Hi

I developed RSD after a fall in 2002.

I also had to have back surgery in 2005. My surgeon put a pedical screw through my L4 nerve leaving me with chronic back and leg pain.

I'm thinking of trying accupunture for my leg and back pain but I'm concerned it will cause my RSD to flare up.

Has anyone here with RSD had accupuncture? Did you flare?


Thanks, Pam

Hi Pam,

Sorry to hear of everything that you have been through! I hope things start getting better for you soon and you are in my thoughts!!

My mum looked into Accipuncture for me when I was first diagnosed with RSD as a family friend suggested it thinking that it might relieve some of the pain and other symptoms.

When I was diagnosed though, I had a Guanethidine nerve block and it made me so much worse and I was left wheelchair bound for 13 months. When we mentioned it to my Pain Management Doctor, he said that it isn't worth the risk in my case as my nerves are very hypersensitive (any knock, bump, injection etc makes things a lot worse).

My Doctor also said that he hasn't really seen Accipuncture work for that many people with RSD and that one of the worse things you can do, is to stick a needle into a limb that is already affected by RSD.

I think it depends on the indiviual but personally, I don't think it is worth the risk (especially in my case anyhow).

There's a few people on here that have had Accipuncture and had different experiences. Like everything with RSD, everyone reacts differently and therefore you can't determine how you will react.

I would definitiely do a lot of research into the Accipuncture though before you decide to go ahead with it and speak to others with RSD that have had it to see how they responded.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon !

Alison

I have no idea, I've never tried acupuncture and don't know anyone with RSD who tried it either.

It will be 6 weeks this August that I have RSD. I was talked into the accupuncture for a 6 week trial. What a nightmare and waste of money and time. Not to mention the stress which would cause me to flare up just thinking about it. The only time I felt good from it was when I was on my 3 1/2 hr. ride home, knowing I wouldn't have to do it agin until the next week.
I believe it was 6 weeks lost in my treatment which is when my hand started to close up into a tight clenched fist. I was told to give it time and do the accupuncture and it will be fine. My hand is closed permanently now and I have not been back to that Dr. since. I truly believe it was lost valuable time. However, remember every treatment works differently for everyone. That Dr. gave me my tens unit and I wouldn't go a minute without it, and others say a tens did noting for them. If you don't like needles it is stressful , which cause the pain to increase, but if you can look beyond that it may be worth a try.
I wish you the best!
Terri

Sorry for the typo, I meant it will be 6 years in August, not 6 weeks. My eyes and hands don't work like they use too!

Hi Pam,

My RSD started in my right shoulder and arm. I have a low back problem that my chiropractor is working on. I did accupuncuture once a week for five weeks. It did help my low back. However, the doctor said we couldn't continue he felt it was making my RSD worse. I now have full body RSD, it went full body a couple of years after I had tried accupuncture. One of my doctors suggest that I never do it again and to stay away from needles period.
Sorry, to sound so hopeless what didn't work for me may work for you. Good luck in your decision!!!
Take care,
Sherrie

My new pain doctor also suggested acupuncture in addition to regular treatments. I have not done it but spoke to the lady who does. Anyhow my rsd are is in the legs and a finger touch I can't handle from someone so needles was a no but she explained that they don't have to put it in the area for benefits. That they can put it in the ears etc. She said that for ex if it helps one relax then that helps with sleep,digestion etc and all help with pain. If you do this I would make sure the person doing it is very aware you have rsd

Hi,

I have heard the acupuncture can make your RSD worse and spread. But each person is different even though we have same dx. Also I have permanent nerve damage in my back and acupuncture does nothing for permanent nerve damage.

Kate

I have had RSD for 5+ years and have been getting acupuncture for nearly the complete time.. not once has it caused me a flare of any type... in fact it's one of the few things that ease my pain...chiropractic adjustments being the other.

The needles used in acupuncture are so very thin that the puncture hole that it leaves is very tiny. I have had over 100 needles in me at once... (don't worry...that's an exception instead of the norm regarding acupunture)

REMEMBER...we are all different and none of us will respond the same to any treatment or medicines...

The decision has to be yours as to if you try this or not... for me... it relieves the spasms, cramping, and calms the pain signals. I often notice immediate color changes and warming of my skin.

I wish you the best!!

Abbie

Hey Ya'll,

back in the day.
(That being when nobody knew what RSD was),

I did Biofeedback, which, I thought was great.
as far as Massage, No Way! A "Hearty" massage would light all my nerve endings, and start the "Burn".

Until I met one who did what's called the "Alexander Technique" of massage.
It involves gentle stretching, just "pushing, gently (energy, I suppose) away from the spine, all the way out, through your scalp, your arms and fingers, legs and toes.
Incredible!
Alexander Technique massage..

As far as AccuPuncture...
I've did that maybe once or twice, (It's been a long time for me),
but,
then found someone who did "Laser" accupuncter.
With some sort of laser gun, was worked on "trigger points" just like the needles would be.
It was "Good". I'd be there daily, if I had no meds.
Did this before I even got my Dx, which took 7+ years.

Gentle Chiropractic, by a practitioner (preferably young), because they know they can't cure the common cold, know how to be gentle, I do like to feel the "clicks".
This is still my all time favorite form of "Hands On" pain relief for me.

After more than 30 years, (yep, even before I got injured), was my favorite form of pain relief. I had headaches...

Pete
asb