Acupuncture and RSD
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Acupuncture and RSD
byrd45 Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:06 pm
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From: byrd45 (Original Message) Sent: 8/18/2005 8:48 AM
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From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> (Original Message) Sent: 6/22/2005 10:23 AM
Hi Everybody,
This week I thought we could discuss RSD and acupuncture. I personally haven't tried this myself,but have been very curious about it. My old way of thinking would never have given this treatment a passing glance. I guess that is why I haven't tried it yet. lol... Not to say I won't because I am slowly becoming more and more curious. Anyhow I thought it would be interesting to find out more about this and am trying hard to keep an open mind and not to be cynical. First here is some information I have found online.....
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians are the rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction or movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow in the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal flow and the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
This is Dr. Hooshman's viewpoint:
RSD PUZZLE #121
Acupuncture in CRPS (RSD)
Medicine is a combination of art and science. Besides the conventional modern medical knowledge and practice, there are some paramedical skills that can provide relief for the patient suffering from pain, nausea, and other ailments. One such paramedical therapy is the controversial old-fashion "acupuncture." The following is a review of efficacy, or lack thereof treatment with acupuncture.
The conventional medicine is in its elementary and rudimentary stages when compared to the medical art and sciences a few centuries hence. Doctors should study any treatment method, and decide for himself its usefulness. A few decades ago, the doctors pooh-poohed any benefits from grandma’s homemade chicken soup. Now, thanks to big food companies that prepared canned soup, we have learned that the mass production of canned soups requires addition of preservatives and significant amounts of salt, producing food that is not fresh, and is unhealthy. (So, it becomes obvious that homemade chicken soup is far healthier than factory-made soup).
Some of the home remedies, such as the use of epsom salt, until very recently (in the past 4-5 years) was ridiculed by the physicians as a treatment with no scientific basis. Now, it is well known that epsom salt is an excellent calcium channel blocker and a strong osmotic pressure agent purifying the blood as well as acting as a strong anticonvulsant. The obese and hypertensive young females going through a complicated pregnancy and delivery can end up dying from frequent epileptic seizures and increased intracranial pressure. The standard anticonvulsants are not strong enough to save the patient’s life. A simple magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) enema saves the life of the mother and child. As a matter of fact, the latest medical articles in the past 3 years have emphasized the importance of replacing the treatment for eclampsia with magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) rather than standard anticonvulsants.
None of the above implies that every type of old fashioned treatment is safe or effective. One example is the art of acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is a potent and invasive form of treatment. The art of acupuncture has been perfected throughout the centuries by the Chinese physicians. The Chinese physicians are as knowledgeable as physicians from any other country in regard to modern medicine.
The same Chinese physicians apply acupuncture as a form of acute anesthesia to prepare the patient to undergo removal of gall bladder, lung, or appendix without the use of any other anesthetic. The theory behind the acupuncture is that the human body generates and produces energy meridians. These energy meridians are augmented and strengthened by application of the acupuncture needle through the skin. The needle stimulation is applied to certain parts of the body such as extremities, head and face, and even abdominal structures.
As such, acupuncture is quite an invasive procedure and should not be taken lightly. As an invasive procedure, in untrained hands, it can cause bleeding in the internal structures, and it can introduce hepatitis virus, and in at least one case in France it has been reported as venipuncture transmitting HIV infection (AIDS).
ADVANTAGES OF ACUPUNCTURE
One important advantage of the acupuncture is avoidance of anesthetic drugs which may cause potential of serious complications.
Another advantage of the procedure is the fact that acupuncture significantly relieves the referred pain. Referred pain points to the well known physiological fact that the original pain in the injured area has a tendency to be referred to other parts of the body through spread of impulse at the spinal cord level. This phenomenon has been well studied by modern medicine and has been shown to be due to the fact that the pool of sensory nerves in the spinal cord have a tendency to overlap and represent different regions of the body. For example, in a child, appendicitis does not cause pain in the lower abdomen, but it causes pain below the chest wall and in the upper abdominal region. Another example is the fact that neuropathic pain such as CRPS frequently and invariably causes referred pain. Some examples are the development of severe headache, neck pain, dizziness, and vertigo, as a referred pain originating from the injured nerves in the foot or hand, elbow or knee.
When applying acupuncture to the referred pain area, not only can it improve and even block the pain in the distal original area of injury, but it can also improve the circulation to the extremities almost as effectively as a nerve block.
DURATION OF PAIN RELIEF
Acupuncture is an acute invasive procedure and is most effective as relief of acute bouts of pain- be it chronic pain with acute attacks, or acute pain, as with injury to the tissues such as an appendix or gall bladder.
