For individuals wanting to try acupuncture for various health conditions but aren’t sure?
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture is a procedure where extremely fine needles are inserted into pressure points in the body. A traditional Chinese medicine technique used to alleviate pain and enhance physical and emotional well-being. (Harvard Health, 2023) It can be beneficial for anyone dealing with persistent painful conditions, such as back pain, sciatica, arthritis-related discomfort, headaches, and post-surgery pain. It’s also a supportive option for individuals experiencing hot flashes and generalized inflammation, making it a versatile choice for holistic health. People undergoing acupuncture experience minimal pain, usually mild pressure or soreness during or after. However, choosing an experienced practitioner and communicating with them during the treatment is the best way to avoid increased pain.
When Performed Correctly, It Should Not Hurt
Many fear that acupuncture will be painful. However, this is not the case because the procedure uses extremely fine needles. One study of pediatric patients found that 87% reported minimal to no pain while having the treatment (Gold J. I. et al., 2023). Improper needle placement is one of the most common reasons that patients experience pain during or after treatment (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025). This is why it is important to be treated by a licensed practitioner who is well-versed in treating specific conditions.
Soreness After Treatment
It is relatively uncommon to experience pain after receiving acupuncture. About 10% of individuals experience minor soreness after the treatment (Kelly R. B. & Willis J. 2019). The soreness is typically felt in the areas where the needles were inserted.
Situations When Pain Can Present
A small group of those who undergo acupuncture may experience some pain. It is most frequently seen in the following: (Harvard Health, 2023)
The acupuncturist is inexperienced and inserts the needle incorrectly or not in the right area.
The needles are inserted more deeply than normal or with too much pressure.
The patient has a lower pain threshold and/or is more sensitive to needles.
The practitioner uses higher gauge/thicker needles.
It is important for individuals who have not had acupuncture before to discuss the procedure and any concerns with their provider beforehand. The acupuncturist may be able to perform a trial needle insertion to provide a preview of the treatment. During the initial session, they may use fewer needles or target a smaller area. Constantly communicate with the acupuncturist during the treatment. This allows them to adjust the needles causing soreness or discontinue the procedure if there is increased pain.
Acupuncture Process
Modern medicine explains acupuncture’s benefits. When the needles are inserted, they stimulate the release of endorphins, opioids, immune system cells, and neurohormones. These chemicals help reduce and relieve pain and modify how the body perceives it. They may also impact blood pressure, body temperature, and central nervous system function. (Harvard Health, 2023)
Pressure Points: Is Acupuncture Painful On Certain Body Parts?
Acupuncture can cause some increased soreness in certain body areas. This is especially true when needles are inserted into less muscle or fat regions. For example, hand or foot acupuncture can occasionally cause increased pain (Kaiser Permanente, 2021). Thin individuals with less soft tissue may also experience a stinging sensation as needles are inserted. Communication with the provider is the key to making the acupuncture sessions as comfortable as possible.
During A Session
The first acupuncture session may consist of the following:
The practitioner goes over medical history and current symptoms.
The practitioner examines the body and may also examine the tongue to assess for any present imbalances.
The patient will lie or sit on a table.
Sterilized needles are inserted into the affected areas one at a time.
In some situations, heat or electrical stimulation may also be used to enhance its effects. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025)
Most cases of soreness after treatment will resolve in one to three days. During this time, here are a few recommendations to alleviate any soreness symptoms:
Apply ice to the areas of soreness.
Gently stretch the sore areas.
Increase fluid intake.
Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts or magnesium oil.
Perform light aerobic exercise.
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if recommended by a physician. (University of Georgia, N.D.)
