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Pain
How to Treat Pelvic Congestion Syndrome With Acupuncture and TCM
By Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Pelvic pain that gets worse after standing for a long time? Urinary pain and urgency? Lower back pain and sciatica? Bloated stomach after eating? These can all be symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), or vaginal varicose veins. Acupuncture and TCM offer an alternative treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome.
What is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)?
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a chronic condition caused by varicose veins in the pelvis—similar to varicose veins that commonly occur in the legs. These dilated veins in the pelvis can cause severe pelvic pain, particularly a feeling of heaviness or aching pain that worsens over the day. PCS pain can often get worse after standing for long periods.
Pelvic congestion is one of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain, but PCS often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as:
- Endometriosis
- uterine fibroids/leiomyoma of the uterus
- bladder pain/interstitial cystitis
- ovarian cysts
- Generalized back pain, lower back pain, hip pain, or groin pain
All of these conditions can cause chronic pain in the pelvic area.
In Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, dilated veins around the ovaries and the vulvovaginal can happen due to venous obstruction, problems with valves in the blood vessels, and/or changes in hormone levels.
PCS does not only affect women. Men can also suffer from pelvic congestion syndrome and experience chronic pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain conditions related to vascular issues and blood flow are complicated. Most health conditions related to pelvic pain in relation to reproductive organs, and in particular CPS, are still not very well understood by modern medicine.
TCM offers a holistic approach to reproductive healthcare. Acupuncture treatment can help address the many factors involved in pelvic congestion syndrome.
Top 10 Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Symptoms
PCS symptoms can vary from patient to patient, but the most common signs of PCS include:
- Pelvic pain that gets worse as the day goes on. Discomfort tends to accumulate as the day progresses due to the pooling of blood in the pelvic veins, leading to increased pressure.
- Pelvic pain that worsens when standing for long periods. Many women report that standing for extended periods increases the feeling of pressure and pain in the pelvic region.
- Pelvic pain after eating, abdominal pain after meals. Eating can trigger pain and bloating, making meals uncomfortable.
- Urinary incontinence, an inability to control urination, especially when coughing or lifting something heavy.
- Painful urination (urinary pain),burning during urination, often confused with a UTI (urinary tract infection).
- Urinary urgency, sudden need to urinate, sudden, intense urge to urinate, which can feel similar to bladder conditions.
- IBS symptoms, alternating constipation and diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
- Lower back pain, radiating pain in the lower back, often mistaken for sciatica or musculoskeletal problems.
- Throbbing in the legs, achy legs after standing for a long time, poor circulation in the lower extremities, causing aching, swelling, and throbbing in the legs.
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia), pain during or after sex due to the increased pressure and swelling of the pelvic veins.
What Does Pelvic Congestion Pain Feel Like?
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) are two conditions that cause debilitating pain in the pelvic region, yet they are distinct in the way they present.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is primarily caused by varicose veins in the pelvis, leading to blood pooling in the veins and creating chronic pelvic pain, particularly in women of childbearing age. PCS pain tends to worsen after long periods of standing, physical activity, or after sexual intercourse.
PCS is often associated with hormonal changes and pregnancy, but it is also underdiagnosed because the symptoms can overlap with other pelvic disorders besides pregnancy.
Diagnostic tools like Doppler ultrasound or venography are often needed to identify the underlying venous issues, which may be treated with hormone therapy, vein embolization, or surgery.
Medications that suppress estrogen may be prescribed to help relieve symptoms. These include Depo-Provera, Implanon, or Goserelin. These are all drugs that also prevent pregnancy, so they are not helpful for people who may be hoping to get pregnant, or who want or need to avoid taking hormonal birth control for whatever reason.
Ovarian vein embolization is a procedure that blocks or ties off veins so that blood isn’t flowing or pooling in areas of the pelvis.
Acupuncture offers an natural treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome, without side effects of hormonal birth control.
Can Acupuncture Help Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly acupuncture, can be an effective modality for treating conditions like Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS).
Acupuncture has been widely adopted in both Eastern and Western countries for managing pain syndromes. The central mechanism behind acupuncture’s effectiveness in these cases is its ability to stimulate specific acupoints, improving local blood circulation and reducing inflammation, which ultimately helps in alleviating pain.
The muscles and fascia inside the pelvis play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the pelvis and spine. The fascia in the pelvis can be compromised by trauma, postural stress, pregnancy, anxiety, and other subtle factors.