In neuropathic pain patients (such as CRPS), the duration of pain relief from acupuncture is not any longer than maximum 1-2 hours. So, by the time the patient returns home, the beneficial effect is gone, and all is left are multiple traumas of needle insertion. The short duration of pain relief, and muscle spasms do not last long enough to make it worthwhile.
MASKING EFFECT
Besides infection, bleeding, and brief duration of treatment, acupuncture can provide repetitive, temporary pain relief masking the progressively deteriorating original pathology such as cancer, or nerve impingement. This masking effect may cause delay in diagnosis of cancer, CRPS, and other pathologic conditions that cannot be expected to be cured by simple acupuncture treatments.
CRPS patients are already at a disadvantage by being diagnosed as "myofascial syndrome," "fibromyalgia," "Munchausen Syndrome," "carpal tunnel syndrome," "thoracic outlet syndrome," "tarsal tunnel syndrome," "disc herniation," "Raynaud’s Phenomenon," and many other euphemisms. The treatment with acupuncture will further delay the proper diagnosis and treatment.
OTHER RISKS AND DANGERS RELATED TO ACUPUNCTURE
Unfortunately, the treating physicians or non-physician acupuncture specialists, are reluctant to report the complications of this invasive procedure. Even though the majority of the states require certification for acupuncture specialists that is not enough to count them as specialists willing to report the complications. A lot of times, the complications are blamed as the complications of the original illness for which acupuncture was applied.
Not only does the acupuncture cause delay in the proper diagnosis, but also gives a false sense of security to the acupuncturist and the patient that the acupuncture is going to cure the condition.
To expect the acupuncture to cure the condition is as ridiculous as expecting trigger point injections with local anesthetic or diagnostic sympathetic ganglion blocks to cure CRPS.
Having treated CRPS patients for over 35 years, I have yet to see one CRPS patient that was improved or underwent remission after treatment with acupuncture.
In conclusion, acupuncture is an acute procedure applied for acute pain or nausea, or for temporary anesthesia. It cannot be expected to relieve, correct, or improve the complications of CRPS.
The nature of the pain in CRPS is a complex chronic pain. The treatment should be multi disciplinary, and the pain relief should include treatment with medications such as proper antidepressants, anticonvulsants, proper nerve blocks, physical therapy, massage therapy, and other treatment modalities to correct the circulatory and inflammatory changes due to CRPS. Simple acute pain relief from acupuncture is not enough, and is too invasive. The needle insertion in the proximity to the original injury can become a new source of pain and can aggravate the disease.
H. Hooshmand, M.D.
OKay well that settles things for me a resounding never mind no way. I would love to hear your viewpoints and or experiences with acupunture and RSD. Just add your thoughts to this post.
Robyn
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From: byrd45 Sent: 8/18/2005 8:49 AM
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From: Debbie58 Sent: 6/22/2005 5:11 PM
Hi Robyn, this is Debbie58. I have acupuncture before for migrian headackes it is relaxing. It did not help them to stay away after the treatment was done. I have also had it done on my rsd the pressure of the needles may me hurt more.I also can't the smell of the insince. To me it smelled really bad so I stoped after the first time.I also could not do all the other parts that went with it the blockes I can't have and meds. where a pain to ajust to the acuncture. Not every one has bad lucky like I do so it my be something to reacher on one to one baises. Good Luck Debbie58
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Recommend Delete Message 3 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>lsr4t9</NOBR> Sent: 6/22/2005 11:38 PM
Thanks Robyn for the article. I have had so many people come up to me and say that acupuncture is the answer for what I have (even though they don't understand RSD). I have now printed the article and will keep it with me. Very interesting. Hope you all can sleep tonight.
Always, Linda
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Recommend Delete Message 4 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> Sent: 6/23/2005 8:27 AM
Hi Debbie,
It is great to hear from you! I have missed you around here. How have you been doing? Good I hope. That is exactly what Hooshmand's article was saying that it could very well flare up the RSD but that it is a good thing for headaches and nausea for anyone who doesn't have RSD. It is good to hear from someone who has first hand knowledge. Thanks! I wish it had helped you but alot of times it is hit or miss with any treatment we try.All I know is when they took blood from my arm a month ago I had a major flare for the next four days afterwards and that was only one needle and getting stuck twice until they found a vein they can use. I think I will stand clear of this treatment(acupuncture) at least for now.Talk to you soon!
Love,
Robyn
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 5 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> Sent: 6/23/2005 8:34 AM
Hi Linda,
I am so glad this was helpful to you! How is your week going so far? I hope you are having an enjoyable one. I slept like a baby last night and boy did it feel good! The combination of extreme tiredness and elavil. I am so thankful that helps me sleep real good even if my pain is through the roof.I found it interesting too(the information) and it gives me a better picture about acupuncture. I have had some people mention it to me too and even though they mean well I am not trying it for myself. Take care and I hope you are having low pain levels today!
