Associated symptoms | Pain after acupuncture

Associated symptoms

Side effects of acupuncture are generally very rare. They can be reduced by an experienced acupuncturist. The physical stimulus of the sting, however, can cause dizziness and in extreme cases even fainting in some patients.

The local stimulus can manifest itself as pain, redness and swelling. In some cases, the affected area may feel overheated. If smaller blood vessels are injured, there may be minimal bleeding, which manifests itself as a small bluish spot or bruise.

Duration of pain after acupuncture

The duration of the pain is minimal, as are all the side effects of acupuncture. The local complaints subside within about 3 days. Even a persistent bruise caused by acupuncture usually does not last longer than 5 days.

The secondary pain of the initial aggravation depends on the original symptoms. In the case of severe chronic pain, the initial aggravation can last for several days until the desired effect of acupuncture is achieved. If the pain is only mild, however, no severe initial aggravation is to be expected.

Diagnosis

Usually the pain occurs during or shortly after the acupuncture session. Small local stimuli can have many causes. However, if an acupuncture session is immediately past, this can be seen as the cause. A simple local examination confirms this assumption in most cases. Even if a circulation problem occurs during the session, a connection to acupuncture is very likely.

Treatment

The side effects of acupuncture, which are minor in the majority of cases, rarely need to be treated. Small local irritations, bruises or minimal muscle soreness under the skin can be healed by the body itself. If a circulation problem with fainting does occur, the needles must be removed, whereupon there is usually an immediate improvement.

The primary and secondary pain after acupuncture should usually disappear after a few days. Otherwise, a closer examination of the symptoms must be carried out.