Hi Stacey, I have been seeing an acupuncturist once a week for a few months now. Pain relief is more like a by-product of relaxing, but it doesn't last very long. On one visit I limped into the office and was walking almost normally out of the office. I am on the upswing and this may be a contributing factor.
I am not sure exactly how much it has helped, is it the meds? Is it exercise? Did I sleep well last night? Or is it the tramodol I take every morning?
It is worth a try.
Lynne

I love acupuncture. If I could afford it I'd go more often.

When my RA was milder, it helped with the pain a little. As Lynne said, it's more of the whole body/mind relaxation than about pain control. When my mind is calm it takes the focus away from the pain.

I have bi-weekly massages and those seem to help my physical body the most. The arthritis in my back is pretty bad and I have knotted muscles and spasms. Some of the muscles have scar tissue from being tight for so long. My therapist does deep tissue massage to find the trigger points to release the knots and calm the spasms. Its the most relief I've gotten from all the different methods I've tried. Im usually sore for a day or so afterward but to me it's worth it.

I say try the acupuncture and see how it works for you. That level of relaxation really can't be beat.

Take care,
Emerald

Thanks so much! Definitely going to give it a try I think!

the thread on here a week or two ago about the electric impulses to that long nerve (vagus?) deep within our bodies made me wonder if an acupuncturist could help.

Nonightshades,
Maybe so. They also have electric acupuncture. Since acupuncture is all about balancing the body's energy/meridiens it might work very well. Hmm, something to consider.