This is one of the reasons the pelvic pain and congestion can be difficult for conventional medicine to address properly. Visceral pain in the pelvic may not be easily “visible,” as it can be caused by microtraumas, adhesions, scar tissue, and pain referring from one area to another.
Acupuncture treatment can help relieve this type of pain, as placing needles in acupoints has an analgesic, as well as a calming, effect.
Research has demonstrated that acupuncture can release certain neurochemicals like adenosine, which exerts an analgesic effect during stimulation of acupoints, offering relief from pain in conditions like CPPS. This mechanism helps reduce inflammation and regulate pain by influencing inflammatory mediators, which play a significant role in chronic pelvic pain disorders.
Clinical trials have specifically shown that acupuncture improves symptoms in both men and women suffering from CPPS, with better outcomes than placebo or sham treatments.
One study looked at male patients with pelvic pain and venous congestion. After five weekly sessions of acupuncture treatment, patients reported significant reduction in pain, and MR venography showed reduction in intrapelvic venous congestion.
Specific formulations of Chinese herbs have been developed to help address the root cause of pelvic congestion, while also relieving painful symptoms.
Acupuncture’s ability to relieve pain through modulation of inflammatory processes makes it an excellent alternative or complementary therapy for chronic pelvic pain conditions.
Acupuncture Near Me for PCS in West LA
At Art of Wellness Acupuncture and TCM in Santa Monica, we have over 35 years of experience helping people with all kinds of chronic pain conditions. We offer highly specialized care for people experiencing reproductive issues, pregnancy, pelvic pain, referred back pain, lower back pain, hip pain, and groin pain. Our team of practitioners spend time with each patient to provide holistic care that takes the whole person into account: physical, mental, and emotional. If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic pelvic pain, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Bone Spurs With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Heel pain when walking? Numbness in arms or legs? Hip pain? These can all be signs of bone spurs, or osteophytes—bony projections that develop around joints or along the spine. Acupuncture and TCM can help alleviate pain and tingling related to heel spurs and bone spurs on spine,and help to prevent further growth of bone spurs.
Bone spurs are essentially extra bone tissue that grows around the edges of bones. This happens most commonly where two different bones meet in a joint. Bone spurs can grow in many areas: knees, hips, bone spurs on feet, shoulder, ankle, or bone spur in back.
What Is the Root Cause of Bone Spurs?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes cartilage to wear down over time. Sometimes bone spurs develop as the body’s way of making up for loss of cartilage in a particular area, trying to fill in the gap.
Bone spurs can also grow due to pressure on a bone, which can either be due to repetitive stress from movement (sports, dancing, etc.), extra weight because of obesity, or wearing shoes that rub or pinch the heel or top of the foot.
Maybe you’ve noticed foot spurs on heel. Heel spurs often relate to plantar fasciitis—inflammation in the ligaments of the foot that causes heel pain. Bone spur heel can develop as the body’s reaction to plantar fasciitis, causing sharp pain in the foot.
You might feel a lump or bump growing on the top of your foot or on one of your toes. Bone spurs in foot or heel are very common, especially as people age. The older you are, the higher your risk of developing bone spurs.
Having flat feet can also increase the risk of bones spurs on feet, as this condition puts extra stress on the many small bones and joints in your feet.
Osteophytosis of the spine can develop in the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine), potentially causing pain, stiffness, and nerve compression, leading to tingling or numbness in the arms and/or legs.
Bone Spur Symptoms
Many people have bone spurs without realizing it, because bone spurs don’t necessarily cause pain. In other cases, bone spurs can cause serious, debilitating pain, making it difficult to walk.
The most common signs of bone spurs include:
- Stiffness
- Redness and swelling around the bone spur
- Stiff joints
- Weakness in limbs
- Tingling or numbness in limbs
- Corns on the toes
- Difficulty standing or walking
Heel Spur Treatment
Bone spurs are typically diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These tests help determine the size and location of the bone spur and assess the extent of any associated damage to surrounding tissues, such as cartilage, muscles, or nerves.
Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections may also be used to provide temporary relief from pain.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be recommended. Procedures such as a bone spur removal (osteophyte excision) or joint replacement (in cases of severe osteoarthritis) may be performed. In some cases of heel spurs, this is combined with plantar fascia release surgery.
