Do you have fatigue that has persisted for many months?  And you’ve never felt this before.  Moreover, it may be disabling enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living. Resting is something you do often.  However, the fatigue continues no matter how much you rest.

This blog is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  And Acupuncture has a remarkable good effect in relieving the symptoms of fatigue in the body.  Furthermore, acupuncture helps regulate stressful emotions and sleep.  It will even improve weakness in the body. Read on to find out about how acupuncture helps relieve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Causes of Fatigue

Firstly, some studies indicate as many as one out of four or five people have a complaint of constant tiredness. As a primary complaint, fatigue ranks seventh among all patient complaints. The causes of fatigue are generally divided into organic (physical) and psychogenic. Each account for up to half of all cases (20% to 45 % have an organic cause; 40% to 45 % have a psychogenic cause). Finally, in 10% to 30% of cases, however, no cause is found.

Secondly, the more common causes of tiredness and fatigue are usually easily recognized. These include strenuous activity, lack of sleep, flu, pregnancy, and overwork. Interestingly, typically patients do not associate fatigue with stress. Similarly, physiologic stress is often more acute and therefore easier to link to a specific cause. Psychologic causes are often harder to identify with a cause.

Thirdly, there is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).  This is a serious, long-term biological illness that causes profound, disabling fatigue and multi-system dysfunction.

Other Causes of Fatigue besides CFS:

• Acute infection influenza or hepatitis.
• Chronic infection: tuberculosis, infectious mononucleosis, subacute infectious hepatitis, subacute bacterial endocarditis, asymptomatic urinary tract infection, hookworm, parasitic infection
• Autoimmune condition: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis
• Neurologic disorder: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, posttraumatic syndrome
• Primary muscle disorder: polymyositis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis
• Endocrine and metabolic disease: adrenal or aldosterone insufficiency, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemic and hypocalcemic states, hyperaldosteronism, potassium depletion, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemic states, renal insufficiency.
• Anemia or blood dyscrasia (disease, disorder, or abnormal condition affecting the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic tissue)
• Nutritional deficiency
• Circulatory disorder: congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy
• Pulmonary insufficiency: emphysema, chronic bronchitis
• Neoplastic disorder: lymphomas, carcinomas, occult tumors
• Psychologic disorder: depression, anxiety
• Chronic drug intoxication
• Lack of sleep

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

First, The CDC defines CFS as a “biological illness that affects many body parts”. CFS results in severe fatigue not improved by rest. It causes problems thinking and sleeping. Other symptoms include dizziness and pain.

Second, CFS has had many names.  These include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) disease, neuromyasthenia, Myalgic encephalomyelitis, post viral fatigue syndrome, and encephalomyelitis.  Also, it is often confused with fibromyalgia.

Third, there are specific criteria that may help diagnose CFS. The patient must have a “new” onset of fatigue (not lifelong). Fatigue does not appear with exertion nor is it relieved by rest. The fatigue causes a dramatic decrease in previous levels of occupational, educational, social, and personal activities. In addition, there are other factors such as short-term memory loss, post-exertion fatigue lasting more than 24 hours, sore throat, or headache persisting for 6 months or more.

Fourth, there is no single laboratory or physical examination finding by which to diagnose CFS. Research suggests a chronic immunologically mediated inflammatory process involving the central nervous system. Typically, there is overlap of symptoms with other conditions, and the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria makes it difficult to diagnose.

Fifth, CFS occurs most commonly in people in middle age but also affects kids, teens and elderly people. Among adults, women are affected more often than men. Among children, teens are more affected than younger kids.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

There is no cure or approved treatment for CFS. Nevertheless, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Acupuncture can help relieve symptoms and speed healing. A proper diet, adequate rest periods, and mild to moderate exercise along with acupuncture treatment is necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy or counseling may also help.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Research

In one study, 150 patients participated.  They were divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received 10 acupuncture sessions for 4 weeks along with “usual care”. The control group continued “usual care without acupuncture”. The outcome was a favorable outcome for the treatment (acupuncture) group.

