Just coming back to give you all an update. I committed to 4 weeks of acupuncture going 3x/week.
I have just completed 3 of the 4 weeks and can tell you FOR SURE it is making a difference. The acupuncturist is currently just using my ear. He puts 5 needles in; I wait for 10 minutes; then another trained person comes in and puts tiny little sharp herbal seed bandages on each needle point.
I am to press on each one of them to a count of 30....at least 3x/day.
I had EXTREME pain in my piriformis muscle and my pelvis was not staying level. It was jacking up on the right side and causing me A LOT of pain. This has been going on since my first back surgery in 2011. I am happy to tell you BOTH those things are gone. I still have some back pain, but it's "different" than when I started going. Can I afford this? Nope...LOL But my hubby and I decided that you cannot put a price on "pain relief" for a chronic pain person.
At the first visit, I also committed to getting off my narcotic pain meds. The acupuncture has made that process much easier as well.
I thought a follow up post might encourage someone else who is contemplating trying it.
Accupuncture is very helpful in many cases. A lot depends on the practicioner. The points to apply the needles differ genetically. Chinese pressure points are not necessarily the same as those for europeans, although some points are in common. In general, the body cannot transmit two pain signals simultaneously. The tiny needle does no damage, but it negates the signat from the compressed nerve.
I think it would be a great idea to give acupuncture a try. It's been used for thousands of years for many things. I have not tried it yet but I've really been thinking of giving it a try for my back pain. I do know several people that have had acupuncture done with great results.
I would try getting a massage again, just not a deep tissue one. Since your back is probably very tender and sore having a deep tissue massage could make it hurt worse. Go for a light massage.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. Chronic pain is awful.
You may need a couple of sessions before you feel any relief so be prepared for that. Let's hope that you get some relief your first time.