Some people think of needle acupuncture as a New Age fad, but this popular treatment has actually been used for more than 2,500 years. Acupuncture therapy effectively treats many conditions, from migraines and anxiety to osteoarthritis and asthma. You can use needle acupuncture alone or with conventional medicine.
You may have some reservations about scheduling needle acupuncture therapy until you know what to expect. We completely understand! That’s why we’ve compiled some common questions our patients have about this beneficial treatment.
Does needle acupuncture hurt?
When performed correctly, acupuncture should not hurt. Some patients experience a mild tingling sensation after needles are inserted.
Are needles sterilized?
Acupuncture needles are sterilized and suitable for one-time use. Our needles are carefully discarded after each session, so you don’t have to worry about using the same needles as another patient.
Is needle acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is a minimally-invasive medical procedure that is approved by the FDA. Side effects are rare, and when they do occur, they are generally mild. At Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine, needle acupuncture therapy is only performed by skilled acupuncturists on our medical team.
Can you get needle acupuncture during pregnancy?
The short answer is sometimes. It generally depends on your overall health, which conditions you want to treat, and whether your OB-GYN is on board.
Can kids get acupuncture therapy?
We typically reserve needle acupuncture therapy for adults. However, some older kids and teens may benefit from the process. Regardless of where you receive acupuncture therapy, practitioners generally do not perform this medical treatment on babies or toddlers.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Some insurance plans cover acupuncture as a standalone treatment. Others require patients to combine it as an add-on service. Our team can review your insurance coverage and let you know the costs of treatment before your first appointment.
Can you combine acupuncture with other services?
Yes, and many of our patients do! Your treatment plan may include acupuncture, chiropractic care, cold laser therapy, physical therapy and other services. We work with you to determine which treatment options are best for your unique needs.
Did we miss anything? Give us a call or shoot us an email if you have additional questions about needle acupuncture therapy. We’re happy to keep you informed about this popular pain-management option.
Don’t put your life on hold another day. You deserve to feel good, physically and mentally. We can help you do that with pain management services at Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine.
Needle acupuncture and other pain management services are offered in our offices throughout Ocean County and Monmouth County. To request an acupuncture treatment or other service, fill out our online contact form or call the office. We’re here to help, whether you’re battling sciatica or need relief from persistent migraines.