Find a Licensed Acupuncturist
Most states have an online directory of licensed acupuncturists that can help find a local provider. Some national acupuncture associations also maintain lists of members who are board-certified. For example, this directory searches for certified acupuncturists through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 2024)
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Therefore, acupuncture is not painful and can help relieve symptoms such as anxiety, stress, pain, discomfort, tightness, and poor circulation. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help individuals recover and build optimal health and wellness solutions with primary healthcare providers and specialists. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Beyond Adjustments: Chiropractic and Integrative Healthcare
References
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Acupuncture. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/acupuncture-a-to-z
Gold, J. I., Kobylecka, M., Ngo, N. H., Lin, C. T., & Hurray, C. N. (2023). Does Acupuncture Hurt? A Retrospective Study on Pain and Satisfaction during Pediatric Acupuncture. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 10(11), 1774. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10111774
Kelly, R. B., & Willis, J. (2019). Acupuncture for Pain. American family physician, 100(2), 89–96.
Kaiser Permanente. (2021). Acupuncture 101: here’s what you can expect. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.acupuncture-101
University of Georgia. (N.D.). Dry needling. https://healthcenter.uga.edu/healthtopics/dryneedling/
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. (2024). Directory: Feel Confident About Finding a Qualified Practitioner. https://directory.nccaom.org/#
Being able to hike with back pain is a blessing for individuals that love being outdoors. Enjoying nature and being able to get away from all the stress and tension is something we all can use. Hiking is an excellent physical activity that cleanses the mind, body, and spirit. Not to mention the great exercise benefits that come with it.
The time spent going up and down hills following trails, etc. can feel unbelievable until pain symptoms start to present. Those with back pain know and understand that there are certain activities that can kick in the pain. If hiking has been stopped in its tracks because of back pain, or, if just about to start hiking for the first time, here is some advice to reduce and alleviate back pain during and after a hiking session. �
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Hike The Right Way
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C. is a spine injury specialist at Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic. He believes at its core, hiking is very beneficial to individuals with back pain.
Hiking is a great activity for those with back pain because it increases muscular circulation improving soft tissue flexibility in the spine along with other muscle groups. Hiking helps strengthen spinal support muscles, improves flexibility and posture. The result is minimized pain on all levels. Walking on different uneven terrain/s contributes to improved balance and synergistic muscle activity of the back, legs, and core, and the small muscles of the feet. However, there is an incorrect way to hike with back pain.
If done incorrectly hiking can have a negative detrimental impact on the body. Proper technique and form need to be followed. For example, a backpack that is improperly worn or not correctly sized for the body type could lead to imbalance. This could lead to improper form and injuries. Poor posture during a hike places added pressure on the:
Joints
Spine
Ligaments
Tendons
This could easily result in muscle/tendon injuries. With some preparation, a few tips and being aware of your surroundings will help you to become a hiking pro in no time, with reduced, improved, and possibly no back pain after a while of doing this great activity. Here are some words of wisdom when it comes to hiking and back pain.
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Proper Backpack
A poor-fitting backpack will easily lead to increased back pain and even other ailments like shoulder and neck pain issues. A proper backpack should have the straps around the waist and across the back to evenly distribute the weight. Visit a sports/outdoor store to get correctly fitted for a backpack.
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Stretching Out
Getting and staying loose before and after a hike is very important. Before a hike improves circulation and loosens the muscles, in turn, reducing the stress on the joints. Stretching after a hike reduces muscle fatigue and soreness that can amplify and exacerbate back pain along with any other body soreness.
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Trekking Poles
Using trekking poles can be beneficial and quite helpful for individuals with back pain. Trekking poles can help avoid poor posture by keeping the body in an upright position. This helps reduce back pain experienced during and after a hike. �
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Body Care
Hiking successfully means that the body needs to be fully functional and fueled before even stepping on the trail. Fueling the body with nutritious snacks like bananas, dried fruit, and trail mix will keep the body’s energy supply going. And above all stay hydrated with plenty of water. Also, focus the workout on developing upper body and core strength to prevent injury.
Don’t forget to listen to what your body is telling you. Individuals with back pain need to listen to their bodies making sure not to overdo it, as well as, with any type of exercise, to adjust to your specific pain tolerance level. If unable to limit distance or time, then make sure to take frequent breaks. This will help avoid placing unnecessary strain on the spine. �
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Recovery Time
The body needs a proper amount of time between hikes to recover properly. If there is still soreness and pain, WAIT until the body is no longer sorebefore trekking to the next trail. The amount a person can hike depends on the individual, overall strength, and how fast their body recovers between hikes. It is different for everyone.
