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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Can acupuncture help with the pain related to slipped disc?

    Related Topics
    Neurology Pain Spinal Cord Injury
    I had a lower back injury years ago and it's been aggravated recently. CT scan shows narrowing on the right side compromising the nerves. Now the pain is in the left leg below the knee preventing me from standing/ walking. Can acupuncture help ease the pain?
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    Bonnie Cheyne

    Physiotherapist

    I am a physiotherapist with 9 years of experience in private and public physiotherapy settings. The majority of my work is in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and … View Profile

    Acupuncture or dry needling may help you with this pain, but considering the results of your CT scan, if you haven't already, I would seek an appointment with a physiotherapist. They will be able to assess your condition and give you some advice regarding exercises that may help you reduce pain and increase strength and mobility.

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    Dr Steve Grant

    Osteopath

    OsteopathyMyofascial ReleaseAcupuncture Voice Dialogue facilitator View Profile

    Hi there, this is a very common occurence and the resultant musculoskeletal changes can also result in increased referral and adaptation. Acupuncture is very effective along with gentle mobilisation and rehabilitation of the spinal musculature. Also look at the foot biomechanics as the base is important.

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    Dr Peter Heffernan

    Psychiatrist

    I am a Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist who specialises in Adult ADHD, Jungian Psychotherapy, and the Psychological Medicine aspects of Chronic Pain conditions. View Profile

    Chronic Pain is one of the most challenging of general health and mental health issues and is often poorly understood. An assessment for Chronic Neuropathic Pain Syndrome, a common complication of vertebral disc pathology, is indicated. 

    The diversity of medications for the management of Chronic Neuropathic Pain Syndrome are, fundamentally, the domain of Psychiatry.

    Medicines such as amitryptaline, pregabalin, gabapentin, valproate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, topiramate, venlafaxine, duloxetine, the benzodiazepines and the opioids, all have a potentially life-transforming role, early in the course of treatment, because of the demonstrated benefit in reversing the pathological basis of Chronic Neuropathic Pain Syndrome itself.

    These medicines also effectively address the severe Major Depressive Disorders so commonly arising from Chronic Pain.

    Seek a referral to a Psychiatrist experienced in Chronic Pain management. 

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