Expert: Tamsen Staniford, L.Ac. - 10/21/2010

Question
Hi,
I have reached a desperate stage.  Many years ago I broke my neck in a car accident.  It took about 2 years of recovery and I have been in perfect health for at least 15 years.  Then almost 3 months ago I woke up in severe pain, in my arms and back.  As the pain spread, it was finally diagnosed that I have 2 root nerve impingement on left and right side.  Osteophytes (bone spurs) and narrowing of something or other.  Some days are better than others but the pain is mostly intense.  I've had to stop all activities including exercise workouts which I really miss.  I've tried physical therapy, massage therapy, steroid shots and am now doing cervical epidurals.
Nothing helps.  Do you think acupuncture could help this pain?  I get many muscle spasms in my back, which radiates to my arms and also my neck.
I'm desperate to find something and get my life back on track.  I'm 41 years old, a female and otherwise in good health.  Do you know of anyone who's had success with acupuncture with this type of medical problem, and if so, how many sessions does it usually take to feel relief?

Answer
Good day,

Acupuncture can be helpful for some people with this condition to relieve irritation of the nerve root depending on how badly it is impinged.  For some people it may also address the pain.  Therefore, I think it's worth giving a try in your case.
However, be aware that because the problem is caused by the physical bone spurs impinging the nerve roots, and acupuncture will not effect those bone spurs, the underlying problem will not go away.
That said, I still believe it is worth trying acupuncture to help relieve some of the pain.

Best of luck to you in your search for pain relief!