acupuncture causing nerve pain/damage?

[montos]

Hello,

I've been getting acupuncture to treat my lower back pain. At my last treatment the doctor placed a needles at several locations on my legs and back.

The needle behind my right knee caused pain upon insertion and a lot of pain when he manipulated it. He took the needle out and replaced it and it appeared to be fine. Also the needle in my right ankle caused discomfort.

Shortly after the treatment I experianced pain at both sites and some odd sensations in my right foot and calf (warmth and numbness). The doctor (who is an MD as well as an acupuncturist)said it was nothing to be concerned about.

Has anyone had acupuncture cause nerve damage in such a way? The literature says it can cause "nerve damage" but no specifics are mentioned as to symptoms or location of needles.

Anyone experience something similar?

thanks

[lindz2895]

Oh my god I am having problems all over the left side of my body. Like you I had one treatment done for sinus, digestion, and stress problems. The practitioner left the room explaining she was "just around the corner" and if I needed her to holler. Well I began experiencing intense pain and I called and called and she never came... I laid there like that for a good 15 minutes. The most pain was coming from a point in my left calf and the left side of my body is completely messed up, mostly my leg. I cannot walk for more than hour without feeling like I have to pass out. My left leg twitches randomly, feels very stiff and rigid, and hurts like hell. My left arm experiences pain but less intensely as does the left side of my chest and my shoulder. I am so freaked out. I am an 18 year old athlete that cannot be on my feet for more than hour. The practitioner was so arrogant with me and has hung up on me twice, ignored two of my voicemails. And I went in to retrieve my medical records and she literally shoved me out the door. I had to call the police to get the information that I need to work with another doctor to get better. I explained that to her and yet she refused... I had to call the police to get my records. I am meeting with another acupuncture doctor tomorrow to find out what is going on but I do not have a good feeling about any of this. I have read about acupuncture causing nerve damage and I believe that is what happened to me. I am completely devastated. I also believe what happened to me is very rare and acupuncture is still extremely beneficial but be careful who you go to. I would also recommend being with a friend just in case you are left in a helpless position like I was. She did not attend a four year acupuncture school, she has a masters in naturopathy and oriental medicine, a phd in nutrition, but she is licensed in acupuncture. She also dabbles in everything from nutrition, hydro-colon therapy, to reiki (which is a total scam because she has to be the least spiritual person I know). So beware of people like her. Go to someone who is very reputable and does JUST acupuncture.

[MHB48]

I have had burning stabbing tingling pain in my big toe and foot for 1 1/2 years, neurologist report ok, xray mri etc all fine. Finally went to a chiropractor who said my lower spine was narrow and not letting the nerve pass thru, perhaps pressing and causing the pain in my foot. Started chiropractor and had one acupuncture treatment. After reading MONTOS I agree! My big toe is feeling worse - I don't want to go back for another treatment, the last thing I need is any nerve damage! It's been 3 days and I'm hoping the pain will subside. I'll try the St. John Worts. Thanks all!! Not sure what to do now...keep up with the chiropractor? He thinks he might help with the foot pain.

[Betty0503]

I had acupuncture in my hands three weeks ago... for lower back pain... I wake up all during the night with my hands feeling like they are asleep... I cant type well any more it hurts to write and OK I cant hold the tweezers to pluck my eyebrows... it is unreal...I have gone back to see the acupuncturist and he says I need 11 more visits that would cost six hundred dollars.. sounds a lot like what I am going through

[Kay1222]

Betty did you get better? if so, how/how long did it take? I'm having a terrible situation which began like yours and has worsened quickly. Thank you

[Betty0503]

I had acupuncture in my hands three weeks ago... for lower back pain... I wake up all during the night with my hands feeling like they are asleep... I cant type well any more it hurts to write and OK I cant hold the tweezers to pluck my eyebrows... it is unreal...I have gone back to see the acupuncturist and he says I need 11 more visits that would cost six hundred dollars.. what ever

[kimber211]

In April 2013, I had a Darkness Cleansing Ritual acupuncture done.  This really helped with my temperament, irritability, and mood.  However, I have been having foot pain (whole foot including up to ankle) since that session when need was placed in the instep area of left foot.  When it was inserted, it did hurt, but I am pretty tolerant of pain.  

During May's session, it still hurt, and my acupuncturist performed a Heart Cleaning Ritual to further flush out toxins, etc. on that foot.  

Now, it is early June, and it still hurts when I move the foot and walk.  I am not sure what has happened.   I will need to address this issue with her again when I go in a couple weeks.  

[hadit2here395]

i had the same experience but not as severe. my CHINESE doctor is a retired M.D./usa ECT. helped me a lot then things went bad  to worse. yes that crawly thing happened to me two areas but didnt last.i didnt come with the lower leg muscles hurting so bad when laying down i couldnt sleep. started out as stiff feeling not right. needles had been put in both legs on the ouside calf. after a 6 weeks both whole legs are affected, nerve pain down the sides, feet going cold then almost warm.  i went because of extreme stiffness in my body and lower back spasam when walking. and lower butt pain when sitting very long. pirformus pain has been aproblem off and on for 2 years. this pain and numbness when lying down is scary, never had it like this and the calf area is the most affected area. my leg skin has become very tender. massage therepst  or chiropractor hasnt helped ..
afraid to do acupunture again . the 5th time went wrong to my mind