The results of one study suggested that 4 weeks of body acupuncture therapy added to “usual care” can improve fatigue symptoms of CFS patients.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-More Research

A total of 11 trials with 869 participants were selected. The scientist found acupuncture treatment significantly alleviated fatigue and pain.  This was in comparison to the sham acupuncture treatment group.  However, no conclusions about the quality of life and mood elevation was noted.

Indeed, research investigating the benefits of acupuncture is increasing. In 1998, a review analyzed the data from 9 clinical trials which included 377 patients. Twenty years later in 2018, a systematic review by Vickers et al analyzed the results of over 20,000 patients. It has shown that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain for those with chronic pain: back, neck, shoulder, osteoarthritis, tension headaches and migraines. The study also demonstrates that the benefits last for at least one year.

How Does Acupuncture Help CFS?

First, Acupuncture treatment for CFS is drawn from the traditional Chinese medicine theory of meridians. The meridians are the channels for the circulation of Qi and blood, connecting everything in the body. Basically, when “Qi and blood” are out of balance and meridians, CFS occurs. Acupuncture improves CFS symptoms by stimulating acupoints to balance meridians and harmonize qi and blood.

Second, today, scientists have revealed the underlying aspects of acupuncture in the treatment of CFS.  Acupuncture stimulates the nerves which effects immunity and endocrine function. Needling at certain acupoints may help regulate inflammation and influence Immune markers such as T-lymphocytes. This helps the body fight CFS.  

Third, acupuncture influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Subsequently, this helps normalize fatigue, mood and sleep. Indeed, Acupuncture helps in the function of the nervous system.  This helps modulate inflammatory pathways. Lastly, acupuncture may play a therapeutic role by regulating energy and promotes gut flora. By positively targeting the gut-brain connection, digestive health is improved.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture and/or chiropractic treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and many other issues at 561-253-8984.

 

References:

      1. Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4515016/   Trials. 2015 Jul 26;16:314. doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0857-0

          Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue: a multicenter, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial

3. A Systematic Review of Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome    https://www.e-jar.org/journal/view.html?volume=34&number=2&spage=93

The Acupuncture 2017; 34(2): 93-112 Published online May 20, 2017 

      4. https://acupuncture.org.uk/fact-sheets/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/   Introduction to ME/CFS evidence

 

 

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories: Chiropractor West Palm Beach: From Lifting Injury to Bertolotti’s Syndrome

 

This was a 40 year old male patient with a chief complaint of thoracolumbar (junction of mid and low back) pain. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Todd instead of his real name. Todd had been coming to see me for close to 3 years on and off for back pain.

This year, he had another injury to the same area as the last few times. He worked in a warehouse for a shipping company. Todd spent most of his day lifting heavy boxes.  He also worked out at the gym.  He could barely turn his torso or flex forward when he presented to my office.

Todd’s Examination for his Back Pain

Upon examination, I found positive tests for a lumbar (low back) sprain with thoracic (midback) myalgia (muscle pain) diagnoses.  Also, a test showed that his neck was problematic. Todd described the neck as “stiff” but not painful as his thoracolumbar spine felt. 

I ordered x-rays of Todd’s cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.  Upon review, Todd’s x-rays revealed sacralization in his low back.  Additionally, Todd’s cervical x-ray showed he had a loss of lordosis.  So a loss of lordosis refers to a natural inward curve of the spine being lost.  In other words, the curve straightens out.  This is due to bad posture, injury, osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis), or a congenital (born with it) condition. Todd’s spine also showed moderate osteoarthritis through out the spine.

 

What is Sacralization?

Sacralization affects roughly 4% to 10% of the population. Sacralization is a spinal congenital anomaly. And the lowest lumbar vertebra (usually L5) completely or partially fuses with the sacrum.  Also, it is called a type of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae.  Because the condition decreases normal mobility, it causes spinal stress. Lastly, when sacralization causes chronic lower back pain, it is called Bertolotii’s Syndrome.   

The types of sacralization are various: Types range from unilateral (one sided), bilateral (both sided), fully fused and a pseudoarthrosis (false) joint. Furthermore, diagnosis is confirmed only through imaging (x-ray, MRI).

