Pain & Inflammation

At Better Together Acupuncture & Wellness, we take a comprehensive, integrative approach to managing pain and inflammation, weaving methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern scientific insights, nutrition, and herbal medicine. Through this integrative approach, we provide a natural, effective pathway to relief without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Pain and inflammation are complex, interrelated issues that can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain are often rooted in inflammation, which, if left untreated, can become debilitating. Pain not only affects physical health but also has a profound impact on mental well-being. Long-term pain can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and frustration, creating a cycle that exacerbates the pain experience.
We recognize the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of pain, which is a hallmark of our holistic approach. We incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, into our treatment plans to help patients manage stress and improve their pain tolerance. Studies have shown that these techniques can reduce the perception of pain by calming the nervous system and enhancing the body’s ability to heal itself. We offer holistic support and collaborate with mental health and wellness professionals to help patients cope with the emotional burden of chronic pain, empowering them to actively engage in their healing process.

What We Can Help With:

We can treat a variety of types of pain. Our list is pretty comprehensive but if you don’t see your type of pain here, ask us, we’re confident we can help. 

Chronic Pain

  • Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease causing chronic joint pain and stiffness.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune condition leading to chronic joint inflammation and pain.
  • Fibromyalgia: Widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness.
  • Chronic Back Pain: Persistent back pain due to conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis.
  • Chronic Neck Pain: Ongoing neck pain from posture issues, injuries, or degenerative conditions.
  • Neuropathic Pain: Nerve damage or dysfunction causing sharp, burning, or tingling pain (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, sciatica).
  • Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Pain in muscles, ligaments, and tendons resulting from overuse, injury, or long-term wear and tear.
  • Chronic Headaches: Recurring headaches that last for long periods, often related to tension or stress.

 

Acute Pain

  • Injury-Related Pain: Acute pain from sprains, strains, fractures, or sports injuries.
  • Post-Surgical Pain: Pain following surgical procedures, including orthopedic and abdominal surgeries.
  • Acute Neck and Back Pain: Sudden onset of pain due to injury, poor posture, or lifting.
  • Trauma-Induced Pain: Pain resulting from accidents or physical trauma (e.g., whiplash, falls, car accidents).

Inflammatory Pain

  • Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, leading to sharp, localized pain (commonly in the shoulder, elbow, knee, or wrist).
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints), causing pain and restricted movement.
  • Gout: Inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid, leading to sudden, severe joint pain, often in the big toe.
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: Autoimmune disorder causing joint pain and swelling, associated with psoriasis.
  • Lupus: Autoimmune disease-causing widespread inflammation, joint pain, and skin conditions.
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis: Inflammatory disease affecting the spine, leading to chronic back pain and stiffness.

Headaches and Migraines:

  • Tension Headaches: Pain caused by muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders.
  • Migraines: Severe, throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances.
  • Cluster Headaches: Intense, recurring headaches that occur in cycles, often affecting one side of the head.
  • Cervicogenic Headaches: Headaches caused by issues in the neck, such as injury or misalignment.

Cancer-Related Pain

  • Chemo-Induced Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by chemotherapy, leading to tingling, numbness, or burning pain in the hands and feet.
  • Bone Pain: Pain caused by cancer spreading to bones, leading to deep, aching pain.
  • Post-Radiation Pain: Pain resulting from tissue damage due to radiation therapy.
  • Surgical Recovery Pain: Pain following cancer-related surgeries.
  • General Cancer Pain: Pain associated with tumor growth, pressure on organs, or treatment side effects.
  • Neurological Pain
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: Severe, sharp facial pain due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
  • Shingles-Related Pain (Postherpetic Neuralgia): Pain following a shingles infection, often persisting for months or years.
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Chronic pain in a limb following an injury or surgery, characterized by severe sensitivity, swelling, and changes in skin color.

Women’s Health-Related Pain

  • Endometriosis: Chronic pelvic pain caused by tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus.
  • Dysmenorrhea: Severe menstrual cramps causing lower abdominal pain.
  • Pelvic Pain: Pain related to reproductive organs, often linked to menstrual cycles, infections, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
  • Postpartum Pain: Pain following childbirth, including perineal pain, back pain, and pain from breastfeeding-related issues.

