Types of nerve pain acupuncture is used for
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, includes sciatica and other trapped nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, post-herpetic neuralgia after shingles, trigeminal neuralgia, and peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes or chemotherapy. It often feels burning, shooting or electric, with tingling or numbness, and can be hard to treat with standard painkillers.
What the evidence shows
The research is uneven. For carpal tunnel syndrome, several trials suggest acupuncture reduces symptoms and may be comparable to night splinting for mild to moderate cases. For chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, small trials and pilot studies show reduced pain and improved nerve function, and larger studies are under way. For post-herpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy, results are mixed, with some positive trials of modest quality. NICE's chronic primary pain guideline supports acupuncture where pain has become long-term, and neuropathic pain frequently falls into that category.
How it is thought to help
Needling near the affected nerve and at distant points stimulates large sensory fibres that can dampen pain signals in the spinal cord, prompts release of the body's own opioids, and may improve local blood flow to irritated nerves. Electro-acupuncture is often used for nerve pain because the sustained stimulation appears to have a stronger effect.
Realistic expectations
Nerve pain is rarely cured by any single treatment. A reasonable aim is a meaningful reduction in pain intensity, fewer flare-ups and better sleep. Most people would try six to eight sessions before judging the effect.
At Omnia in Chiswick
We assess nerve pain within a broader plan that may include physiotherapy, manual therapy and red light therapy, which has its own evidence for peripheral neuropathy, and we work alongside your GP or specialist. If you have new numbness, weakness or pain that is spreading, see a doctor first.