Acupuncture is a type of treatment that has been used for thousands of years, especially in parts of Asia. It involves putting very thin needles into specific spots on the body. Many people have wondered if acupuncture can help with arthritis pain, which is a common problem that causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. The good news is that there is a lot of research looking into this question, and the results are promising.
Arthritis is not just one disease. There are many types, but the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in the joints wears down over time, which is common as people get older. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints. Both types can cause a lot of pain and make it hard to move around. Many people try different medicines and treatments, but sometimes these do not work well or have side effects. That is why some people turn to acupuncture as another option.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve movement in people with arthritis. One big review looked at 84 studies with more than 7,000 patients who had different kinds of arthritis. The researchers found that certain types of acupuncture, like small needle knife therapy and joint mobilization combined with warm acupuncture-moxibustion, worked better than regular physical therapy and Western medicine for improving how well people felt and how much their symptoms improved. For example, joint mobilization with warm acupuncture-moxibustion gave the biggest boost in healing rates compared to other treatments. This means that people who got this type of acupuncture were more likely to feel better and see their symptoms go away faster than those who only had physical therapy or Western medicine [1].
Another study focused on older adults with chronic low back pain, which is a type of pain that can be similar to arthritis pain. The researchers found that acupuncture helped these older adults feel less pain and move around more easily. This is important because many older adults have arthritis, and being able to move without pain can make a big difference in their daily lives [2].
When it comes to osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis, acupuncture has also shown good results. Research has found that acupuncture works better than other forms of traditional Chinese medicine for osteoarthritis, and it has very few side effects. This means that people who try acupuncture for osteoarthritis are more likely to feel better and less likely to have problems from the treatment [3].
There are also studies that compare different types of acupuncture. For example, some researchers looked at manual acupuncture, where needles are put in by hand, laser acupuncture, which uses light instead of needles, and bee venom acupuncture, where a small amount of bee venom is used. These studies found that all these types of acupuncture can help with pain and joint damage, but they work in slightly different ways. Manual acupuncture is the most common type, and it has been shown to reduce pain and improve how well joints work. Laser acupuncture and bee venom acupuncture are newer types, and they also seem to help, but more research is needed to know exactly how they work and who they work best for [5].
One of the biggest concerns people have about any treatment is safety. The good news is that acupuncture is generally safe when it is done by a trained professional. Most people do not have serious side effects, and the ones that do happen are usually mild, like a little soreness or bruising where the needles go in. In fact, studies have found that acupuncture causes fewer side effects than many medicines used for arthritis pain [1].
It is also important to know that acupuncture does not work the same for everyone. Some people feel a lot better after a few treatments, while others might not notice much change. This can depend on the type of arthritis, how bad the pain is, and other health problems a person might have. But overall, the evidence shows that acupuncture can be a helpful part of a treatment plan for arthritis pain.
Many doctors and researchers agree that acupuncture is worth trying for people with arthritis pain, especially if other treatments have not worked well or have caused side effects. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has said that acupuncture can help older adults with chronic pain, including arthritis pain, and that it is safe when done correctly [2]. Other big reviews of research have found that acupuncture works better than fake acupuncture (where needles are put in but not in the right spots) for pain relief. This means that the benefits of acupuncture are real and not just because people think it will work [4].
In real life, people who try acupuncture for arthritis pain often say they feel less pain and can do more things they enjoy. Some say they sleep better and feel less stiff in the morning. Others say they can walk farther or do housework without as much pain. These improvements can make a big difference in quality of life.
Acupuncture is not a cure for arthritis, but it can help manage the pain and make daily life easier. It is often used along with other treatments, like medicines, exercise, and physical therapy. Some people find that combining acupuncture with other treatments works best for them.
If you are thinking about trying acupuncture for arthritis pain, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor first. They can help you decide if it is right for you and can tell you about any risks or things to watch out for. It is also important to find a licensed acupuncturist who has training and experience. This helps make sure the treatment is safe and done correctly.
In short, acupuncture can be a helpful way to manage arthritis pain for many people. Research shows it can reduce pain, improve movement, and has few side effects. It is not a miracle cure, but it can make a real difference in how people feel and what they can do every day.
[1] Frontiers in Medicine
[2] NIH Research Matters
[3] Tandfonline
[4] Penn LDI
[5] Dovepress
