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  • Writer's pictureAutumn Jensen L.Ac.

Acupuncture Before Surgery Helps Decrease the Need for Pain Medication

Surgery can take a toll on your body. The pain and the recovery time are significant and your body needs support to recover. After surgery many people are left taking pain pills to make it through the day. When surgery is your best or only option, be sure to set yourself up for a successful recovery.


A randomized, controlled study presented at the 2020 Anesthesiology annual meeting showed that veterans who had acupuncture before surgery require fewer opioids, experienced less pain, and were more satisfied with pain control after their surgery.



In the article written by The American Society of Anesthesiologists, "21 patients had traditional acupuncture and 21 were in the control group. Those who had traditional acupuncture consumed an average of 20.4 of morphine milligram equivalent (MME) in the first 24 hours after surgery, while patients in the control group consumed 56 MME, nearly three times as much. Traditional acupuncture patients reported significantly higher satisfaction scores regarding their postoperative pain management 24 hours after surgery (median 8 vs. 5). Patient satisfaction was estimated using a scale (0-10) – with 10 being completely satisfied. Acupuncture patients reported less pain and 14% reported less anxiety."


Traditional acupuncture patients reported significantly higher satisfaction scores regarding their postoperative pain management 24 hours after surgery

Opioid dependency is a concern for many who undergo surgery. Acupuncture is an alternative to help manage the pain. If you have a surgery scheduled, consider getting acupuncture beforehand to improve your recovery and get back to the life you want.


 

Do you have health concerns & wonder if acupuncture is right for you?

Key Element Acupuncture is here to help you with pain, digestion, stress, anxiety, fertility, and so much more! Call or email with questions or book an appointment online!

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