Musculoskeletal (Locomotor) Problems which can be helped with Acupuncture

The muscular and skeletal system of the body consists of the bones, along with the muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, cartilage and connective tissues. The main function of the Musculoskeletal system is to support the body. There are numerous diseases that can affect this system and result in mild to severe pain along with loss of movement and even debilitation.

Spondylitis

Spondylitis is the name for a group of diseases that primarily affect the spine, causing inflammation in the spine that can result in chronic pain and debilitation. The most common disease in this group is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), an autoimmune disease. Cells in the immune system cause the inflammation in the spine and the joints between the vertebrae. Symptoms of AS can range from mild back pain and discomfort to severe chronic pain. As the disease progresses, the chronic inflammation can cause new bone formation. This can result in the spine becoming fused, inhibiting movement. There is no cure for AS, but new biological medications can help slow the progression of the disease.

Arthritis

As we age, our joint tissues become less resilient to wear and tear and start to degenerate manifesting as swelling, pain, and oftentimes, loss of mobility of joints. Changes occur in both joint soft tissues and the opposing bones, a condition called Osteoarthritis. A more serious form of disease is called Rheumatoid Arthritis. The latter is an autoimmune disease wherein the body produces antibodies against joint tissues causing chronic inflammation resulting in severe joint damage, pain and immobility.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

People whose job involves repeated flexing of their wrist (typing, house painting) may develop tingling and/or pain in their thumb, index and middle fingers along with weakness of movements of the thumb, especially, grasping an object. The main nerve for finely controlled thumb movements passes through a bony/ligamentous canal on the bottom of the wrist. Repetitive flexing movements may inflame and thicken the ligament over the “tunnel” through the carpal (wrist) bones trapping and compressing the nerve.

Tendinitis

Repeated strain on a tendon, attachment of a muscle to bone, can inflame the tendon resulting in pain and difficulty with movement involving the muscle. Tendons have a poor blood supply; therefore, they typically take a long time to heal on the order of six weeks or more.

A combination of Traditional medical treatments can dramatically reduce pain while increasing range of motion in the affected areas.