Acupuncture is commonly used to relieve chronic and acute pain. Conditions commonly treated with this procedure include:

• Back pain and neck pain, including herniated discs and osteoporosis

• Migraines and other headaches
  
  
• Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  

• Cancer pain and side effects from treatment
  
  
• Dental pain, orofacial pain and TMJ disorder
  
  
• Nerve conditions such as sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome, paresthesia, Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis), phantom limb pain, neuralgia and neuropathy

• Gynecological and pelvic pain (e.g., menstruation, labor, hot flashes)
  
  
• Prostate disorders such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis, and hot flashes resulting from hormone therapy for prostate cancer
  
  
• Abdominal pain due to gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome
  
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and myositis
  
  
• Musculoskeletal trauma and orthopedic disorders (e.g., sprains, tendinitis, fractures, bursitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, shin splints, plantar fasciitis)

• Other forms of joint pain

Acupuncture may also be used to treat a variety of other conditions, including:

• Contusions (an area of skin discoloration resulting from the breakage of small blood vessels)
  
  
• Allergies
  
  
• Respiratory diseases (e.g., sinusitis, rhinitis, common cold, acute tonsillitis, bronchitis, asthma)
  
  
• Disorders of the mouth and throat (e.g., dry mouth, teeth grinding, gingivitis, pharyngitis)
  
  
• Fever
  
  
• Cough
  
  
• Muscle spasms, tics, tremors and contractures
  
  
• Skin diseases (e.g., urticaria, pruritus, eczema, psoriasis)
  
  
• Urinary disorders (e.g., incontinence, urinary retention, overactive bladder)
  
  
• Heart disorders (e.g., idiopathic palpitations, sinus tachycardia, heart failure)
  
  
• Stroke rehabilitation
  
  
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears – see Ear Pain)
  
  
• Eye pain and disorders (e.g., conjunctivitis, cataract, myopia, central retinitis)

Additional conditions treated with acupuncture include:

• Psychological disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, panic, anorexia)
  
  
• Insomnia
  
  
• Smoking cessation and drug detoxification
  
  
• Infertility

Acupuncture may also be used as a form of anesthesia in high-risk patients or patients who have previously experienced adverse reactions to anesthetics.