief for some, many people continue to suffer. Acupuncture has emerged as a promising complementary therapy for chronic pain, offering relief through its unique approach to restoring balance in the body. In this post, we’ll explore what chronic pain is, why it’s so challenging to treat, and how acupuncture can help alleviate it.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Unlike acute pain, which is a direct response to an injury or illness and usually resolves as the body heals, chronic pain persists beyond normal healing time—typically lasting over three months. It can be steady or intermittent, sharp or dull, and often does not have a clear or easily identifiable cause. Chronic pain can affect any part of the body and is often associated with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, migraines, and neuropathy.

Chronic pain is complex and can be influenced by various factors including:

- Physical injuries or trauma

- Inflammation and immune response

- Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression

- Central Sensitization: a condition in which the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, amplifying pain signals.

The difficulty in treating chronic pain stems from its multifaceted nature and its resistance to typical pain management strategies. This is where acupuncture offers a different path to relief.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to correspond to energy pathways, or “meridians,” which help regulate the flow of “Qi” (pronounced "chee"), or vital energy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain and illness occur when Qi is blocked or unbalanced. Acupuncture aims to restore balance, thereby reducing pain and promoting healing.

Modern science, however, explains acupuncture’s effects in terms of its influence on the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

How Acupuncture Treats Chronic Pain

Acupuncture has been shown to relieve chronic pain through several mechanisms:

1. Modulation of Pain Signals

Acupuncture can influence the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. By stimulating certain points on the body, acupuncture activates sensory nerves that send signals to the brain. This can help "distract" the nervous system from the chronic pain signals, essentially quieting them and reducing the perception of pain.

Additionally, research indicates that acupuncture affects areas of the brain associated with pain processing, such as the thalamus and amygdala, altering pain perception and intensity.

2. Release of Endorphins and Other Natural Painkillers

One of the most well-known effects of acupuncture is its ability to release endorphins— natural, pain-relieving chemicals produced by the brain. These endorphins not only reduce the sensation of pain but also improve mood, which can help counteract the stress and emotional toll chronic pain often brings. Acupuncture also increases levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters involved in pain regulation, further enhancing its pain-relieving effects.

3. Reduction of Inflammation

Chronic pain is often linked to inflammation, which can exacerbate pain signals. Acupuncture has been shown to decrease levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body, reducing inflammation and, as a result, pain. This makes it particularly beneficial for inflammatory pain conditions like arthritis and some forms of neuropathy.

4. Improvement of Blood Circulation

When needles are inserted into acupuncture points, the body responds by increasing blood flow to the area. Improved blood circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, aiding in healing and reducing pain. In cases of muscle tension and spasms, acupuncture promotes relaxation and improves blood flow, alleviating pain and stiffness.

5. Balancing the Nervous System

Chronic pain often involves the autonomic nervous system, particularly the “fight-or-flight” sympathetic response, which can increase pain sensitivity. Acupuncture helps balance the autonomic nervous system by reducing sympathetic nervous system activity and increasing parasympathetic activity, which promotes relaxation. This shift allows the body to enter a “rest-and-digest” state, lowering stress hormones like cortisol and alleviating the tension and anxiety that can worsen pain.

What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help With?

Acupuncture is effective for many types of chronic pain, including but not limited to:

- Back and Neck Pain: One of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture, back pain, can stem from a variety of issues such as muscle strain, herniated discs, and poor posture. Acupuncture helps reduce muscle tension, inflammation, and improve circulation, providing relief from chronic back pain.

- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis respond well to acupuncture. By reducing inflammation and releasing endorphins, acupuncture can provide significant pain relief for arthritic joints.

- Migraines and Headaches: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and tension headaches, making it a valuable treatment for those who suffer from chronic headaches.

- Fibromyalgia: This condition is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints. Acupuncture can help modulate pain signals, improve sleep, and reduce fatigue, offering relief for fibromyalgia sufferers.

- Neuropathy: For people with neuropathic pain, such as diabetic neuropathy, acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms by improving blood flow and modulating nerve function.

What Does the Research Say?

Numerous studies have demonstrated acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating chronic pain. A large meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine reviewed data from over 20,000 patients and found that acupuncture was more effective than placebo acupuncture for chronic pain conditions, including back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic headache. The authors concluded that acupuncture offers significant clinical benefits for these conditions.

Moreover, imaging studies have shown that acupuncture can alter activity in pain-processing regions of the brain, supporting the idea that it can effectively modulate pain pathways.

What to Expect in an Acupuncture Session for Chronic Pain

If you’re considering acupuncture for chronic pain, it’s helpful to know what to expect. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Initial Consultation: Your acupuncturist will ask about your pain, health history, and lifestyle to tailor a treatment plan to your needs.

2. Needle Insertion: Fine, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific points on your body. You may feel a slight prick, warmth, or tingling, but acupuncture is typically painless.

3. Relaxation Time: The needles are usually left in place for 15-30 minutes while you relax. Many people find this time calming and restorative.

4. After Effects: Some people feel immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over a few sessions. Mild soreness or a sense of calm may follow the session.

A Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain Management

Acupuncture offers a unique, holistic approach to chronic pain management. By addressing pain through multiple mechanisms—pain modulation, inflammation reduction, blood flow improvement, and nervous system balancing—acupuncture provides a comprehensive tool for those seeking relief beyond conventional therapies.

Chronic pain is a challenging, often life-altering condition, but acupuncture gives patients an alternative to manage it naturally, safely, and effectively. For those dealing with ongoing pain, exploring acupuncture might just be the missing piece to find relief and regain quality of life. Generally for chronic pain I recommend 6-8 treatments.

Kelsey Bru is a licensed acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist in the Courtenay, British Columbia. She loves working with women's health, hormones, menopause, fertility, mental health, and beyond through her online articles and at her clinic, The Remedy Room, on Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. Call for an appointment at 250-800-7738.