Medical acupuncture is an evidence-based method for treating pain and many conditions, using thin sterile needles inserted at precisely located acupuncture points. At Neurolocus Centre we use acupuncture as a complement to modern interventional methods – its efficacy is documented in chronic spinal pain, migraine, fibromyalgia and many other pain syndromes.

Mechanism of Action – What Does Acupuncture Actually Do?

Modern science has identified several mechanisms through which acupuncture influences pain:

  • STIMULATION OF Aδ FIBRES – activation of sensory pain fibres modulates pain conduction in the spinal cord (Melzack-Wall gate control theory)
  • RELEASE OF ENDOGENOUS OPIOIDS (endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins) – the body’s own ‘natural morphines’
  • NEUROTRANSMITTER MODULATION – increase in serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in the CNS
  • ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT – reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) at the injection site
  • AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM MODULATION – normalisation of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity
  • ACTIVATION OF DESCENDING PAIN INHIBITION PATHWAYS in the brainstem
  • ADENOSINE RELEASE near the needle – local analgesic effect

Indications

  • Chronic low back pain – one of the best-documented indications
  • Neck pain of musculoskeletal origin
  • Episodic and chronic migraine – as prophylaxis (Cochrane guidelines level A)
  • Tension headaches
  • Knee joint degenerative disease (Cochrane guidelines level A)
  • Fibromyalgia – supporting standard treatment
  • Shoulder, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow pain
  • Temporomandibular joint pain, bruxism
  • Trigeminal neuralgia, post-herpetic neuralgia (as adjunct)
  • Pain of psychosomatic origin
  • Supporting chronic cancer pain treatment
  • Chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced nausea

Procedure Sequence

  • First visit: detailed medical and traditional Chinese medicine history (pulse, tongue), development of an individualised treatment plan.
  • Patient in a comfortable position (usually lying). Skin disinfection at the acupuncture points.
  • Introduction of sterile single-use needles (0.16–0.30 mm diameter) at 8–15 acupuncture points according to the treatment plan.
  • Needles remain in the skin for 20–30 minutes – the patient rests in a calm environment.
  • Optional: needle electrostimulation (electroacupuncture) – enhances the analgesic effect.
  • After the session: removal of needles, brief discussion of how the patient feels.
  • Cycle: typically 5–10 sessions every 1–2 weeks. After the cycle, maintenance sessions every 4–12 weeks.

Effects

  • First relief: often after just 1–3 sessions
  • Full effect: after the complete cycle (5–10 sessions)
  • Duration of effect: 3–12 months (with maintenance sessions, a long-term effect is possible)
  • In patients with migraine headaches: 30–50% reduction in attack frequency
  • In patients with chronic low back pain: pain reduction on VAS by 2–3 points
  • No drug interactions – an ideal complement to pharmacotherapy
  • No risk of dependence

Possible Side Effects

  • Minor pain at needle insertion (negligible)
  • Small bruises at insertion sites
  • Transient drowsiness or relaxation feeling after the session (physiological effect)
  • Very rarely: fainting (especially in fasting patients)
  • Very rarely: infection (eliminated by use of single-use needles)
  • Very rarely (<0.001%): pneumothorax (with needles in the chest area – we perform the procedure cautiously)

FAQ

Does acupuncture really work, or is it just placebo?

Modern studies (e.g. Cochrane meta-analyses, fMRI studies) clearly show that acupuncture has a biological effect beyond placebo. It is officially recommended by NICE (United Kingdom) and the American College of Physicians for chronic low back pain and migraine.

How many sessions do I need?

The standard cycle is 5–10 sessions every 1–2 weeks. Improvement is often seen after just 2–3 sessions. After the cycle, maintenance sessions every 1–3 months are usually sufficient.

Do the needles hurt?

Acupuncture needles are several times thinner than injection needles. Most patients describe the insertion as a slight twinge or feel nothing at all.