Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) is associated with a number of conditions ranging from physical trauma to diabetes to an underactive thyroid. When standard medical treatment is not sufficient to alleviate pain of peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture may provide some relief.
Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
A diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy could mean damage to motor, sensory and/or autonomic nerves. However, the most common nerves affected are those reaching the toes, as is seen in diabetic neuropathy, which comes about from prolonged periods of high blood-sugar levels. According to MayoClinic.com, pain is often described as burning or electric-like in nature. Conventional treatments consist of prescription medications like antidepressants and antiseizure medications. Some physicians will also recommend a TENS unit to deliver a gentle electric current to affected areas for the reduction of pain.
Acupuncture's History in the United States
Acupuncture is just one component of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture came to the United States in the 1970s and has since been gaining acceptance as a mode of complementary and/or alternative therapy for various types of pain, according to reports from the National Institutes of Health. Through the stimulation of specific points on the body, practitioners attempt to restore the balance of health. While a variety of techniques designed to stimulate these points exists, the focus of most research today is the technique involving needle penetration of the skin. In a landmark legislative move in 1996, the FDA changed the classification of the acupuncture needle from investigational to a standard "medical device" and set requirements that such needles be sterile and disposable.
Significance
Research studies both in and outside the U.S. point to acupuncture as a viable mode of treatment for peripheral neuropathy. According to a 2007 study at the Heidelberg School of Chinese medicine in Germany, acupuncture treatment has been found to improve nerve conduction in peripheral neuropathy. Another study that same year conducted through Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reported decreased pain sensations associated with diabetic neuropathy in seven patients enrolled in an acupuncture treatment program administered over a period of 10 weeks.
Considerations
Acupuncture for PNP typically involves weeks to months of regular treatment. Depending on the severity of symptoms, an acupuncturist may recommend bi- to tri-weekly treatments until pain levels are more manageable. Cost of treatment varies greatly, but some insurance plans now cover acupuncture for the treatment of pain-related conditions, reports the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Contact your insurance provider to determine whether your coverage includes acupuncture.
Warning
Acupuncture is generally safe when delivered by a properly licensed professional. However, minor bruising can occasionally occur at the needle site and typically disappears within one to two weeks. To find a licensed acupuncturist in your area, visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine's Certification Registry (see Resources).
References
- Mayo Clinic.com: Peripheral Neuropathy
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Acupuncure: An Introduction
- "European Journal of Neurology"; Acupuncture treatment improves nerve conduction in peripheral neuropathy; Schroder S, Liepert J; March 2007
- "Acupuncture in Medicine"; Two styles of acupuncture for treating painful diabetic neuropathy--a pilot randomised control trial; Ahn AC, Bennani T, Freeman R, Hamdy O, Kaptchuk TJ; June 2007
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
