Unfortunately for many people, experiencing some kind of pain is a daily reality. One NHS digital survey found that the prevalence of chronic pain amongst adults was 34%—with pain being more common in women (38%) than in men (30%).
The prevalence of chronic pain is also known to increase with age and with people over 60 more likely to experience various types of pain, ranging from chronic back pain to joint pain.
We’ve listed 3 of the most common types of pain that people suffer from below and explore how Chinese acupuncture could help.
Back Pain
Back pain and specifically low back pain is incredibly common in the UK. It can result from many different injuries, conditions or diseases, as well as poor posture.
Pain can range from mild to severe and in some cases can make it difficult for sufferers to complete simple day-to-day tasks like lifting items, walking or climbing steps.
Lower back pain usually gets better with rest, but in some cases pain relievers and other forms of treatment are necessary.
Joint Pain
There are many possible causes of joint pain including sprains, strains, osteoarthritis, injuries, gout or infections. Typical symptoms include:
- Pain, swelling or bruising after exercise
- Stiffness during or after moving
- Swollen joints that are sensitive to pressure
- Lingering pain when limbs are in a certain position
- Hot and swollen joints accompanied by a high temperature or shivers
Headaches
Common headaches originate from pain-sensitive structures in your head. Nerves or blood vessels surrounding your skull play a role in headaches as well as chemical activity in our brains.
Equally, some people are genetically prone to headaches more than others and will experience regular migraines that are seemingly caused by nothing in particular. Many people experience headaches weekly and even daily in some cases, with pain ranging from moderate to severe.
In addition a lot of headaches are due to muscular tension in the neck and shoulders. This includes trigger point activity which can refer pain into areas of the head. It is commonly experienced that the majority of headaches are related to tension and posture/body use.
How Can Chinese Acupuncture Help?
Acupuncture is an increasingly common therapy in the West but has been practised for thousands of years in China and other parts of Asia. Traditional explanations of its effectiveness stem from the idea that acupuncture can help to restore a balanced flow of energy through the body—eliminating imbalances and blockages.
By addressing the pathways of energy in the body through the application of small needles to very specific areas of the skin, it is possible to achieve better energy flow and reduce the severity of pain experienced.
To learn more about how Chinese acupuncture could help with pain you’re currently experiencing, get in touch with us and one of our qualified and experienced Acubody practitioners will happily walk you through everything you need to know.
