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Acupuncture/Nerve damage and muscle weakness

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Expert: - 9/8/2011


Question
I am curious to know if you think that acupuncture could help nerve damage in hand, fingers and arm caused from a ruptured disc.  I am now having physical therapy.  I'm told it will take a long time for recovery.  My index finger and thumb do not have movement in the top joint, and I am unable to lift my little finger, plus the weakness in my arm and wrist.

Thank you for any information you can give.

Answer
HI Judy,
Absolutely, acupuncture can help heal nerve damage.  I have helped many people personally recover from it.  And I helped a man when I was in China that had severed his hand in a motorcycle accident.  He reattached it and with daily acupuncture regained the use of all his fingers.  So, yes acupuncture would be a good adjunct to physical therapy.  The sooner you start treatment the better.  The farther you are away from the damage the longer it will take.  Look for someone that is board certified with NCCAOM.  Someone with this credentialing will have the most knowledge.  Go to NCCAOM.org to find a practitioner.  Good luck

Heather Vandeburg LAc MSOM

Acupuncture

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Heather Vandeburg L.Ac M.S.O.M. dipl.Ac

Expertise

I can answer any questions about Acupuncture, Chinese Herbals, Tuina (Chinese massage, Cupping, and Gua Sha. I can answer questions about Qi, Meridians, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory. I can answer how these different modalities can benefit different conditions.

Experience

I have a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practice in DeKalb IL. I have been practicing TCM since 2002. I have given many lectures and classes on the subject of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Women’s Health, Nutrition and Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation. This Includes speaking at an International Conference for the United Leukodystrophy Foundation.

Organizations
AAOM, NCCAOM, CCAOM, ILAAOM, APA

Publications
For Women Today, ILAAOM publications, State of Dentistry,

Education/Credentials
Master degree in Oriental Medicine, Bachelor degree in Nutrition, Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences. I am lisensed and board certified in Acupuncture. I did an advanced internship at Guang Zhou University in Guang Zhou China.

Awards and Honors
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine

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