Most bone spurs, however, do not require surgery. It is possible to relieve pain and pressure caused by bone spurs and prevent them from growing bigger. Acupuncture and TCM can help by addressing the root cause of bone spurs.
Can Acupuncture Help Bone Spurs?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bone spurs are viewed as the result of imbalances within the body, particularly related to deficiencies in the Kidney and Liver organ systems.
What deficiency causes bone spurs?
According to TCM theory, the Kidneys govern the bones and produce marrow, which nourishes the bones. This concept of the “kidney” is very different from the way we think of it in modern medicine; it is more of a functional concept of how water is metabolized in the body, and how it relates to growth, development, and aging. Kidney deficiency can lead to weakened bones and the development of osteophytes.
Herbs that nourish the kidney system will be combined with acupuncture treatment. Specific acupoints can be used to stimulate the parathyroid gland, which plays a role in calcium utilization.
Acupuncture treatment can help provide pain relief for many orthopedic conditions that cause joint pain or bone pain, including tennis elbow, bursitis/hip pain, and arthritis.
One case study of a woman suffering from heel pain that had not resolved with conventional treatments of local steroid injections. After receiving regular acupuncture treatments over a course of six months, the patient reported that her pain had gone from an 8 on the pain scale to a 3. Radiology imaging showed, after the course of acupuncture treatment, that the bone spur was no longer in evidence.
Your TCM practitioner may recommend eating a diet that supports bone health, including foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients. Foods that nourish the Kidneys, such as black beans, walnuts, and seaweed, will usually be emphasized.
Acupuncture Near Me for Bone Spurs in Los Angeles
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine provide a holistic and effective way to manage and treat bone spurs. Drs. Tan and Cai at Art of Wellness in West L.A. have over 35 years of experience helping people find relief from bone pain due to all kinds of conditions. Whether you’re dealing with heel spurs, spinal osteophytes, or foot spurs, TCM can be an integral part of your treatment plan, offering a natural and holistic approach to long-term bone health.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Shin Splints With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Shin pain, especially during or after exercise? Tenderness and swelling around the shin bone? These may be signs of shin splints, or a shin strain. Acupuncture and TCM can provide shin splints treatment.
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), are a common condition characterized by pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). This discomfort typically occurs during or after exercise, particularly activities that involve running, jumping, or repetitive stress on the legs.
Shin splints are often attributed to overuse or excessive strain on the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue of the lower leg. This condition involves stress to the soft tissues that causes them to become swollen and hard.
Shin splints pain can be similar to compartment syndrome symptoms, but these are two distinctly different conditions. Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling in the calf area causes a blockage of blood flow to the lower leg. This usually happens due to an injury (acute compartment syndrome) or extreme exertion (chronic exertional compartment syndrome) and causes a severe lack of oxygen in the area. Compartment syndrome usually causes severe pain, sometimes with a tingling or burning sensation, and requires medical attention.
What Causes Shin Splints?
Several factors can contribute to the development of shin splints. One of the primary causes is repetitive stress or overloading of the leg muscles, particularly those responsible for dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upwards) and supporting the arch of the foot. This can occur due to sudden increases in activity level, such as starting a new exercise regimen or intensifying training too quickly, without allowing adequate time for the body to adapt and recover.
Some people may be more prone to developing shin splints because of issues like flat feet, overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot), and muscle imbalances in the lower limbs can place additional strain on the shinbone and surrounding soft tissues, increasing the risk of injury.
Wearing footwear with insufficient cushioning or support, running on hard or uneven surfaces, and running downhill or on inclined terrain can all exacerbate the stress on the lower legs and contribute to the development of shin splints. Additionally, factors such as tight calf muscles, weak shin muscles, and not warming up or stretching before exercise can further increase susceptibility to this condition.
Taking care to stretch and warm up before working out, wearing shoes with enough support, and gradually increasing intensity of training can help prevent shin splints.
However, runners and athletes who play basketball or soccer are likely to experience shin splints when they are training and competing.
Shin splints treatment generally requires time and patience. Acupuncture can provide pain relief and help speed recovery from shin splints.
Top 10 Signs and Symptoms of Shin Splints
These signs and symptoms may vary in severity and duration depending on the individual and the underlying causes of shin splints.
- Pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), typically felt during or after physical activity.
- Tenderness and soreness along the shinbone, especially upon palpation or pressure.