 

 

Todd’s Treatment

Firstly, Todd received chiropractic adjustments to his spine. Next, soft tissue manipulation to his spasmed muscles.  Subsequently, Therapeutic exercises was incorporated for development of endurance, range of motion/flexibility, and strengthening.

Secondly, I recommended acupuncture after the 5^th visit to enhance his recovery from his spasmed muscles and inflamed joints. 

Thirdly, while chiropractic and/or acupuncture cannot physically unfuse or restructure the bones, it targets the secondary problems caused by the sacralization. For example, the muscles around his hips and lower back (quadratus lumborum and gluteal muscles) were compensating. These muscles were hypertonic due to the impact of the uneven spine. Both chiropractic and acupuncture reduce inflammation.  Moreover, chiropractic normalizes function to the joints.  And acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins (natural opioids).  

 

 

Todd’s Outcome to Treatment

Todd responded well to his treatments.  In fact, by the 7th visit his pain had decreased to 50%. And his full range of motion was back. After 12 visits, Todd was able to return to his gym activities. Importantly, he was mostly pain-free.  Finally, Todd continued care with me for supportive care and exacerbations with me as needed.

Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for Bertolotti’s syndrome.  This is because it is caused by an inherited spinal variation.  It occurs with the lowest vertebra fusing with the pelvis during fetal development.  However, symptoms can be successfully managed. Also, further degeneration and dysfunction can be prevented. 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: From Lifting Injury to Bertolotti’s Syndrome

Meiri Chiropractic serving West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas offers excellent chiropractic and acupuncture treatments for back pain. Call us in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984. Schedule an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: From Lifting Injury to Bertolotti’s Syndrome.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Ear Pain and Acupuncture is about the natural treatments available for Ear Pain through Acupuncture.  Pain in the ear can happen with various diseases of the ears, suppurative inflammation or otitis media. In fact, almost all children get an ear infection before they are 4 years old. And it is the second most common diagnosis in medicine since adults get it also.  

 

Causes of Ear Pain:

 

What is Serous Otitis Media?

Serous Otitis Media is effusion or a collection of non-infected fluid in the middle ear space.  Typically, you will have a feeling of fullness for several weeks. And you will have possible hearing loss or pain.  It is usually associated with a past history of upper respiratory infection.  In addition, it can be from an episode of acute otitis, or barotrauma (injury caused by a change in air pressure).

The cause of serous otitis media is a persistently closed eustachian tube.  This allows negative pressure to develop in the middle ear.  This then causes discharge of fluid into the middle ear space. It is common in children because of a more horizontal canal. However, it can happen in adults. The culprit can be infection, allergy, or barotrauma. 

What is Otitis Media?

In the United States, acute otitis media (infection of middle ear) counts for as much as 30 million patient visits to the primary care doctor annually.  And it may cost as much as $5 billion.  

It is an infection of the space behind your ear drum in your middle ear. With acute otitis media there is a fever.  There is deep ear pain, a pressure sensation, and decreased hearing. 

Acute otitis media often occurs after serous otitis media (effusion in the middle ear).  Typically, the eustachian tube (tube that links the nasopharynx/upper throat to the middle ear) is involved. In addition, viral infections and other causes of eustachian tube inflammation can cause blockage. So middle ear fluid resulting from negative pressure provides a culture medium for bacteria. In other words, it is an adequate liquid environment for bacterial growth.

 

What is External Ear Infection/ Otitis Externa?

Otitis Externa or swimmer’s ear can absolutely happen from swimming. It affects the outer ear.  Especially, it happens during warm, humid weather.  The cause of otitis externa is due to an infection (bacterial or fungi) of the ear or ear canal.  Is is caused by exposure to infected water.  Additionally, it is caused by scratching or overaggressive use of cotton applicators. Keeping your ear dry is especially important for prevention.

Often, you will have ear pain, itching, and discharge.  Also, your ear canal may have erythema and edema (redness and swelling). 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Ear Pain and Acupuncture- How it Works

Firstly, Acupuncture may be helpful for patients with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions.  For instance, conditions are allergic rhinitis, tinnitus, and meniere’s disease. 