Repetitive Strain & Occupational Pain

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and wrists caused by repetitive motion or strain.
  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain in the elbow due to repetitive strain or overuse of the forearm muscles.
  • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Pain from overuse of muscles and tendons, often associated with work-related activities like typing or manual labor.

The Science Behind Our Approach

Acupuncture for Pain Management

Acupuncture has long been recognized for its ability to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It works by stimulating specific points on the body to activate neural pathways, prompting the release of the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins and serotonin. Studies have also shown that acupuncture has the ability to regulate the immune system by decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, making it particularly effective for treating chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. 

Through acupuncture, we target the root causes of both acute and chronic pain, addressing conditions ranging from back pain and migraines to arthritis and neuropathic pain. Research has shown acupuncture to be effective not only for immediate relief but also for managing long-term conditions by reducing both pain perception and inflammation.

Herbal Medicine for Pain & Inflammation

Herbal medicine, particularly in the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offers a powerful, natural approach to pain relief. Herbs such as Corydalis, which contains the active compound DHCB, have been shown to be highly effective in treating both inflammatory and neuropathic pain due to its ability to influence dopamine receptors. In recent studies, DHCB has demonstrated significant antinociceptive properties, effectively alleviating pain in ways similar to traditional painkillers, without the risk of tolerance or dependence.

Additionally, herbs like Thunder God Vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) have proven effective for treating autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, offering relief by reducing joint pain and swelling. Boswellia (Frankincense) is another key herb known for its ability to lower inflammation and provide long-lasting pain relief, particularly for patients with arthritis. These natural remedies, when integrated with acupuncture, provide a comprehensive approach to pain management that works synergistically to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Nutrition & Inflammation

At Better Together Acupuncture & Wellness, we emphasize the importance of dietary interventions that complement our acupuncture and herbal treatments.

Proper nutrition is essential for managing chronic pain and reducing inflammation. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can significantly improve pain outcomes by reducing oxidative stress, supporting immune function, and promoting tissue repair. 

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish and flaxseeds, are vital for reducing systemic inflammation. These healthy fats help modulate the body's inflammatory response, reducing pain and promoting joint health. Similarly, antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, leafy greens, and turmeric can lower oxidative stress, a key factor in the progression of chronic pain conditions like arthritis. Spices such as turmeric and ginger, which have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, can be easily incorporated into daily meals to further alleviate pain and inflammation.

We offer personalized nutrition plans that are tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring that they receive the full benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet. This holistic approach to pain management supports long-term relief by addressing the underlying causes of inflammation and chronic discomfort.

Tab Content

This is a basic text element.

At Better Together Acupuncture & Wellness, our treatment approach is grounded in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern scientific research, focusing on a holistic and evidence-based model to address pain at its root. We blend TCM’s view of the body as an interconnected system with contemporary biomedical research, which explores the complex interaction between the nervous system, immune system, and inflammation. This integration allows us to develop multifaceted strategies that target both the symptoms and causes of pain. Our process begins with a comprehensive diagnosis that includes traditional assessments alongside modern diagnostic tools, enabling us to tailor each treatment plan to the unique needs of our patients.

Acupuncture plays a central role in our approach, stimulating the nervous system to release endorphins and regulate neurotransmitters, effectively reducing pain perception and inflammation while promoting tissue recovery. In addition, herbal medicine is used to address pain and inflammation naturally, providing an alternative to pharmaceutical options. Our approach is further supported by nutritional interventions, which help regulate the body’s inflammatory responses.

By integrating acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tailored nutritional strategies, we offer a scientifically validated and patient-centered approach to pain relief. This comprehensive method addresses not only the physical aspects of chronic pain but also the emotional and psychological factors, ensuring a holistic and sustainable path to healing. Our approach helps patients manage their pain naturally while promoting overall well-being, empowering them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Ready for Something Wonderful?

At Better Together Acupuncture & Wellness, we are committed to helping you achieve lasting pain relief through compassionate, integrative care. Our treatments combine acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition to address both the physical and emotional aspects of pain, supporting your path toward improved health and well-being. Whether you are dealing with acute or chronic pain, our team is here to support you ensuring that you can live a healthier, more comfortable life managing your pain or living pain-free.
Better Together
Acupuncture & Wellness
Dr. Sara Almaraz
DAOM, MAcOM, MSACN