Neurological Problems

The neurological problems that we see regularly include dizziness/vertigo and the following conditions that are caused by impinged nerves.

• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Bell’s Palsy
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Lasting Shingles Pain (postherpetic neuralgia)
• Meralgia Paresthetica

Both physical therapy and acupuncture can treat dizziness or vertigo but almost of all of our patients prefer acupuncture over PT. PT treatment of dizziness/vertigo includes exercises that invoke the symptoms to desensitize the vestibular system. It is effective but the process is uncomfortable. Acupuncture restores the vestibular and other balance systems by stimulating the nerve system with needling inserted at acupoints. The treatment does not invoke the symptoms so patients feel much more comfortable. Once the dizziness or vertigo symptoms are alleviated, therapeutical exercises can be added to ensure the patients regain strength and balance to prevent dangerous falls.

If you have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, you probably have not slept well for a long period of time. The trigeminal nerve is impinged. Sometimes even a simple touch on the face or a cold breeze could create excruciating pain. You have been on anti-convulsant. They may have worked initially but have lost effectiveness and the side effects are ruining your quality of life. You think surgery may be the only option to get rid of the pain. Dr. Zunhui Guan conducted a clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture and medication on trigeminal neuralgia. The results showed that acupuncture was more effective than medication.

In Bell’s palsy, the facial nerve controlling your facial muscles becomes inflamed and swollen — usually related to a viral infection and paralyzes those facial muscles. Besides facial muscles, the nerve affects tears, saliva, taste and a small bone in the middle of your ear. Living with Bell’s Palsy is a painful experience. While it does not hurt physically but its effect on your face is embarrassing. The doctor probably has told you that it is temporary and will go away in weeks or months by itself. However, you just want to get rid of it ASAP. It is ruining your social life. You avoid going out with friends. Life is not as fun as before.

Paralyzed muscles can shrink and shorten, causing permanent contractures. Acupuncture can stimulate nerves and muscles, which may offer some relief or accelerate the recovery process. A physical therapist can teach you how to massage and exercise your facial muscles to help prevent this from occurring.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the impingement of the median nerve and causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Both physical therapy and acupuncture have been proven to be effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.

Lasting Shingles Pain is called postherpetic neuralgia by the doctors. It’s caused by nerve damage left behind by a case of shingles. I have had shingles myself and know how painful it is. I was lucky that I only had a small area that was affected and the pain and symptoms went away quickly after taking antiviral drugs. For other people, especially seniors, there is a higher risk of lingering pain. My father-in-law suffered from the pain for months. He had a much larger area that expanded from his back to his arm and chest. He tried all kinds of painkillers in two months but none worked. He could not sleep and was always very irritable. Finally he listen to his wife asked my father to help. After receiving acupuncture treatment for about 4 months he says that his pain is 99% gone. There is a tiny area the size of a penny on his arm that still hurts a little bit. But if he does not try hard to pay attention he would not even notice it. I will update on his progress.

Meralgia Paresthetica is a neurological condition that causes numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain in the outer thigh. It’s usually not serious. Meralgia paresthetica happens when a nerve, known as the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, becomes compressed. Most patients full recover in 6-12 acupuncture sessions.