[Nellyzen]

I thought I'd give this a go, I mean, why not? Well, it didn't go so well. Yesterday was somewhat ok but lots of pain today, pains I haven't felt in a long time. I know some people had good results with it but it's not for me.

Have you tried it?

[EnglishDave]

Nellyzen,
I know it was for different conditions to TOS, but I have had courses of acupuncture twice. The first, by a Western trained PT was a disaster which triggered several other issues. The second, by an Eastern trained Nurse Practitioner on severe neck injuries helped no end with no side effects. There is a huge difference between the two Practices.

Dave.

[kiwi33]

Nellyzen, adding to what EnglishDave wrote and I realise that it is not the same as TOS, my partner has found that acupressure (bands that she wears on her wrists) helps her with motion sickness when we are on a plane.

If it works for you then that is a good thing.

[Nellyzen]

Ewww, what other issues did it trigger? I will never try it again, don't care who does it. Now waiting for this flare to go away.

[EnglishDave]

Nellyzen,
Western acupuncture on my shoulder triggered my TN and Cluster Headache attacks as I was having the treatment. Between weekly sessions it made my neck - which is severely damaged - feel much worse.
The Eastern acupuncture was for my neck and I had needles in my thumbs and scalp to alleviate all other problem areas. I had about a 30% pain reduction and 25% mobility increase for about 3 months when I was travelling 50 miles every day for radiotherapy.
The benefit eventually wore off, but my neck is chronically damaged and it got me through a tough time.
Don't ever write anything off.

Dave.

[Jomar]

Dave, could the difference have been the treatment provider more than the eastern/western aspect?
Or is there a difference in how each style approaches treatment?

[EnglishDave]

Sorry Jo*mar, only just seen your question.

As explained to me by the Eastern Practitioner, everything from needles to depth to placements are different. It is not a psychological affect either as I have seen documented cases of surgery and animal treatments carried out successfully. Not that you would get me near an operating table without heavy meds.

Dave.

[Nellyzen]

Well I am finally recovering from the flare but it did take a Vicodin two nights ago. This ship has sailed for me. As we all know, we can't "force" healing, it needs to happen when it happens.