Expert: R. Scott Malone L.Ac. - 9/11/2008

Question
Scott,

    My mom has lower back pain from lumbar stenosis and scoliosis.  She also is a diet controlled diabetic that experiences neuropathy in her feet and legs. She has hypertension that she takes medicine for.  A few days ago she went to an acupuncturist for her lower back pain.  After the treatment, her lower back pain moved sides, her neuropathy got worse in her feet and moved up her body and she was light headed with her balance somewhat off.  Is this usual?  Will her symptoms worsen with treatment without getting better?  She is apprehensive about going to her second treatment.  Thank you,

Margie

Answer
Hey Margie,

In my experience, sometimes the first treatment can be rather intense, especially if the condition has been chronic.

This is the body rebalancing. The body is used to being a certain way and now it is being asked to be different.

To a certain extent, any change is good change, even if it isn't comfortable. The fact that the pain moved is very positive.

I think that as treatment continues, they will be less dramatic and uncomfortabnle.

Things sometimes feel worse as they correct themselves, this is sometimes called a healing crisis.

My opinion would be to stick it out, I think you have found a good acupuncturist.

Scott