Love,
Robyn
Recommend Delete Message 1 of 2 in Discussion
From: byrd45 (Original Message) Sent: 8/18/2005 8:48 AM
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 1 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> (Original Message) Sent: 6/22/2005 10:23 AM
Hi Everybody,
This week I thought we could discuss RSD and acupuncture. I personally haven't tried this myself,but have been very curious about it. My old way of thinking would never have given this treatment a passing glance. I guess that is why I haven't tried it yet. lol... Not to say I won't because I am slowly becoming more and more curious. Anyhow I thought it would be interesting to find out more about this and am trying hard to keep an open mind and not to be cynical. First here is some information I have found online.....
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians are the rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction or movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow in the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal flow and the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
This is Dr. Hooshman's viewpoint:
RSD PUZZLE #121
Acupuncture in CRPS (RSD)
Medicine is a combination of art and science. Besides the conventional modern medical knowledge and practice, there are some paramedical skills that can provide relief for the patient suffering from pain, nausea, and other ailments. One such paramedical therapy is the controversial old-fashion "acupuncture." The following is a review of efficacy, or lack thereof treatment with acupuncture.
The conventional medicine is in its elementary and rudimentary stages when compared to the medical art and sciences a few centuries hence. Doctors should study any treatment method, and decide for himself its usefulness. A few decades ago, the doctors pooh-poohed any benefits from grandma’s homemade chicken soup. Now, thanks to big food companies that prepared canned soup, we have learned that the mass production of canned soups requires addition of preservatives and significant amounts of salt, producing food that is not fresh, and is unhealthy. (So, it becomes obvious that homemade chicken soup is far healthier than factory-made soup).
Some of the home remedies, such as the use of epsom salt, until very recently (in the past 4-5 years) was ridiculed by the physicians as a treatment with no scientific basis. Now, it is well known that epsom salt is an excellent calcium channel blocker and a strong osmotic pressure agent purifying the blood as well as acting as a strong anticonvulsant. The obese and hypertensive young females going through a complicated pregnancy and delivery can end up dying from frequent epileptic seizures and increased intracranial pressure. The standard anticonvulsants are not strong enough to save the patient’s life. A simple magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) enema saves the life of the mother and child. As a matter of fact, the latest medical articles in the past 3 years have emphasized the importance of replacing the treatment for eclampsia with magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) rather than standard anticonvulsants.
None of the above implies that every type of old fashioned treatment is safe or effective. One example is the art of acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is a potent and invasive form of treatment. The art of acupuncture has been perfected throughout the centuries by the Chinese physicians. The Chinese physicians are as knowledgeable as physicians from any other country in regard to modern medicine.
The same Chinese physicians apply acupuncture as a form of acute anesthesia to prepare the patient to undergo removal of gall bladder, lung, or appendix without the use of any other anesthetic. The theory behind the acupuncture is that the human body generates and produces energy meridians. These energy meridians are augmented and strengthened by application of the acupuncture needle through the skin. The needle stimulation is applied to certain parts of the body such as extremities, head and face, and even abdominal structures.
As such, acupuncture is quite an invasive procedure and should not be taken lightly. As an invasive procedure, in untrained hands, it can cause bleeding in the internal structures, and it can introduce hepatitis virus, and in at least one case in France it has been reported as venipuncture transmitting HIV infection (AIDS).
ADVANTAGES OF ACUPUNCTURE
One important advantage of the acupuncture is avoidance of anesthetic drugs which may cause potential of serious complications.
Another advantage of the procedure is the fact that acupuncture significantly relieves the referred pain. Referred pain points to the well known physiological fact that the original pain in the injured area has a tendency to be referred to other parts of the body through spread of impulse at the spinal cord level. This phenomenon has been well studied by modern medicine and has been shown to be due to the fact that the pool of sensory nerves in the spinal cord have a tendency to overlap and represent different regions of the body. For example, in a child, appendicitis does not cause pain in the lower abdomen, but it causes pain below the chest wall and in the upper abdominal region. Another example is the fact that neuropathic pain such as CRPS frequently and invariably causes referred pain. Some examples are the development of severe headache, neck pain, dizziness, and vertigo, as a referred pain originating from the injured nerves in the foot or hand, elbow or knee.
When applying acupuncture to the referred pain area, not only can it improve and even block the pain in the distal original area of injury, but it can also improve the circulation to the extremities almost as effectively as a nerve block.
DURATION OF PAIN RELIEF
Acupuncture is an acute invasive procedure and is most effective as relief of acute bouts of pain- be it chronic pain with acute attacks, or acute pain, as with injury to the tissues such as an appendix or gall bladder.
In neuropathic pain patients (such as CRPS), the duration of pain relief from acupuncture is not any longer than maximum 1-2 hours. So, by the time the patient returns home, the beneficial effect is gone, and all is left are multiple traumas of needle insertion. The short duration of pain relief, and muscle spasms do not last long enough to make it worthwhile.