- Swelling or inflammation of the lower leg, often localized to the area of pain.
- Dull, aching pain that may worsen with activity and subside with rest.
- Discomfort that initially occurs at the beginning of exercise but may progress to persist throughout the activity.
- Pain that gradually increases in intensity or becomes more widespread over time.
- Pain that may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness or stiffness in the muscles of the lower leg.
- Pain that persists even after cessation of activity and may interfere with daily activities.
- Possible development of small lumps or bumps along the inner border of the shinbone due to inflammation or irritation of the surrounding tissues.
- Pain that improves with rest but recurs upon resuming physical activity, especially activities that involve impact or weight-bearing on the legs.
Shin Splints Treatment
Conventional treatment of shin splints usually involves rest and over the counter pain relief. Typically, a doctor will recommend that a person with shin splints limits their exercise to low-impact activities. Icing the area several times per day is advised.
Acupuncture treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome can help relieve shin pain quickly.
One case study showed that a patient who had been suffering from shin splints for six weeks got pain relief after one session of acupuncture treatment, and at a four week follow, was still pain-free.
Can Acupuncture Help Shin Splints?
Acupuncture treatment helps with the healing of soft tissue injuries by increasing circulation to the area, relieving inflammation, and aiding in the release of endorphins for pain relief. It does this by activating Qi to move blood and energy more efficiently through the body.
One study of three groups of athletes with shin splints looked at patients who received conventional sports medicine, patients who received acupuncture, and patients who received both. The groups who received acupuncture treatment reported significantly lower pain levels and used less NSAIDs than those who did not receive acupuncture.
Acupuncture Near Me for Shin Splints in West Los Angeles
Acupuncture is an effective modality for treating many kinds of repetitive stress injuries and nerve pain conditions, including sprained ankles, Baker’s cyst, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Tan has over 35 years of experience helping patients find pain relief and improved mobility through treating all kinds of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. While each case is unique, it is possible to get pain relief quickly with TCM treatment, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, therapeutic massage like Tui Na, topical herbal patches, and herbal ointments. If you are in pain and need to heal quickly to get back to your regular activities, acupuncture can help.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Myofascial Pain Syndrome With Acupuncture and TCM
By Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Muscle aches and pains? Knotted muscles? Pain in trigger points? These could be signs of myofascial pain syndrome. Acupuncture and TCM can provide myofascial release and help relieve chronic myofascial pain (MPS pain).
Myofascial pain disorder is a common, yet often overlooked chronic pain condition that affects the muscles and fascia. Fascia is the thin connective tissue that is found all over the body, holding muscles, organs, and blood vessels together. Fascia is also filled with nerves, which makes it highly sensitive.
Healthy fascia is thin, stretchy and pliable. Stress, injuries, weakness and other issues can cause fascia to tighten up, become sticky, dry, or thicker. This can cause painful knots to develop in your muscles.
These areas are sometimes called fascial adhesions, or myofascial trigger points, and they can be very tender to the touch and cause muscle soreness, aches and pains.
Chronic myofascial pain can seem very similar to fibromyalgia, or symptoms of ME/CFS, and is sometimes misdiagnosed as such. However, these conditions are distinct from one another.
Fibromyalgia causes widespread, diffuse pain and tenderness all over the body, while myofascial pain is centered around specific trigger point sites. Fibro, as it is sometimes called, is believed to be caused by a disorder within the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia is usually triggered by stress, trauma, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, or sensitivities to weather changes.
It has been suggested that long-term myofascial pain syndrome may ultimately lead to a person developing fibromyalgia, as the brain and nervous system become so used to experiencing pain that they begin to produce disordered pain signaling.
Acupuncture treatment, cupping, and therapeutic Chinese massage can provide trigger point therapy that is effective for relieving tight muscles and soreness.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome Symptoms
People experience myofascial pain differently from one another; each case is unique. For some people, the pain can come and go suddenly; for others, it’s a constant, dull pain.
Myofascial pain syndrome can feel like:
- Tight muscles, stiffness
- Throbbing pain
- Dull, aching pain
- Sore muscles, tender areas
- Knotted muscles, nodules or bumps in specific areas that are sore
- Muscle weakness
- Limited range of motion
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Myofascial pain can be localized in one area, or referred pain, which spreads to other nearby areas. Myofascial referred pain patterns can look like pain that originates in the rotator cuff which then spreads to the deltoid, and even down the arm to the hand.