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Assistance
As the journey commences, whether going for pain-free or less painful hiking, remember that it’s ok to have others help get you there. Getting help from a veteran hiker will definitely benefit proper form and posture. Hiking with an experienced partner can also help avoid poor hiking techniques that can worsen back pain or even create new injuries. �
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Consult a local chiropractor, or spine, and pain specialist if you are unsure about hiking and are experiencing ongoing back pain. They will help develop a customized/personalized treatment plan with the focus on decreasing and controlling the pain and improving the body’s overall function to be able to participate in physical recreational activities.
Hormones can also play a significant part in the pain. One of the many changes that occur in a pregnant woman�s body is an increase in the production of a hormone called Relaxin. The job of this hormone is to �relax� the ligaments or soften them. This allows the pelvis to spread so that the baby can be born. However, while the body is making these positive and necessary preparations, it can also allow bones to shift or move in directions that they shouldn�t. The result is an impingement or compression on the nerves exiting the spinal canal, causing the tissues in the area to become irritated and inflamed.
Another effect of the increased production of relaxin is that it can lead to intrauterine constraint. This condition causes the pelvic bones to become misaligned which obstructs the baby�s natural movement in utero while it develops. This can keep the baby from moving into the birthing position with the head down. As the bones move out of their natural place, it can stress, pull, and twist the attached ligaments. The baby doesn�t have as much space as it should so it can�t move like a normal fetus can. This can also cause breech births. Stress, poor posture, and overexertion can also cause pregnancy back pain.
Why is pregnancy low back pain so difficult to treat and what treatments are available?
Medications given to the mother will cross over the placenta delivering a dose of the medication to the baby. Because of this, pain medications are generally off limits for pregnant women. In order to protect the baby, natural pain control is preferred. This makes chiropractic a preferred treatment for pregnancy low back pain. The chiropractor may perform a spinal subluxation to bring the spine back into alignment and the body back onto balance.
He or she may also make some recommendations to help the woman manage her pain on her own, including improving her posture, stretching, and special exercises. Other recommendations may include:
Not wearing high heels. They put strain on the back when a woman isn�t pregnant. On a pregnant body, the strain is even worse.
Avoid bending over to pick up things, but instead, squat � or ask for help.
Sleeping on the left side and use pillows under the belly to support it as well as a pillow between her legs.
Rest, lots of rest and elevating her feet.
Regular chiropractic care and following the doctor�s instructions can help greatly decrease low back pain for the mom to be so that she can better enjoy the excitement and joy of her pregnancy.
Lower Back Pain Pregnancy Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX
Cycling is a great cardiovascular workout, building strength, stamina, and balance. However, it can be tough on the body, especially if you put in a lot of miles. This is true of any activity that is repetitive, though. Certain muscles can become tense and others that aren�t used become weaker. This can cause your spine to become misaligned. Bending over the handlebars can also cause back pain as well as wrist, neck and shoulder pain and affect your posture if you remain in that position for long stretches or are not using proper form. Chiropractic for cyclists can help combat these effects and keep your body in alignment.
Hip and Knee Pain
Cycling puts a lot of strain on your lower body, particularly the hips and legs. The more developed these muscles get, the tighter they can become if you aren�t stretching before and after your ride (and getting regular chiropractic care).
Inflammation and stiffness of the sacroiliac joint are very common with cyclists. It can cause a significant decrease in range of motion and flexibility, not to mention cause pain. This issue can really affect your ride. The stress that occurs in this area can affect nearby large joints, such as the knees. Chiropractic can release those joints and address any issues associated with it.
Lower Back Out of Alignment
Spending a lot of time hunched over your handlebars can cause your back muscles to become stretched out. When you combine that with hunching over a desk or computer all day, it can leave you with a misaligned spine.
The tight muscles of the lower body, including hip flexors and hamstrings, work against the stretched out back muscles to weaken the spinal support. Once your spine is misaligned, it can lead to back pain, hip pain, and make it difficult for you to ride effectively or comfortably.