Secondly, some studies indicate Acupuncture has immune-modulating effects.  This can strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms against infections and allergens. By enhancing immune function, acupuncture may help prevent recurrent ear, nose, and throat issues.

Thirdly, Acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile needles into acupoints on the body.  Acupoints are carefully selected based on the patient’s symptoms and diagnosis. Specific acupoints are used for the underlying imbalances contributing to the patient’s symptoms. For example, acupoints near the ears may alleviate tinnitus or reduce ear pressure associated with sinus congestion.

Fourthly, Inflammation is a common factor in many ear- nose- throat conditions. Acupuncture has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.  Subsequently, acupuncture helps to reduce swelling.

Fifthly, Acupuncture triggers the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins.  Next, this helps reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture works by stimulating nerves in the affected areas.  And nerve stimulation promotes circulation.  The goal is to encourage the body’s natural healing response.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Ear Pain and Acupuncture: Research

First, in one study, two cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in the left ear were followed. It was diagnosed by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The first case was a 22-year-old male college student. He had moderately severe hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear for 5 days.

Second, the other case was a 48-year-old male pilot.  He had severe hearing loss, tinnitus, and fullness in the ear for 7 days. In both cases, their hearing loss became worse after not responding to conventional medical treatment.

Third, both patients were treated with acupuncture. The outcome was, fullness in the ear disappeared during the first treatment in both cases. The study concluded acupuncture is worth a try.  Specifically, it is worth a try when patients do not heal from conventional medical intervention.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Ear Pain and Acupuncture

 

Indeed, Acupuncture is beneficial for patients looking for a form of complementary or integrative treatment for ear pain from various causes. Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for ear pain and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture treatment for ear pain at 561-253-8984.

 

 References:

https://karger.com/fok/article-abstract/21/4/246/356724/Acupuncture-in-Treating-Sudden-Sensorineural?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Case Reports| August 15 2014 Acupuncture in Treating Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Report of 2 Cases PubMed: 25231566

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32090591/

Evaluation of Acupuncture’s Efficacy Within Otolaryngology

 

https://www.oto.theclinics.com/article/S0030-6665(22)00075-5/fulltext

Acupuncture and the Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Patient

 

 

 

Ninety percent to 95% of school-age children have “normal” eyesight.  The majority of the children with eyesight problems have refractory errors (needs glasses). In the adult and senior group, eye and vision problems are more common. Some of these conditions are cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye disease and macular degeneration. Read on to learn more about these conditions and how acupuncture is a complementary natural treatment for eye diseases.

 

Eye Diseases and Causes Acupuncture Can Help

Of course, Eye pain may mean you have a disease in the eye. However, it can also reflect a reaction to a systemic infection, metabolic abnormalities, or vascular/neurologic problem.  Similarly, your eye pain may be a side effect to medications (e.g. diuretics). Certain autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can also have eye symptoms.  Allergic Conjunctivitis (itchy eyes from allergies) can cause eye discomfort. Also, postsurgical (e.g. cataract) eye dryness and pain are common. Indeed, Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when helping treat many diseases and painful eye conditions. Therefore, acupuncture is thought to be useful as a complementary and integrative therapy for eye conditions.

 

Acupuncture for Dry Eye Disease

For instance, dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular (eye) condition. You will have symptoms such as stinging, burning and blurred vision.  Typically, autoimmune, drug-induced, and mechanical factors can lead to this. And research shows acupuncture enhances tear production, reduces ocular inflammation, and regulates nervous system function.  Therefore, acupuncture offers a natural approach to DED management. Potentially, acupuncture may reduce reliance on medications, thereby decreasing the risk of side effects and drug interactions. Additionally, it has the potential to improve patients’ quality of life.  Acupuncture helps with pain, enhances ocular health, and even promotes overall well-being.

 

How Does Acupuncture Help Eye Diseases?

Firstly, Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways along the meridians to bring balance back.  Mainly, the goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities.

