Could acupuncture help?

I had hernia surgery in January, and I have had nerve problems since then--shooting pain around the area of the incision and down my leg. I never had any physical problems before.

Would acupuncture possibly help this? I'm going to see an anesthesiologist/pain management specialist first (my general surgeon has been unable to correct the problem at all) but after that, I'm game for anything.

Although acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions in China, one of the main strengths in acupuncture (in the eyes of Western medical MD's) is that of pain. There are studies and research that show the efficacy of acupuncture in treating and alleviating pain, so it would definitely be worth looking into. Whether if you want to speak to an M.D, or an acupunturist, or both about your condition, is of course, up to you.

As far as surgery and acupuncture, I am not sure if acupuncture will be effective in managing your pain (but again, talk to your acupuncturist). The structure of your bones, tendones and muscles has been touched and latered, so I'm not sure if acupuncture will respond effectively, compared to a patient who did not have surgery. Again, please talk with your acupuncturist about this.

I would recommend that you get in contact with an acupuncturist who is properly licensed in your state. Keep in mind that a license is just a license, and does not speak much about their expertise and treatment effectiveness. Go to a more established, long-time acupuncturist, who has a solid reputation, and talk to him/her about your condition. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable with your acupuncturist, you can find another one. If you can also get referrals from trusted friends/relatives/family members, that would also be a +.

Performed correctly, you will hardly feel the needle being inserted into you, aside from a slight tiny (miniscule) point. You may also feel a slight tingling sensation or a calm, relaxing sensation (which is a positive indicator of the treatment) during the treatment session.

I hope this helps.

it is worth a try unless your doc damaged the nerve
Acupuncture could certainly help this problem. The pain specialist will give you something to mask the pain, not correct the problem. Acupuncture, when performed by a licensed and competent practitioner, will facilitate the bodies own healing mechanism, and help you to heal from the sequela from surgery.

Acupuncture, or i should really say Chinese Medicine, is a stand alone medicine which can treat any problem. Some things Western medicine is better at treating; many things they are not. If you are hit by a bus, i tell my patients to get to the hospital. As soon as you are stable, you want to get out of there and see an acupuncturist, for the reason stated above: Western medicine is not efficient at activating the bodies healing mechanism. I see many patients who have artifacts from surgery. Usually it is not very difficult to treat.
Yes, acupuncture can help.

Acupuncture is used not only used to alleviate the pain but to also correct the body and encourage healing.

It is always important to go to a qualified acupuncturist with at least 3 years training as you can find one here http://www.tcmdirectory.com
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i had the exact same thing 6 years ago. i think it is called sciatica. the pain was extremely severe and pain medications did not help. i got acupuncture treatment only 2 times. the pain went away 2 days after first treatment. i got another treatment a week later and i have never had that symptom since.
Hi, I use colour therapy for healing. Post-operatively the body needs time to recover, and so too does the etheric which surrounds the physical body. I would recommend you shine blue light on to the area of the op. Blue strengthens the etheric. You could also use indigo silk or cotton draped over the area as this colour is quite a powerful pain reliever. The nerves are often disturbed following surgery and need time and space to settle. Blue is very calming and restful. I hope this is helpful. Reflexology is another useful therapy that could more than likely help.