What Are the Pros and Cons of Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes patients to experience shooting muscle pain in different parts of the body and to suffer from fatigue. Acupuncture is one of many available treatment options for fibromyalgia patients. There are both pros and cons when it comes to acupuncture for fibromyalgia patients. Some patients will experience less pain and a higher quality of sleep as a result of acupuncture. Other fibromyalgia suffers find the experience negative because acupuncture is relatively expensive and they find little to no pain relief.

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that involves a practitioner inserting multiple needles into various points of the body. As of 2011, scientists still have many theories about why some pain patients find relief through acupuncture and others don't. One of the top theories surrounds the way that acupuncture can cause changes in the brain and central nervous system.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, and it can affect patients in different ways. Fibromyalgia is a rather mysterious illness, and not all patients will respond well to the same treatments. Acupuncture is no exception to this rule. Some patients thrive from acupuncture treatments while others show little to no change.

Patients who believe in using acupuncture for fibromyalgia may have begun to experience fewer nighttime pain flares after a few sessions. Fibromyalgia suffers who continue to receive acupuncture also may notice they have a higher energy level. One other advantage of using acupuncture for fibromyalgia is that it can be done in conjunction with many other fibromyalgia therapies, including taking regular medications.

One of the cons of acupuncture for fibromyalgia is that many insurance companies will not cover acupuncture treatments. Many fibromyalgia patients already spend more money on doctor appointments and medications than the average person. Additionally, people who suffer from fibromyalgia are at higher risk of being diagnosed with other conditions — including anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome and interstitial cystitis — all of which require money to treat. Some fibromyalgia sufferers simply cannot take on the extra cost of acupuncture treatment, especially when it may or may not help their symptoms.

It also is important to note that, while many people find acupuncture virtually painless, there are some people who cannot tolerate the sensation of acupuncture needles. A fibromyalgia patient who already is in a lot of pain may fear the process because he or she does not wish to suffer any additional discomfort. There are other treatments for fibromyalgia aside from acupuncture, so patients who do not wish to try this approach have options available. Common fibromyalgia treatments include medication and physical therapy.