The Role of Acupuncture in Interventional Pain Management

Objective: Interventional pain management has been recognized over the last couple of decades for treating chronic-pain syndromes. Acupuncture is a nonpharmacologic therapeutic option for pain management and may be an option for different patients with contraindications for interventional pain management. This review explores this options. Method: This limited review examines the role of acupuncture for managing head-and-neck pain and lower-back pain, according to interventional pain management. Conclusions: Acupuncture at various points, corresponding to the stellate ganglion, which is ST 10 Shuitu, and corresponding to the splanchnic nerve and the facet joint of the lumbar vertebra-which are Ex-B2 paravertebra-can be applied for pain management in the head-and-neck area and in the lower-back area. According to various research findings, acupuncture is effective and safe for reducing pain in the head and neck area, as well as in the lower back.