Acupuncture may help ease chronic pain in young people

(courtesy aboutkidshealth.ca)

A recent article published on the About Kids Health resource website reviews interesting findings as well as interviews of youngsters and physicians alike who find acupuncture beneficial to the youngest members of our community. At Health On Point, I use specific pediatric techniques when supporting young and sensitive patients. We are able to address complaints ranging from developmental delays, stress, sports injuries to symptoms or discomfort resulting from complex neurological disorders. Call for a consultation or appointment today.

When teenager Andrew Pearce was first diagnosed with the immune system disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome, he could barely walk. He was in deep aching pain. His muscles were weak. At one point, he could not move anything in his body from his shoulders down. He went through a long series of therapies, including acupuncture, to help restore his muscle function. Acupuncture aided with his recovery by helping to stimulate the nerves and loosen the muscles in his knees.

Over the past several decades, people like Andrew have turned more and more to complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) such as acupuncture. In children with medical conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and cystic fibrosis, the use of CAMs is 30% to 70%. Acupuncture is a popular way of managing symptoms. It is among the CAM therapies most frequently recommended by family physicians. One-third of paediatric pain centres in the United States now offer acupuncture as part of their services. Physicians are recognizing the value of acupuncture as a helpful and valid treatment option.

In 2000, Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital established an acupuncture clinic in conjunction with the Michener Institute. Headed by Dr. Adam Chen, a licensed acupuncturist with over 30 years of clinical experience, Mount Sinai offers acupuncture to a wide variety of patients who live with chronic pain. About 10% of his patients are children. Working at Mount Sinai provides acupuncture practitioners and students with “a new perspective on the application of acupuncture and the role it can play when combined with modern medicine in a clinical setting,” says Dr. Chen...

Is acupuncture effective for chronic pain in children and teens?

A number of studies support the use of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain. One trial evaluated 47 young people aged five to 20 years who received acupuncture for various chronic pain conditions. Seventy per cent of patients and 59% of their parents found acupuncture helpful in relieving pain. The study also found that 67% of patients and 60% of parents thought the treatment experience was pleasant or positive.