Acupuncture

Updated on October 07, 2008
B.A. asks from Carol Stream, IL
8 answers

Hi, everyone. I am scheduled Wednesday for an MRI to find out if I have a pinched nerve or disk that has caused some recent health problems. Initially it was thought that I had a TIA (mini-stroke), but thankfully all of the tests (poking and prodding!!!) that I've had show no evidence of one. Anyway, my question: My sister is suggesting acupuncture if a pinched nerve turns out to be the cause. Has anyone ever seen an acupuncturist? Amazingly, there are 6 of them within 10 miles of me that are in my health insurance network. If this is the direction I choose to go, how do I approach it with my neurologist? I'm not sure how mainstream doctors are these days about alternative medicine.

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D.R.

answers from Chicago on

I have not had acupuncture, but my friend who has severe joint and nerve problems sees one and said it was the best thing she ever did. We all noticed the difference too. I say it is worth a try - if it doesn't help, don't go back.

I have some chronic health problems and also see a neurologist. This is my second one. I did not like the first one. He was very pushy and did not listen to me. This one is fantastic and she knows that I know my body better than anyone. She very supportive for a combined approach of conventional and holistic. I am doing the combined approach and it has worked great for me - she even made some recommendations of holistic things to try! I would tell your neuro this is something you would like to try. Just remember - you are in charge of your body and the consequences...not the doctors.

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P.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hi B., You are not alone, I was hospitalized off and on between Feb and March because of numbness reoccuring on my left side (still happens), had every test known to man and the professionals said it was more than likely a combo of a pinched nerve and STRESS - stress can manifest itself into nuerological symptoms. Also, I've talked to my OBGYN, if you haven't been thru menopause yet it may be pre menopause :-[ (I'm a young gramma too, 47) If you need someone to write too feel free to write me. All the best.

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C.C.

answers from Chicago on

acupuncture has worked for multiple members of my household and I have a friend who goes on a regular basis for acupuncture
C.
Mom of 3

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C.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi B., Both of my daughters ages 12 & 14 at the time have had acupuncture treatments & they worked for their issues very well. I also believe in using both styles with regard to the practice of medicine, however alternative is always my 1st choice. That has worked very well for myself & my family. I tell my doctors I appreciate their work & that at this time I am going to try another approach for "X" amount of time & will try their way should that not work out as I would like it to. 99% of the time I do not need western medicine. Be sure to request anything that belongs to you, such as your MRI results that could potentially assist the acupuncturist out. This can save time & money or could be of no use, but you never know. Good luck & God Bless.
C.

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K.K.

answers from Chicago on

When I was going through infertility treatments, I pursued a variety of holistic medicine alternatives, including acupuncture. I always discussed these treatments with my doctor and his staff, and for most things the response was "It won't hurt, but I'm not sure it'll help either." For a few nutritional changes, they were worried about interactions with my medications, so I'm glad I asked.

I'd discuss it with your neurologist. If you aren't happy with his/her response, maybe find another neurologist. Unless there is a very good reason not to pursue acupuncture, give it a shot!

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C.B.

answers from Chicago on

Hi B.,

I have not personally had a lot of experience with Acupuncture. However, I am an Ambassador in the Elmhurst Chamber of commerce. We recently did a ribbon cutting for a Chiropractor in town who recently joined the chamber. His specialty - acupuncture! I was amazed when I heard his story - he has logges 3 times the number of hours needed to become an 'expert' in this field. Some people dabble in this, but he is really well-trained. His name is Dr. Frank Frydrych and he is with the York Chiropractic Clinci on 543 S. York Rd, in Elmhurst, ###-###-####.

I have had back problems myself, as has my husband. We are both all about alternatives and avoiding surgery whenever possible. If you go to a surgeon, he will convince you that you need surgery to 'fix' the problem. Unfortunately, the majority of back surgeries are NOT successful! My father has had several and friend of mine's husband just finished his 3rd, and he is not even 40 years old!

I started going to a chiropractic office in town.(I had previously gone a different chiropractor for the past 15-16 years, with not much improvement.) The Illinios Spinal Care of Elmhurst is a very unique - I htink there are 3 chiropractic offices in IL that do what they do and only about 300 nationwide. I encourage you to check out their website at www.illinoisspinalcare.com I think you should try this approach either before or in conjunction with acupuncture. If you a nerve pressing against your spinal chord, the only way to relieve the pressure is through a proper adjustment to move the spine so that the nerve is NOT pressing against the spine. It can be done. I have seen before and after xrays of patients of Dr. Bertke and Dr. Redinger. I hope you check them out and I wish you much luck! C.

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M.O.

answers from Chicago on

Hi B.! I'm a "grandmom" too! I injured my knee two years ago. I went through physical therapy and got minimal relief. I thought I was destined to walk around an "old lady" for the rest of my life! Accupunture was suggested and I decided to try it. It took care of all my pain within a month! It was so wonderful to be able to walk and jump and keep up with my hectic schedule w/o pain slowing me down! Go for it! It's not guaranteed but certainly worth a try.

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S.P.

answers from Chicago on

Hi B.!
I get regular accupuncture treatment and have had it for a few conditions. With new mom's syndrome - my wrists and thumbs were a mess. 9 months of chiropractic and physical therapy help minimally. After 3 accupuncture sessions - the pain was gone and has never come back. My primary physician supports me getting these treatments. So perhaps your neurologist won't be as against it as you think.
Good luck!
S. in Lisle

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