Secondly, Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”(Qi, pronounced “chee”), flows through the body in these channels called meridians.  And the stimulation of acupuncture points in the meridians is most effective through needle insertion.

Thirdly, today, Researchers believe when an acupuncture needle is inserted, nerves are stimulated. This sends a message to your brain and nervous system. Ultimately, Acupuncture improves blood flow and calms the nervous system.  This triggers nerve signaling that affects the function of other parts of the body, including organs (e.g. eyes).

Fourthly, Acupuncture consists of the insertion of one or several very thin metal needles into the skin and underlying tissues.  Because the sterile needles are so slender (hair thin) application is painless or at most, the equivalent of the most slightest prick. Most importantly, the needles are not placed in the immediate eye area at our office.

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture for Eye Diseases: Research

In one study, it stated, “Acupuncture shows potential benefits in treating degenerative eye diseases.” This was especially in improving clinical response rates. A total of 3362 records were investigated, with 21 studies meeting parameters for the study. They concluded, “Acupuncture shows improvements in visual acuity, ocular blood flow, and intraocular pressure (IOP)”. The degenerative ocular diseases included—glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), optic atrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa (RP).  All of the diseases cause vision loss.  And acupuncture was able to help in the healing of these eye diseases via vascular and neuroprotective processes.

In another study, acupuncture’s benefit for dry eyes following cataract surgery was evaluated.  The scientists concluded that, based on the results, “acupuncture has the potential to become one option for complementary treatment in DED following cataract surgery.”

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture for Eye Diseases

Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call 561-253-8984 today!  Ask to make an appointment or find out more about: West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture for Eye Diseases.

 

References:

1. A Review of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Clinical Implications

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12379998/

      2 . Is acupuncture a viable therapeutic strategy for degenerative eye diseases? a systematic review and meta-analysis

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229925001104

      3. Week in review: Acupuncture for dry eye disease, 3D retinal tissue printing, metformin and AMD

By Stephanie Leveene, ELS Cataract/Anterior Segment, Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Cornea/External Disease, Pediatric Ophth/Strabismus, Retina/Vitreous

https://www.aao.org/education/headline/week-in-review-acupuncture-dry-eye-disease-3d-reti

      4. Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

This post is about West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture for Abdominal Muscle and Fascial Pain.  Symptoms of abdominal muscle and fascial injury include being painfully flexed over (bent forward).  And you can’t seem to straighten up due to the injury. Additionally, pain on bending to the opposite side of the injury is common. Read on to learn more about West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture for Abdominal Muscle and Fascial Pain.

 

Causes of Abdominal Muscle and Fascial Injury

 

Firstly, abdominal muscle and fascial injuries are common in tennis or football players. Secondly, a tennis player hitting an overhead stroke with the ball slightly behind them and reaching back may whip the body forward.  This may contract the rectus abdominus muscle into injury.  Thirdly, football players due to repetitive movements, like twisting and turning may get this injury as well. Fourthly, anyone can incur this injury through the following:

–Overuse/Repetitive movements involving the abdominal muscles and fascia

-Sudden/Fast movements, twisting, or jumping

-Muscle fatigue/Strenuous activity

 

Abdominal Muscle and Fascia Anatomy

Almost all the muscles that originate or insert into the pelvis may be strained including the rectus abdominis, external oblique, latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus and medius, tensor fasciae latae, sartorius, quadratus lumborum, iliocostalis lumborum and transversus abdominis muscle. The various soft tissue structures that may get injured include:

 

• the muscles, which allow you to move.
• the tendons, which connect your muscles to the bone.
• the ligaments which are bands of tough elastic tissue around your joints. They connect bone to bone, give your joints support, and limit their movement.
• the fascia – stretchy, thin, white fibrous tissue. All your muscles are enveloped in fascia.

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Hip Pointer

Strain and contusion (bruise) of the muscles attached to the iliac crest (top part of ilium/hip bone) are referred to as a hip pointer injury.  This may lead to abdominal muscle spasm and pain. There may be swelling and ecchymosis (discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath).  Hip pointer causes include traumatic contusion of the iliac crest and contact sports.  Pain is immediate and acute. And you may flex toward the side of your injury.  Next, swelling may present over the hip area with pain in both the hip and abdominal muscles.

