Many of us believe the past is in the past but when it comes to pain, specifically chronic pain, your past may have a lot to do with how you experience pain. Studies have found that those who experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) reported more pain symptoms than healthy control groups. Other significant childhood factors such as exposure to a family member with an illness, parental loss or childhood hospitalization were also found to be predictive of chronic pain. In addition to chronic pain there are over 40 other health outcomes related to ACEs including:
- Heart Disease
- Asthma
- Depression
- Smoking
- Reported Income
- Stroke
- Diabetes
These findings are significant, and the health impacts are serious. They also give us a clue as to how to treat patients. If ACEs are significant factors in how patients’ experiences pain, simply treating the pain will result in the return of the pain in most cases. The impact that ACEs have, need to be addressed as well if lasting pain relief is to be achieved.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture provides incredible pain-relieving results. By increasing circulation and reducing inflammation, acupuncture helps the body heal. So how does acupuncture help treat chronic pain, where the root is deeply buried in the past. The use of acupuncture can induce the body to release specific substances in the body such as serotonin and Gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These substances can help with conditions like anxiety and depression that may stem from ACEs. Acupuncture also helps relieve stress and improve sleep and in so doing, can have an impact on anxiety, depression and even pain relief.
Adverse Childhood Experiences are, unfortunately, something that many of us will carry for a lifetime. Seeking out therapy is often integral part of relieving chronic pain. Exercise, diet and other lifestyle factors will also play a part in how you experience pain. If you are experiencing an injury or some other acute pain, acupuncture can get you back to normal in short order. If your pain is chronic, a multi-pronged approach is necessary to obtain complete and lasting relief. Call today to schedule your 30-minute consultation and we can discuss your unique problem.
Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Our patients know just how effective treatments are for these and a host of other problems. Steven Hoffman, a New Jersey Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, will provide you with a thorough intake and evaluation and a clear, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that will insure that your goals are met or exceeded. Do you want to move past these or other problems? We will help you thrive not just survive!