
Hi,
I have a herniated thoracic disc (T8 or T9), and
a very painful hypersensitivity to anything light touching my
back to the entire right of the area. I got the herniation and
painful hypersensitivity from an accident back in April. I went
for physical therapy until I reached a plateau. I chose not to
have any nerve blocks. I wanted a more natural approach. I have
gone to an acupuncturist who is also a Dr. of orthopedics for
about 9 treatments for the pain. He is well known with a good
reputation.My pain from the herniation WAS a lot better over this
time. The painful hypersensitivity was also getting better little
by little.
Last week, about 1/2 hr after my treatment until
now, I am in such pain. It is mostly like the painful hypersensitivity
that I have not experienced since this allodynia pain practically
began. It is radiating from my area where I have the herniation
to the area on my back adjacent to it.. It is also painful where
my herniation is. I haven't felt pain there like that since I
first herniated it. I am even in discomfort laying on my back
in bed, which I never had. I don't know what happened last week,
but I am quite concerned about going back for more treatments.
The only thing I remember, is that when he inserts
the needles, they NEVER hurt, and this time there were a couple
that really hurt. I told the Dr. and he took them out. Could that
have caused such pain?? Could it have hit or damaged a nerve?
Could it possibly have reherniated the disc? Can acupuncture reverse
such a thing that happened.?
I would so greatly appreciate your expertise on
this. I have come such a long way, and I feel I am right back
at the beginning. I will call up my regular orthopedic Dr. to
confer with him, but I feel that your experience with acupuncture
as a whole is more extensive.
Thank you so kindly for helping me with this.
I know your schedule is busy, but I would so greatly appreciate
your input.
Sincerely,
Maxine
Maxine,
Here is what one expert on musculoskeletal acupuncture, Matt
Callison, L.Ac., says about your case:
"I believe one possibility is: The doctor hit the medial
or lateral posterior nerve from the posterior ramus. This can
be done by Huatuojiaji and back shu needling. Strong Qi like this
could have caused local myospasms, further impinging on the vertebrae/disc.
Pain/spasm and inflammation resulting in vertebra instability."
That means nearby muscles may have spasmed, and would need to
be released. That can be done by needling their motor point. Your
acupuncturist, especially as an orthopedist should know how to
do this.
However, it's not clear from your email whether he was formally
trained in acupuncture or not. M.D.'s who practice acupuncture
(we could call that 'medipuncture') are held to no minimum standards
of competency, nor are they required to have any experience before
they begin to experiment on patients.
I'd advise always seeing an acupuncturist with 3-4 years of education
in chinese medicine, or a medipuncturist whose practice is primarily
acupuncture.
Hope this helps!
Let me know how things go and if you have any further questions.
B
Hi Brian,
Thank you so very much for your response to me. It meant so much
that you took the time in your busy schedule to reply.
Your analysis sounds right on the mark.
Since with each passing day, my pain and spasm has gotten less.
I have decided not to return to that acupuncturist. Shortly after
this happened to me, I spoke with his receptionist about what
happened, and the doctor has not even returned my call, even after
all this time.
I believe so greatly in acupuncture as a treatment for so many
different ailments. I am not disillusioned by my experience.
Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year.
Maxine
Find a licensed acupuncturist here: "Resources
for Finding Acupuncturists and Herbalists"
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