Acupuncture

[Emz26]

I have recently developed back problems and had my first physiotherapy session last monday. As a part of this they have offered me a course of acupuncture. Have any of you had acupuncture before and if so, how effective did you find it? Did you suffer any side effects at all? Many thanks.

[Velvetee]

Apparently it can work for many people. I had about 3 sessions, for my back problems, but it did nothing for me. I perhaps needed to have more.

[blackcat77]

I think that you have to try it to find out if it helps as my OH has asthma and has a treatment every 2-3 weeks and it helps him enormously but I've tried it for my back and it has done nothing for me. As far as side effects, I was told that the day after the treatment you may feel worse and then start to feel better after that. I also think that you probably have to have more than one session for the treatment to work. Hope this helps a bit.

[gelda]

I had it before I was diagnosed with spinal cancer and found it was the only thing that eased the pain but it doesn't work for everybody. no side affects at all, I would give it a try, you can get it on the nhs now I think you get 5 sessions free, have a word with your gp.

[Emz26]

Thanks for all your answers so far. My gp did refer me and I am having it on the NHS. I have to admit I am a little bit sceptical about it but the pain is so intense I'm willing to try anything!

[Bigeye74]

I would be wary of a physio performing accupuncture. The practicioners in the chinese medical centers in most towns have 5 years experience and have a real grip on the energy flows in the body. Locally educated physios have nowhere near this amount of experience and some may have only attended a seminar. Pay the money and go chinese.

[Emz26]

Hi bigeye - I'm not actually sure whether it will be the physio performing the acupuncture or someone else! He has given me some leaflets and a week to think about whether I want to try it. It will be done at the same hospital though.

[jen78]

I had some dry needling done by osteopaths and it really did back a difference to my back.