Acupuncture Treatment

[Wookie]

I had been having severe problems with cramps in my hands, chest, legs and feet. It was recommended to me to have some acupuncture treatments which I did. My cramps were solved, however, I have been left with a damaged nerve in my right hand. I can not use it in some positions without what feels like a severe electrical shock that runs from the tip of my little finger up my arm to my shoulder. It did not occur to me that this might happen ... but after it did I researched on the internet and found that there are many such stories. I just hope that this does not last as long as some that I have read about.

In addition, I found that the acupuncturist is supposed to cleanse the area prior to inserting the needle. The acupuncturist that I used did not do this ... nor did he make a note of where he placed the needles ... nor did he count them to make sure he removed them all. As a result one that he had placed in the middle of the upper part of my stomach was left in. When I left I started experiencing a pain in my stomach which I decided was caused by nerves because of the needle that had been put into my hand that had hurt so very bad (and left me with a damaged nerve). When I got home and put lunch on the table I was still hurting and becoming nauseated ... then the site where the needle was begin to itch ... this led me to find the needle which now had entered as far as it could (1 1/2"). I was rather in shock when I pulled it out and saw how far it had entered. In a few minutes the pain and nausea ceased and thankfully there have been no long term negative results.

I am posting this for those that are having treatment and those that are considering it as a warning to research this treatment before deciding to use it or continue using it. This nerve pain and some of the other problems that people have experienced are something you don't want to have happen to you.

[R2D2]

Thanks for the heads up.

Acupuncture is a well known and effective treatment, however, you must be very careful with the professional and how they handle the needles.

I used to go to an acupunturist a few years ago, and it was effective, but as you mention, sometimes the therapist is not careful with the needles.

One of the reasons I have not used acupuncture as a treatment is that I have always been afraid of contaminated needles.

I must be 100% sure that needles are brand new and that they will be destroyed afterwards.

I am still looking for an experienced and trustable acupuncturist

[Jim Bowie]

So, who was the acupuncturist?

[joco69]

Needles used for acupuncture are put very superficial under the skin, having had many treatments and seen treatments given to others, I believe that it is impossible to damage a nerve by inserting a needle for acupuncture. An acupuncturist knows the human body and nerve centers better than any medical professional.

I know of somebody with a similar problem you describe, his problem has been diagnosed from a needle while taking blood in a lab, your problem might be traced to such an event rather than acupuncture.

[Wookie]

Joco69, I am not an expert, however, I do know this: I have not had blood taken from the little finger of my right hand; I did have an acupuncture needle placed there and screamed when it was inserted; the pain I am still experiencing is the same pain that I experienced when the needle was first inserted. You might be interested in "googling" this subject and read other people's experiences. I also read an article in a medical journal on the internet that was very much in favor of acupuncture when it was done correctly ... however, it also stated that one of the adverse side effects was various degrees of nerve damage if not done correctly. Therefore, since my experience was as I stated ... I will not be partaking in the future.

[Jim Bowie]

So who is this guy?

[bezerk]

sorry you had this bad experience, it is very important to research and question whoever is doing acupuncture on you, clean needles etc...not just anyone is experienced in this...same issues with tattoo artists...you are fortunate you did nto get anything else from needle insertion in unclean areas...I wish you well, nerve damage is always a possibility when inserting needles in the body..

Vit B or B Complex is very good for helping some with cramps depending on cause.

[bwhite1948]

Cramps in chest may be a symptom of a serious problem. See a doctor. I'm not against alternative medicine, but cramps in chest?? See a doctor first.

[suzanjo]

I had gd experience using the DR at Total Body in Ajijic. I would appreciate knowing of whom you speak?

[Betsy]

I don't know but this topic was last month, a Dr.s name is mentioned .

http://www.chapala.com/webboard/index.php?showtopic=45291

Luke, did you talk to your Dr. About the problem you are having? What did he say about it?

[Wookie]

Thank you all for your concern. I did seek conventional medicine before trying acupuncture ... I saw an internist, a cardiologist, a lung specialist and a rhumatologist (sp). ... oh, and a neurologist. The problem had plaqued me for many months as you can see. No one was able to help me with the cramps but I was checked thoroughly for everything that anyone could think about. I had MRI's, CT Scans, etc. That is why I decided to go to the acupuncturist. As I said he did get rid of my cramps ... from head to toe but I am now dealing with this nerve in my hand. I will PM yall. Thanks again.

[Betsy]

Permanent nerve damage is rare as a result of acupuncture, soreness and the kind of pain you describe happens more often. So if your hand gets better the treatments will have done you more good than harm. Is there an acupuncturist out there that can avoid that 100% of the time ? I don't know , but nerves are tiny little things that can't be seen and some of the acupuncture points are located directly over the nerve, so surely skill can decrease the chance of that happening.

The scary thing is the needle that was left in your abdomen, if it had broken off and "traveled" it could have been a very serious issue for you! But, doctors are human and they make mistakes , I think it's a good idea for the patient to count what goes in and what goes out because any acupuncturist could potentially make that mistake. The one I use always counts, he says its the first thing he learned but no one is above error.

[joco69]

Joco69, I am not an expert, however, I do know this: I have not had blood taken from the little finger of my right hand; I did have an acupuncture needle placed there and screamed when it was inserted; the pain I am still experiencing is the same pain that I experienced when the needle was first inserted. You might be interested in "googling" this subject and read other people's experiences. I also read an article in a medical journal on the internet that was very much in favor of acupuncture when it was done correctly ... however, it also stated that one of the adverse side effects was various degrees of nerve damage if not done correctly. Therefore, since my experience was as I stated ... I will not be partaking in the future.

Luke, the possibility of lab work was just a suggestion since I have close knowledge of what happened to my partner, the symptons sounded so similar. Like you I am not an expert in acupuncture but I have used it many times and never have experienced any problems. Maybe you want to PM me the name of the Acupuncturist confidential and I could direct you to the one I use for a second opinion. Since the treatment relieved you of your original pain, maybe this is kind of a secondary reaction that might react positive to another treatment. If I would be you I would try it and be speaking to the acupuncturist frankly and see what he suggests.