What Causes Myofascial Pain?
Medical science is not entirely clear on the causes of myofascial pain syndrome, but it seems to occur more often in people who have experienced things like:
- Periods of inactivity, such as having one of your limbs in a cast
- Repetitive movements in your work
- Pinched nerves
- Injury to a muscle or muscle group
- Having to work outdoors in the cold
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism
- Deficiencies in Vitamin D or folate, or iron deficiency
- Stress, chronic tension that leads to clenched muscles
- Structural conditions like scoliosis, spondylosis, or osteoarthritis
Estimates suggest that the majority of people who are treated for chronic musculoskeletal pain may have myofascial pain syndrome. Up to 85% of the general population may experience myofascial pain at some point in time.
Treatment for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
One of the primary approaches to managing myofascial pain syndrome is physical therapy. Physical therapists may use manual therapy, stretching exercises, and postural correction to address muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and release tension in affected muscles. Trigger point therapy, which involves applying pressure to trigger points to release muscle knots and promote relaxation, is a common component of physical therapy for MPS.
Modalities such as heat therapy and cold therapy may also be used in conjunction with physical therapy to provide pain relief and enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Heat therapy helps to increase blood flow and promote muscle relaxation, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb the affected area.
In addition to physical therapy and modalities, medications may be prescribed to manage pain and improve symptoms associated with myofascial pain syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine or benzodiazepines may also be prescribed to help relax tense muscles and improve sleep quality. In some cases, tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsant medications may be used to modulate pain signals and improve overall pain management.
Trigger point injections are another treatment option for myofascial pain syndrome, particularly for individuals who experience severe or persistent symptoms that do not respond adequately to conservative measures. During a trigger point injection procedure, a local anesthetic or corticosteroid is injected directly into the trigger point to help alleviate pain and reduce muscle tension.
Acupuncture needling is also considered an effective and valuable treatment option for myofascial release and relief of musculoskeletal pain.
Can Acupuncture Help Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Many studies conducted over the past two decades point to acupuncture as an effective mode of treatment for myofascial pain syndrome.
Acupuncture is effective for myofascial pain because it can positively affect the central nervous system, increase blood flow, increase endorphin production, improve fascial adhesions, and promote muscle relaxation. Acupoints used in TCM correspond closely with myofascial trigger points.
One study looked at patients who received two acupuncture treatments per week for four weeks on trigger points in the upper trapezius. Patients reported significant reduction in pain after just two weeks.
Another study followed two groups of patients with myofascial pain centered in the neck area. One group received acupuncture treatment. The other group had acupuncture and also engaged in regular aerobic exercise. Findings showed that both groups experienced significant improvement in pain symptoms.
A review of studies found that acupuncture was effective both for reducing myofascial pain and improving function and mobility.
Acupuncturists may also use electro-acupuncture, cupping, and massage techniques like gua sha and tui na to help move lymph and blood, release muscle trigger points, and improve muscular movement that has been limited by pain.
Acupuncture Near Me for Myofascial Pain Syndrome in Los Angeles
At Art of Wellness Acupuncture in West L.A., we have over 35 years of experience helping people find relief from musculoskeletal pain of all kinds. Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai are able to use electro-acupuncture, cupping, and massage techniques like Tuina for myofascial release. If you are suffering from muscle pain and tenderness, do not hesitate to make an appointment with us.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Costochondritis With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac. Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Chest pain? Rib pain, sternum pain? These can be costochondritis symptoms, caused by inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. Acupuncture and TCM can provide costochondritis treatment to relieve pain and inflammation.
Costochondritis is a pain condition caused by inflammation of cartilage in the rib cage. It can be scary, because the pain can feel like a heart attack or a symptom of heart disease.
It is quite common for people who are experiencing costochondritis pain to visit the emergency room complaining of chest pain. Almost 10% of ER visits are related to chest pain symptoms, and a significant number of those turn out to be related to something other than heart problems.
Sometimes called “chest wall pain syndrome,” or costosternal syndrome, costochondritis is considered a syndrome because it presents as a set of symptoms that often does not have a clear cause.
