A new approach to easing chronic pain
Every day, around 60 million U.S. adults wake up to (or never slept because of) chronic pain. If you're one of these folks, you know that while physical therapy can make you feel better, it can often be a temporary solution, and pain meds, even non-opioids, have drawbacks.
Now, a study out of China shows that when chronic pain is caused by muscle tension, you end up with reduced blood flow in the area. That then leads to the release of inflammation mediators like C-reactive protein that can trigger pain signals. So, thought the researchers, how can we directly target muscle tension and restore local blood supply to achieve sustained pain relief?
Turns out that a technique called Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN), which combines acupuncture with current scientific knowledge about muscles, does the trick.
The study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences shows that using a specialized needle that's inserted into the subcutaneous layer rather than deep muscle layers and applying a "swaying movement" provides pain relief for everything from neck and shoulder stiffness to knee osteoarthritis and visceral pain.
The researchers say this switches the concept of pain treatment from nerve-centered theories toward a muscle-centered mode. And it should alert pain sufferers -- and their doctors -- to the need to address the underlying muscle tension and constricted blood flow that leads to chronic pain.
For more help, check out my newsletter: "The Most Important Exercises to Do with a Side Effect of Preventing Pain in Your Neck and Back" at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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