Acupuncture for whiplash pains?

Question

I was in a car accident over two years in which I received a really bad case of whiplash. I was fortunate enough to not break any bones but it did a number on my muscles. the day after the accident I was diagnosed with whiplash and was not givena neck brace (as I was told could make it worse). After xrays and an MRI everything looked fine. SO I had a nerve test done. They found that I have myofascial dysfunction and facet joint dysfunction. I was limited to not picking up more than 10lbs. I am also not suppose to ride a bike, run, swim, roller blade, not drive when I didn't HAVE to, basically I was told not to do anythign so I could heal. With physical therapy and medication, it didn't go away. I stopped all treatment b/c it wasn't helping (plus I no longer have insurance to cover it.) I am 25 years old, 5'5" and around 115lbs. They didn't want to do cortisone injections b/c of my size, plus I didn't want them. I'm also not supposed to sit in fron of a computer for long periods of time, but that's hard seeing that my job requires me to use the computer all day (CADD Operator). I was wondering if acupuncture could help me get my life back. I want to be able to do "fun stuff" again!

Answer 1

See a Doctor of Chiropractic. Ask people who you trust for a good reference. A good one will be able to help you heal.

Answer 2

Hi.  Acupuncture is very effective for treating a variety of pain symptoms and injuries.  Normally, in your type of case, treatments up to 2 or 3 times a week are required to resolve your complaints.  Afterward, a regular course of treatments will be required to maintain those results.  The length of time & frequency of acupuncture required depend on how long & how severe your condition is.

With acupuncture, pain and illness are usually explained as being symptoms of blockages or stagnation of "Qi" (vital energy).  Obviously, your Qi is blocked since you continue to experience pain.  Acupuncture is a safe, holistic, and drug-free therapy.  By stimulating specific points in your body, the acupuncturist can resolve those blockages or stagnation, encouraging Qi, blood, and lymph to flow normally.  The effects of acupuncture are enhanced when herbal medicine is taken as well.  In your case it may be a good idea to go on a detox diet (fasting + herbal medicine), to release toxins and waste, as well as residue from the previous medication you have been taking, in order for your body to recover.  

Answer 3

My husband's case is very similar.  2 years ago, he was also injured.  He has just begun acupuncture as nothing else is working.  He is starting to notice a small difference.  Couldn't hurt to try.  Good luck!

Answer 4

Acupuncture can do amazing things.  It can help to rid people of chronic debilitating headaches, eliminate symptoms, inflammation and maintain remission of colitis (personal experience), eliminate nausia and help a person regain muscle movement and flexibility.  

As already mentioned it is completly worth the try! Do not be worried about the needles - it feels like the tip of a pencil touches your skin.  Reserach your area and find an acupuncturist/homeopathic doctor that you like - they can be VERY helpful and can establish a pain management or rehibilitation regime for you!

Good luck!