Getting good, regular chiropractic adjustments, along with some core strength exercises, stretching and exercises to increase the range of motion, you can get your spine aligned � and keep it that way. It is also worth mentioning that proper bike fit is absolutely integral to keeping your spine and body healthy and aligned.
Numb, Tingling Hands
Numb, tingling hands are very common among cyclists. There are several reasons that this can occur, but the most common culprits are stress on the upper back from riding in a hunched position, or wrist issues that come from the stress of supporting your upper body as you are hunched over, and from holding the handlebars.
Proper bike fit can go a long way in preventing this, as does maintaining proper form and technique while riding. This will help you avoid compression, undue stress, and overreaching so that your arms are in a more natural, comfortable position. Your chiropractor can help alleviate the pain and correct the condition with spinal manipulation and other techniques applied to the joints.
Chiropractic is exceptional for cyclists because it not only addresses structural issues in the body, it also provides whole body care. Your chiropractor may recommend certain exercises and stretches, supplements, and lifestyle changes to help improve your ride and help you live a healthier life. You will combat the strain that the sport puts on your body and learn powerful techniques for avoiding injury.
If you are a regular cyclist, whether you ride competitively, ride with a group, or bike to work, you will find that your body will respond very well to chiropractic treatments. When performed regularly, you will find that your body will get stronger and your posture will be better. You will feel better too.
Labrum Tear Hip Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor
When you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, whether you are going on a long trip or your job requires you to drive around town all day, it can be a real pain � in the back. Many car seats may be comfortable for short rides, but they are not built to support the back on the long hauls. However, there are some things that you can do to offset a non-back friendly seat design and alleviate, or even prevent, back pain while driving.
Create a Comfortable Space
Before you settle in behind the wheel, you want to make sure that you are comfortable. Keeping things like your wallet and cellphone in your pocket may be convenient when you are moving about, but can be an irritant when you are sitting on them mile after mile. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Any discomfort can put stress on your body so even if it is not necessarily pain related, it can exacerbate pain as your body�s sensitivity heightens in response to the pressure.
Adjust your seat so that you are comfortable, but sitting reasonably upright. If you recline, it could put stress on your neck and upper back, causing pain. Your seat should also be high enough so that you can place your feet flat on the floor � at least for a while (you can do this while driving if you have cruise control). There should be a slight bend in your elbows as you reach for the steering wheel and you should not have to stretch to reach the pedals. Make sure that your mirrors are adjusted so that you don�t have to bend or crane your neck to get good visibility.
Put Together a Healthy Back Kit
Bring along some things to help keep your back comfortable and pain-free � even if you�ve never experienced back pain while driving. There is always a first time. Some of the items you might want to bring along include:
A towel that you can roll up and place behind the small of your back
A lumbar support pillow
A cold or hot pack
Something for pain relief
A cushion for your car seat to absorb the vibration
Water (so you can stay hydrated)
Essential Oil like lavender or peppermint (put a few drops in a carrier oil and apply to the sore areas)
Take Breaks and Move a Little
Driving straight through without any breaks is never a good idea. It can make you more tired, stiff and sore � and less alert on the road. Instead, take breaks to get out of the car, walk around, and stretch. When you move, you stimulate your circulation which brings oxygen and vital nutrients to your muscles. You�ll feel better, be more alert, and will be less likely to experience back pain.
Stopping every hour or so will help considerably with alleviating back pain. It doesn�t have to be a big production, walk around for a few minutes, stretch your neck, shoulders, and back, then get back on the road. In between stops you can move your ankles up and down or rotate them to increase circulation to the lower leg. You should also adjust your position or your seat about every 20 minutes. Even these slight movements can help keep the blood flowing which will prevent your muscles from getting stiff and sore.
Regular chiropractic care, as well as a consistent exercise routine, can help prevent back pain in many situations, including while driving. Your chiropractor can also recommend some back strengthening exercises and stretches that will help make your spine even healthier.
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