Expert: Heather Vandeburg L.Ac M.S.O.M. dipl.Ac - 9/11/2008

Question
Hi Heather!

  My mom has lower back pain from lumbar stenosis and scoliosis. She also is a diet controlled diabetic and experiences neuropathy in her feet and legs.  She also has hypertensin that she takes medication for. She went to see an acupuncturist a few days ago for her lower back pain and the pain seemed to moved sides, her neuropathy worsened and moved up her body and she is feeling light headed with her balance somewhat off.  She is wondering if she should go back. Is this usual? Will it continue to worsen before it gets better? Will it worsen without getting better?  Thank you!

Margie

Answer
Hi Margie,
Yes, your mom should go back and she should talk to her acupuncturist and tell them her symptoms.  Sometimes, acupuncture get things stirred up.  The lightheaded feeling should subside.  It sounds like her treatment was just a little too strong.  The fact that she had change in her symptoms, even if they were for the worse is a good sign.  Changing symptoms means that her issues are changeable and means that they can be permanently changed and removed.  It may be a bumpy ride for your mom but she should stick with it.  She may just need a less vigorous treatment next time.

Warm regards,
Heather Vandeburg LAc MSOM