Pain Management

Up to 50 million Americans experience chronic pain that affects their mobility or quality of life. If you’re one of them, noninvasive pain management can provide lasting relief and encourage your body’s healing process. At Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine specialist Min Lu, MD, takes a holistic and patient-centric approach to pain management. Using noninvasive treatments and healthy lifestyle changes, she can help you feel better. To make an appointment, call the office in Gaithersburg, Maryland, or book online today.

What is pain management?

Pain management is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) subspecialty that diagnoses and treats acute and/or chronic pain. Western doctors tend to treat pain by trying to mask its symptoms.

TCM is different because it strives to identify the underlying cause and prevent it from worsening. What’s more, TCM doesn’t use potentially addictive prescription painkillers. Instead, it relies on a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, noninvasive treatments, and nutritional supplements.

What types of pain does pain management treat?

At Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness, Dr. Lu uses pain management to treat several types of pain, including:

Acute pain

Acute pain occurs suddenly due to an accident or injury and typically responds to at-home treatment, like ice, rest, and over-the-counter medication.

Chronic pain

Chronic pain refers to pain that lasts for six months or longer. Often, it’s the result of an untreated injury, but it can also occur due to an underlying health problem like fibromyalgia or nerve damage.

Nociceptive pain

Nociceptive pain occurs when the ends of your nerve cells (nociceptors) experience an injury. This type of pain can be chronic or acute. Common causes include car accidents, slips and falls, and sports injuries.

Neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain occurs due to faulty nerve signals. Usually, neuropathic pain occurs because of chronic diseases like HIV, multiple sclerosis (MS), or diabetes.

What types of health problems can benefit from pain management?

Dr. Lu uses pain management to treat various health problems, including:

• Arthritis
• Muscle and joint injuries
• Autoimmune disorders
• Back injuries
• Chronic pain disorders
• Endometriosis
• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

You might also benefit from pain management if you have diabetes or another condition that increases your risk of permanent nerve damage (neuropathy).

How is pain diagnosed?

To diagnose acute or chronic pain, Dr. Lu reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms.

Next, she performs a physical exam, looking for signs of injury, like swelling, redness, or bruising. She also tests your muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. If these measures don’t provide enough insight into your condition, Dr. Lu may order blood work and diagnostic imaging.

What services does pain management offer?

At Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness, Dr. Lu uses conservative and noninvasive treatments for pain management. Depending on your age, symptoms, and goals, she might recommend:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Biofeedback
• Massage therapy
• Moxibustion
• Cupping therapy
• Acupuncture
• Exercise
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Taking nutritional supplements

Dr. Lu might also recommend healthy lifestyle changes. 

To explore the benefits of noninvasive pain management, make an appointment at Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness by calling the office or booking online today.