Acupuncture – Is it an Effective Treatment for Sports Injuries?
Pain is a perennial problem. As a matter of fact, more than 1.5 billion people all over the world suffer from chronic pain, and about 3 percent of American adults experience it at some point in their lives. There are three common types of chronic pain:
- Back pain – suffered by 20% of Americans
- Neck pain – suffered by 16% of Americans, and
- Headache or migraine – suffered by 15% of Americans
Opioids – Are they Really the Answer to chronic Pain?
Opioids (medications prescribed by doctors to treat persistent pain) can effectively provide temporary relief from pain but they also come with inherent risks.
Lower doses of opioids may not pose a danger, but higher doses can slow your heart rate which can be fatal. Additionally, opioids are incredibly addictive which can lead into an unhealthy reliance on the drug.
On the other hand, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the most common medication for pain, has also raised some doubts. According to a recent study, the use of NSAIDs, even for a short period, can lead to increased risk of acute heart attack.
The use of drugs to relieve physical and emotional pain has been practiced for ages, but according to a 2006 survey by the American Pain Foundation, only 23% of chronic pain sufferers confirmed their effectiveness.
Why Acupuncture?
In the East, acupuncture has been practiced for centuries and it is known for its effectiveness in treating pain. Acupuncture uses needles to target problem areas and it’s ability reduce or relieve pain is certainly the main reason it has gained popularity all over the world.
The capability of acupuncture for relieving pain is confirmed in one of the largest studies involving 454,920 patients who received acupuncture for the treatment of headaches, osteoarthritis, and lower back pain. In the study, it was found that in 76% of cases, the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating pain was either rated as marked or moderate by the patients involved. Another survey involving 89,000 patients also found that 93% of patients confirmed that acupuncture had successfully treated their musculoskeletal pain.
These facts should alleviate any concerns you may have about using acupuncture as a treatment for chronic pain. If you live in Colorado, you should seek help from an acupuncture specialist in Broomfield.
The Effect of Pain in a Person’s Quality of Life
Chronic pain can have a nasty affect on the quality of your life. About 60% of American adults suffering from chronic pain reported sleeping problems. What makes it even worse is restorative sleep which the body badly needs, becomes elusive for chronic pain sufferers.
Unrelieved pain can result in long hospital stays, reduced ability to function, and lost income. This increases a person’s financial and emotional burden, making them more vulnerable to other ailments including depression.
If chronic pain is an everyday part of your life, take action and get acupuncture in Broomfield to gain relief.
Bid goodbye to pain without using prescription drugs. Let your body heal itself with the help of our Broomfield acupuncture service. Call Marchand Orthopedic Acupuncture at (303) 819-9967.
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