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I have Cauda Equina Snydrome (CES) and will be starting acupunture soon in an effort to reduce nerve pain. I've been told that acupunture works for some people and I would need to give it 5 treatments before I would know if there is any benefit. Everyone is differnt I guess, but I thought I would ask if any one else has tried this in hopes of reducing nerve pain.

I would be interested knowing what works for you besides taking meds. I use a TENS unit, back brace, and use hot & cold pads in an effort to control the pain, and those items help, but maybe there is something else that might work that I haven't tried yet. I should add that I also get trigger point, and SI Joint injections but there is a limited as to how many of those you can have and they only give me temporary reliefe for up 7 - days tops. Maybe the acupuncture will last longer than 10 days so let me know what works best for you.

You could try for advice at here: a site dedicated to this condition.

I have dealt with very painful gout and peripheral neuropathy onset. I was given some fairly strong mediciation suggestions by my western doctor. I thought I'd look into alternatives.

I found an acupuncturist that I have seen for about 6 months. When I was looking for one I noticed that there were a couple of levels of training. Some practitioners associated with western medicine and HMOs seem trained in pain management and do well. I sought one that was trained in the East in overall well being using acupuncture, moxibustion, herbology and acupressure. My acupuncturist told me that if it didn't work fairly quickly I should try another practitioner and not necessarily blame the treatment modality.

So far I have been treated every couple of weeks. The results have been good. Initial improvement took several sessions. I have not had a serious bout of gout or a pain flare up due to the neuropathy. My general sense of health has improved too. Good luck. I hope you can get some relief.

A big yes on the CES. I have not tried acupunture yet. I might have to try that too. If it can help get rid of the constant burning that would be worth it.

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When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.

I'd research acupuncture before paying out money for it. What research there is a not encouraging - certainly then papers I have seen.