Possible causes of costochondritis include:
- Trauma or injury to the chest or ribs
- Persistent cough
- Repeated bouts of vomiting
- Chest or lung infection
- Allergies that affect the lungs
- Fibromyalgia
- Tietze syndrome
Suddenly doing some kind of heavy labor or intense workout that you’re not used to, that causes you to be winded, could cause inflammation of the chest. Playing contact sports in which you may be tackled or collide with another player or get hit hard with a ball in the chest could also cause costochondritis.
Tietze syndrome is a rare condition in which the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone becomes inflamed and swollen. With Tietze syndrome, the pain and swelling in the chest is usually higher up, around the second and third ribs.
Costochondritis pain usually is felt more on the left side of the chest, radiating outward, and there isn’t any swelling involved.
Rib pain may be exacerbated when lying down, which can make it difficult to sleep comfortably.
Costochondritis is most commonly experienced by people in middle age (40-50s), but it can occur in children and adolescents, as well as adults.
In most cases, costochondritis is temporary. However, costochondritis pain can limit your activities and be debilitating for weeks, or even months. One study showed that up to a third of adults reported pain persisting beyond a year.
Acupuncture has been shown to help alleviate costochondritis pain, often in a matter of weeks.
Costochondritis Symptoms
Costochondritis pain can range anywhere from a slight tenderness to severe chest pain. In mild cases, the pain may go away in a matter of days, but in other cases, the pain can become serious.
Symptoms of costochondritis include:
- Sharp chest pain
- Chest pressure, chest ache, tenderness in breastbone
- Pain on the left side of chest, to the left of the breastbone
- Rib pain in more than one rib
- Pain radiating to shoulders and/or arms
- Chest pain when coughing, sneezing, or taking a deep breath
- Pain in chest when reaching up or twisting the torso
- Rib pain when lying down
- Pain when hugging someone
- Pain when putting on a seatbelt
Medical Diagnosis and Costochondritis Treatment
Other than the doctor palpating the area around your breastbone and ribs, there is no specific test to determine if you have costochondritis.
Chest pain can be an indicator of a variety of health conditions, including heart problems or lung problems, so it is always important to get it checked out with a healthcare professional. They will rule out other problems by ordering an EKG or chest X-ray in order to get to a diagnosis of costochondritis.
Treatment will consist of recommendations for ways to alleviate pain. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce inflammation and pain.
In cases of more severe or persistent pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications such as prescription-strength Motrin or muscle relaxers.
Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Some individuals find relief by alternating between heat and cold therapy.
In cases where pain is severe and not responding to other treatments, corticosteroid injections directly into the affected area may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation.
Acupuncture treatment is a great way to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, without the side effects that can result from using pain medications or steroids for several weeks or months.
Can Acupuncture Help Costochondritis?
Acupuncture has been used for many centuries to treat pain and inflammation. Now, research is able to show how and why this modality is able to regulate inflammatory responses. Acupuncture affects the nerve signaling that produces hormones like dopamine and can reduce the production of cytokine storms. This is why acupuncture can help relieve inflammation and chest pain of costochondritis.
In TCM theory, pain and inflammation are usually considered to occur because of stagnation, or stasis, of blood and/or Qi (life force energy). The same symptoms can occur in different individuals because of different imbalances in the organs systems that are causing the blockages and different pathogenic factors, such as excess heat, dampness, etc.
Costochondritis inflammation can occur due to dampness and stagnation of Qi in the liver, spleen, and/or kidney systems. Depending on each patient’s specific situation, your acupuncturist will choose acupoints to open channels, clear dampness, heat, and phlegm. This allows for Qi and blood to flow smoothly again, cooling down the inflammation and relieving pain.
One case study of six women who were treated for costochondritis pain with acupuncture found that all patients reported improvement and were able to discontinue taking OTC pain medications.
One pediatric study looked at young students suffering from costochondritis; they were missing school, limiting their sports, dance, and work, and having trouble sleeping. After 4-6 weeks of acupuncture treatment, these patients reported a significant reduction in pain, and were able to resume their usual activities.
Not only is acupuncture treatment effective for relief of costochondritis pain; it can work quickly. In many cases, patients feel better after one or two treatments.
Acupuncture Near Me for Costochondritis in Los Angeles Area
Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai of Art of Wellness Acupuncture in West L.A. have been helping treat pain conditions for over 35 years. Our office is a home away from home where patients are able to relax and find relief from pain and inflammation. If you or someone you love is experiencing chest pain due to costochondritis, please do not hesitate to come in for a consultation.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.