MASKING EFFECT
Besides infection, bleeding, and brief duration of treatment, acupuncture can provide repetitive, temporary pain relief masking the progressively deteriorating original pathology such as cancer, or nerve impingement. This masking effect may cause delay in diagnosis of cancer, CRPS, and other pathologic conditions that cannot be expected to be cured by simple acupuncture treatments.
CRPS patients are already at a disadvantage by being diagnosed as "myofascial syndrome," "fibromyalgia," "Munchausen Syndrome," "carpal tunnel syndrome," "thoracic outlet syndrome," "tarsal tunnel syndrome," "disc herniation," "Raynaud’s Phenomenon," and many other euphemisms. The treatment with acupuncture will further delay the proper diagnosis and treatment.
OTHER RISKS AND DANGERS RELATED TO ACUPUNCTURE
Unfortunately, the treating physicians or non-physician acupuncture specialists, are reluctant to report the complications of this invasive procedure. Even though the majority of the states require certification for acupuncture specialists that is not enough to count them as specialists willing to report the complications. A lot of times, the complications are blamed as the complications of the original illness for which acupuncture was applied.
Not only does the acupuncture cause delay in the proper diagnosis, but also gives a false sense of security to the acupuncturist and the patient that the acupuncture is going to cure the condition.
To expect the acupuncture to cure the condition is as ridiculous as expecting trigger point injections with local anesthetic or diagnostic sympathetic ganglion blocks to cure CRPS.
Having treated CRPS patients for over 35 years, I have yet to see one CRPS patient that was improved or underwent remission after treatment with acupuncture.
In conclusion, acupuncture is an acute procedure applied for acute pain or nausea, or for temporary anesthesia. It cannot be expected to relieve, correct, or improve the complications of CRPS.
The nature of the pain in CRPS is a complex chronic pain. The treatment should be multi disciplinary, and the pain relief should include treatment with medications such as proper antidepressants, anticonvulsants, proper nerve blocks, physical therapy, massage therapy, and other treatment modalities to correct the circulatory and inflammatory changes due to CRPS. Simple acute pain relief from acupuncture is not enough, and is too invasive. The needle insertion in the proximity to the original injury can become a new source of pain and can aggravate the disease.
H. Hooshmand, M.D.
OKay well that settles things for me a resounding never mind no way. I would love to hear your viewpoints and or experiences with acupunture and RSD. Just add your thoughts to this post.
Robyn
First Previous 2 of 2 Next Last Delete Replies
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Recommend Delete Message 2 of 2 in Discussion
From: byrd45 Sent: 8/18/2005 8:49 AM
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From: Debbie58 Sent: 6/22/2005 5:11 PM
Hi Robyn, this is Debbie58. I have acupuncture before for migrian headackes it is relaxing. It did not help them to stay away after the treatment was done. I have also had it done on my rsd the pressure of the needles may me hurt more.I also can't the smell of the insince. To me it smelled really bad so I stoped after the first time.I also could not do all the other parts that went with it the blockes I can't have and meds. where a pain to ajust to the acuncture. Not every one has bad lucky like I do so it my be something to reacher on one to one baises. Good Luck Debbie58
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 3 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>lsr4t9</NOBR> Sent: 6/22/2005 11:38 PM
Thanks Robyn for the article. I have had so many people come up to me and say that acupuncture is the answer for what I have (even though they don't understand RSD). I have now printed the article and will keep it with me. Very interesting. Hope you all can sleep tonight.
Always, Linda
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 4 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> Sent: 6/23/2005 8:27 AM
Hi Debbie,
It is great to hear from you! I have missed you around here. How have you been doing? Good I hope. That is exactly what Hooshmand's article was saying that it could very well flare up the RSD but that it is a good thing for headaches and nausea for anyone who doesn't have RSD. It is good to hear from someone who has first hand knowledge. Thanks! I wish it had helped you but alot of times it is hit or miss with any treatment we try.All I know is when they took blood from my arm a month ago I had a major flare for the next four days afterwards and that was only one needle and getting stuck twice until they found a vein they can use. I think I will stand clear of this treatment(acupuncture) at least for now.Talk to you soon!
Love,
Robyn
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 5 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> Sent: 6/23/2005 8:34 AM
Hi Linda,
I am so glad this was helpful to you! How is your week going so far? I hope you are having an enjoyable one. I slept like a baby last night and boy did it feel good! The combination of extreme tiredness and elavil. I am so thankful that helps me sleep real good even if my pain is through the roof.I found it interesting too(the information) and it gives me a better picture about acupuncture. I have had some people mention it to me too and even though they mean well I am not trying it for myself. Take care and I hope you are having low pain levels today!
Love,
Robyn
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