Acupuncture for Back, Neck & Joint Pain
Drug-free pain relief that addresses the injured tissue, the nerve and the pattern behind it.
Pain relief acupuncture: key facts
- Common conditions
- Low back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, neck and upper back pain, shoulder pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, knee and meniscus pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Morton's neuroma, arthritis.
- Techniques
- Acupuncture, electro-acupuncture (TENS), cupping, Tui Na and medical massage, heat therapy and home exercises.
- Typical response
- Acute pain often eases within a few visits; chronic pain typically needs 6–12 treatments, then occasional maintenance.
- Surgery
- Several of our patients had been advised to consider surgery and chose to try acupuncture first. Always discuss surgical decisions with your surgeon.
Drug-free relief for pain that won't let go
Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common reasons people try acupuncture — and one of the most studied. Low back pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and osteoarthritis all appear on the World Health Organization's list of conditions for which acupuncture may be used.
Pain management is one of Ni-Fei Hsieh's specialties. As a licensed acupuncturist and licensed massage therapist, he combines needling with electro-stimulation, cupping and medical massage in the same visit, then gives you exercises to keep the improvement going.
Many of our pain patients have already tried physical therapy, chiropractic care, epidurals, steroids or cortisone shots. Some were scheduled for surgery. Acupuncture won't help everyone, but when it does, the relief is frequently longer-lasting than they expected.
Pain conditions we treat
Low back & sciatica
Lumbar strain, herniated or bulging discs, sciatic pain down the hip and leg, post-surgical back pain.
Neck & upper back
Stiff neck, whiplash and post-accident pain, degenerative neck, pinched nerves, cervical fusion.
Shoulder & arm
Frozen shoulder, scapular pain, tendonitis, tennis elbow, torn extensor muscles, carpal tunnel.
Hip & knee
Knee and meniscus pain, IT band syndrome, hip injuries, osteoarthritis.
Foot & ankle
Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bursitis, Morton's neuroma, chronic ankle pain.
Jaw & nerve pain
TMJ, trigeminal neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy and intercostal neuralgia.
Before surgery, consider this
Some of the most striking stories from our patients involve surgery that never had to happen:
- Helmut B., 63 — about to have back surgery; cancelled it, and within 2–3 months had no more pain.
- John C., 60 — five years of hand tendonitis and two cortisone shots, told surgery was next; after a few months, almost no pain and full range of motion.
- Alice L., 48 — ten years of sciatica despite epidurals, steroids and chiropractic; sustained relief within two months.
- Michael H., 24 — a snowboarding neck injury at 10/10 pain; 2/10 after four visits in six days.
Results vary from person to person. We will tell you honestly if we think your pain needs a surgical opinion first.
Back in motion
I'm back to running and doing triathlons and my back never felt this strong.— Paul O.Landing, NJ
After 4 or 5 visits the pain has disappeared from my leg, buttock and ankle.— Marie W.Rockaway, NJ · age 64
Five days later I completed a 20-mile bike tour and never once thought about my knee.— Adam L.New Providence, NJ · age 45
Pain level 10/10. Four visits (six days) later it is a 2/10.— Michael H.Madison, NJ · age 24
After a few sessions my sciatic pain was completely gone and has remained so.— Robert V.Mount Lake, NJ · age 56
Five months of physical therapy didn't help. I got better in 7 treatments.— Jose G.Kearny, NJ · age 53
Pain relief questions
How many acupuncture sessions does it take for back pain or sciatica?
Acute back pain often improves within a few sessions. Chronic sciatica and back pain usually need around 6–12 treatments, often twice a week at first. Several of our patients felt significant relief after 4 or 5 visits.
Can acupuncture help a herniated disc?
Acupuncture can reduce pain, muscle spasm and nerve irritation associated with herniated discs. One patient with three herniated discs returned to running and triathlons. Seek urgent medical care for leg weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.
What is electro-acupuncture for pain?
A gentle electrical current, similar to a TENS unit, is applied through needles to relax tight muscles and calm nerve pain. It is commonly used for neck, shoulder, back and sciatic pain.
Does insurance cover acupuncture for pain?
Many plans cover acupuncture, particularly for pain. If we are in network we verify your benefits and bill your insurer; if not, we give you a bill to submit for reimbursement.
Related pages
Ready to feel like yourself again?
Call the office nearest you to schedule. New patients should allow about 90 minutes for the first visit, which includes a full health history, pulse and tongue diagnosis and your first treatment.