United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi again! I was reading that acupuncture can help with pain control. I was wondering if anyone has tried it and has it helped?? I get horible shooting pains in my hand, sometimes they are just unbearable. I was taking oxycontin (sp?) for a few months after my accident but the doctor wanted me off of it. I am 2 years post accident now nd take no pain meds, which I am glad for, I hate taking pills. Any help would be greratly appreciated!! Thanks a bunch!!
~Courtney

I tried accupuncture about 12 years ago to no avail. Also tried chiropractors, hypnotherapy, nerve blocks, cranial hands on therapy, and any number of herbal therapies, all also no help.

When the pain gets too bad, I try to sit still, have a couple of iced vodkas and wait it out. Two weeks ago I had a night of shooting pains so bad I was weeping with agony at about 4 am. 12 hours later it abated and has been managable ever since.

It will come back, I know, and I'll deal with it then.

Sorry I can't be more help, although just because it didn't work for me does not mean it won't work for you.

Hi Courtney;
I was receiving acupuncture and it might have helped with both the pain as well as muscle relaxation in the affected upper arm and neck/shoulder area. I haven't had acupuncture since March 28 and both the pain and muscle tightness have increased somewhat since Mid May. I actually went back on neurontin (stopped mid April) this past week to try and ease the burning pain. My Pt moved and set up practice at another town, that's why I discontinued with Pt.

thanks for the help, both of you! i appreciate any advice. i think that i am going to talk with my doctor about trying it and see what happens. i really dont think that anything can hurt me.... if you know what i mean. thanks for the advice and good luck to you both!!
~Courtney

I'm in the midst of intensive accupunture, just the past the second week of five days per week, and the only thing I've noticed yet is my breathing is much better (which is great due to the fact that I damaged the frenic nerve that engages my right lungs diaphram to pull down and fill the lung). My acupunturist promises that my surgeries benifits will come much quicker and better than my Western Doctors had advised. No benifits noticed for pain, but I'm still pretty well doped up, it's only been a month and a half since major surgery, and six since the accident. I'm giving myself another month or two before I ween off the pain meds, which I'm not looking forward to. Good luck, and I'll post if I get any other noticable happenings.