Acupuncture For Neck?
 

Tomorrow I am going to do my first acupuncture on my neck and jaw.I never had acupuncture.I am in need of another cortisone shot in neck C1-C5 bulging.My headaches are at max with muscle spasms acting up again bad.After the next cortisone shot I am done with the amount the physiatrist will allow! Then I will be moving on to surgery my physiatrist already warned me.I am running out of options and hurting.

I have been Icing all day.If there is anybody to tell me about their acupuncture experience I would appreciate any feedback.I am running out of options:(

I'll be interested to hear about this as that has just been suggested to me, as well.
What's happening with your jaw? I ask because my jaw seems "tired" a lot and just doesn't feel right but I haven't connected it to my accident.

I am so sorry for your neck spasms-a true pain in the neck!

Acupuncture, for me, has been a life saver. It has helped to relieve the constant neck pain, back spasm and headaches. I still take western medications, but when I go too long without a treatment, everything starts to spasm and tighten up.

You will either lay down on a massage table or sit up on a chair (I suspect you will lay face down). You may want to wear loose shirt, maybe a tank top and sweat pants.

The needles are very thin, like pieces of hair! they will insert them on very specific sites (for me on top of my head, in my ear, on the neck, back and foot; I also do cupping). YOu will be asked to relax for 20-30 minutes, but if you are nervous, perhaps you can ask for a shorter time for the first one.

I am given a buzzer just in case I panic (anxiety & ptsd at times), but mostly I fall into a deep relaxing sleep. I go once a week, and it's one appointment that I am so happy to go to!

I have heard that for some, sadly, acupuncture doesn't work. If so, you will know in 1 or 2 sessions.

I hope you find some relief.

Thanks Guy's
 

My muscle spasms are in my whole upper body from chest/neck to jaw line.Yes I have muscle spasms in my face!I have had pain from this accident for almost 2yrs because of medical neglect (on the M.D.s behalf not mine)Long story.I am now suffering from chronic pain from this amongst other things like PTSD on top of PCS.

I am on a SNRI,Valium and the list goes on that I take as needed.I have a team of 8 speciality M.D.s from car accident that I suffered a MTBI but lack of medical it is now STBI.If you read my profile and threads it tells my story.:grouphug:

If you read my thread on my profile below is about my jaw from TBI we believe
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread184030.html

Question
 

I have my vestibular therapy appt in later afternoon.Will I be able to make that appt to vestibular?Or are you so relaxed for the day after acupuncture that your day is only relaxing?Thanks I appreciate it greatly:grouphug:

Oh, I wish I could just relax afterwards! I have 3 active boys--so the afternoon is full of carpool and activities. (Ear plugs and L-Tryptophan!).

I think you could do your vestibular therapy afterwards. A busy day!

If you have difficulties lying down in one position for too long you should mention it, otherwise, I will keep my fingers crossed that it will provide you with some relief and solace.

That Was Fab!
 

I am VERY relaxed!The acupuncturist said "wow are these hurting you at all"I said no I been in pain too long for these needles to hurt me lol!The one on the top of my head went flying out 5min after and hit the wall lol.I asked what does that mean and she said "I was cooked"?What does that mean?I will go back every Tuesday she said at least 3 times.I think I am already hooked!:D

Oh, I'm so glad!

Perhaps the needle popped out because there was so much blood flow to that spot. It has happened to me, too.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that the acupuncture continues to heal you.

Thats wonderful you had a great experience!!! I am a big fan of acupuncture!!! It helps balance your body in ways you never knew was possible. Our body has an energy system that once it is congested, pain will result. Once this congestion starts to release and balance comes back to the body, our healing can begin. Make sure you drink lots of water after acupuncture and stay away from sugar after a treatment. You will find cumulative benefits as you go weekly. I wish more PCS sufferers would look to total body relaxation treatments such as acupuncture, Healing Touch, and Reiki to give their bodies the best ability to heal. Western medicine is great....but there is a point where our mind, body, and spirit needs healing and only these integrative therapies can help.

Feeling Good
 

Nightnurse~I agree with you totally everyone with PCS should give it a try!I wish I would of started acupuncture sooner.I am happy I found it later then never.I had started acupuncture on Tuesday and now it is Friday.I have felt overall pretty good better then before with the only noticeable symptom was a pressure headache every once in awhile.My neck and jaw is REALLY feeling better and not as much pain as before, so I am not running into my physiatrist to use up my last cortisone shot!

I am trying to avoid any surgeries and my new regimen is to continue acupuncture with my physical therapy.A few of my M.D.s are a little disturbed because now I will start tapering medications soon, avoid surgeries, and overall some of the M.D.s will be eliminated if I keep getting good results from acupuncture.:grouphug:

Hope everyone has a good weekend