Is acupuncture just a placebo?
Traditional scientific literature has gathered a significant amount of information on the mechanism behind acupuncture and pain relief. This effect is not a placebo, as the pain relief provided by acupuncture can actually be blocked/reversed by administering an opiate-receptor antagonist like naloxone. If we can block the pain relief effect, then we are not dealing with a “sugar pill” type of treatment. That being said, there are three main mechanisms by which acupuncture controls pain:
- Localized Pain Relief
- Generalized/Systemic Pain Relief
- Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Localized Pain Relief?
When an acupuncture needle is inserted into a localized region of pain the nerve fibers that detect pain are stimulated. These nerve fibers will in turn generate an electrical impulse that is sent to the spinal cord. In the spinal cord endorphogenic cells are stimulated to release endorphins (enkephalin/dynorphin). Enkephalin and dynorphin provide localized inhibition/blocking of the incoming pain signal. Blocking this signal decreases localized pain.
True injury to the sciatic nerve, called ‘sciatica,’ is rare. Still, the term can also describe any pain that originates in the lower back and radiates through the hips and down one leg.
It can cause weakness, numbness, or tingling in your leg, foot, and toes.
Generalized/System Pain Relief
The same electrical impulse that is sent to the spinal cord when an acupuncture needle is inserted into a painful region of the body, is also transmitted to a region of the brain called the periaqueductal gray. Enkephalin is released, which in turn causes the release of monoamine neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine in turn help suppress the transmission of the pain signal. Blocking this signal has a more generalized pain relief effect on the entire body. And in addition to its role in the reduction of the pain signal, serotonin also has an anti-depressant effect in the brain. Due to the high prevalence of associated psychological factors, this can be particularly beneficial to the chronic pain patient.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Lastly, acupuncture stimulates the release of beta-endorphins and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream and cerebrospinal fluid. The beta-endorphins produce generalized/system wide pain relief and ACTH stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol into the bloodstream. Cortisol has well documented anti-inflammatory properties. Simply stated, reduce inflammation, reduce pain.
The Combined Effects?
The combination of these three mechanisms can make acupuncture a very effective tool for treating both acute and chronic pain conditions. Speak with our chiropractor or acupuncturist today.
Author:
Dr. Michael Lehr DC, Dip. Ac., Hons. BSc.