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Chronic Abdominal Fascial Strain

You may have groin pain above the inguinal ligament (ligament located in the groin area) due to a fascial strain.  And this injury is usually seen in runners. Moreover, it may end up as a chronic problem. 

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: What is a Sprain or Strain?

 A sprain is a sudden or violent twisting injury of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments.  And a strain occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use. Furthermore, damage to your attached tendons can also occur with a strain.

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture Treatment for Abdominal Muscle and Fascial Pain- Research

First, one study looked at Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) which is a leading cause of Chronic abdominal wall pain (CAWP). ACNES is a frequent and commonly overlooked cause of chronic abdominal wall pain. It occurs when small intercostal sensory nerves are compressed.  This happens in the muscular layers and fibrous rings in the rectus abdominis muscle. Typically, patients report localized, persistent, or recurrent stabbing pain, burning sensations, or abdominal tenderness. Moreover, fibrous inflammation, adhesions, or pressure changes can lead to nerve entrapment.

Second, the study stated the common problem of misdiagnosis of this syndrome. Therefore, the acute pain would become a complex chronic state.

Third, a case study noted in this study was a woman who had chronic abdominal pain with constipation for several years. Management included long-term laxatives, analgesics, and psychological counseling. After acupuncture treatment, this patient reported significant pain relief. Furthermore, weekly acupuncture treatments over 12 weeks nearly eliminated the abdominal pain. Sleep and constipation improved though occasional laxatives were still required. Finally, after 4 additional treatments, she was pain-free. 

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture Treatment for Abdominal Muscle and Fascial Pain- More Research

First, the next research study involves a case with dyspnea. Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath or the subjective feeling of difficult, labored, or uncomfortable breathing. It can involve cardiovascular and respiratory disease as the cause.  Moreover, the causation can be multifactorial. Therefore, treatment has to target neurological, hematologic (blood related), psychologic and musculoskeletal disease.

Second, in this study, the researchers describe an (unknown cause) idiopathic dyspnea case.  The patient was unresponsive to medical drug interventions.  Subsequently, the study stated the dyspnea completely resolved with acupuncture of abdominal trigger points. Trigger points are hyperirritable spots.  Also, they are a palpable nodule in the taut bands of the skeletal muscles’ fascia.  Additionally, the closest “points” related to trigger points in acupuncture are called ashi points.

Third, scar tissue where the rectus abdominus attaches and the abdominal fascia blends into the pectoralis can lead to difficult breathing movements . Upon palpation, significant trigger points were found in the rectus abdominus. The trigger points were released utilizing acupuncture needling.  And immediate improvement of breathing was the outcome.

Fourth, the study noted the possibility of myofascial trigger points (MTP) in the differential diagnosis for dyspnea. Indeed, Acupuncture is a noninvasive and cost effective treatment for dyspnea due to MTP.

 

 West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture Treatment for Abdominal Muscle and Fascial Pain

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems.  Acupuncture effects what the ancient chinese practitioners called Meridians (energy channels) in your body under the skin. Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”, flows through the body in these channels called meridians.

Today, Researchers believe when an acupuncture needle is inserted, nerves are stimulated. This sends a message to your brain and nervous system. Ultimately, Acupuncture improves blood flow and calms the nervous system.  This triggers nerve signaling that affects the function of other parts of the body, including organs.

Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call 561-253-8984 today!  Ask to make an appointment or find out more about: West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Acupuncture Treatment for Abdominal Muscle and Fascial Pain.

 

References:

1. Rethinking chronic abdominal wall pain: A new approach to integrating Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine

 lYu Ning Susan Hu , Fuhui Dong 

Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences

Volume 12, Issue 4, October 2025, Pages 464-469

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095754825000870

 

     2. Myofascial Pain and Treatment Acupuncture to abdominal trigger points as treatment for idiopathic dyspnea: A case study

Brian H. Kang , Chi-Tsai Tang

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859221000309