Auckland Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine – Dr. Win Clinic

Neuralgia
Neuralgia is pain that follows the path of a nerve.
Causes
Causes of neuralgia include:
• Certain drugs
• Chemical irritation
• diabetes
• Infections,such as shingles.
• Pressure on nerves by nearby structures (for instance, tumors)
• Swelling and irritation (inflammation)
• Trauma (including surgery)
In many cases, the cause is unknown.
Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common form of neuralgia. A related but uncommon neuralgia affects the glossopharyngeal nerve, which provides feeling to the throat.
Neuralgia is most common in elderly people, but it may occur at any age.
Symptoms
• Impaired function of affected body part due to pain, or muscle weakness due to motor nerve damage
• Increased sensitivity of the skin or numbness of the affected skin area (feeling similar to a local anesthetic, such as a Novocaine shot)
• Pain along the path of a specific nerve
• Pain located anywhere, usually on or near the surface of the body
o In the same location for each episode
o Sharp, stabbing pain that comes and goes (intermittent) or constant, burning pain
Any touch or pressure is felt as pain. Movement may also be painful.
Exams and Tests
An exam may show:
• Abnormal sensation in the skin
• Loss of deep tendon reflexes
• Loss of muscle mass
• Lack of sweating (sweating is controlled by nerves)
• Tenderness along a nerve, often in the lower face and jaw and rarely in the temple and forehead
• Trigger points (areas where even a slight touch triggers pain)
A dental examination can rule out dental disorders that may cause facial pain (such as a tooth abscess). Other symptoms (such as redness or swelling) may help rule out conditions such as infections, bone fractures, or rheumatoid arthritis.
There are no specific tests for neuralgia, but the following tests may be done to find the cause of the pain:
• Blood tests to check blood sugar and kidney function
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Spinal tap (
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reverse or control the cause of the nerve problem (if found), and provide pain relief. Treatment varies depending on the cause, location, and severity of the pain, and other factors. Even if the cause of the neuralgia is never identified, the condition may improve on its own or disappear with time.
The cause (if known) should be treated. This may include surgery to remove tumors or separate the nerve from blood vessels or other structures that press on it. This can be done for some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and trigeminal neuralgia.
Strict control of blood sugar may speed recovery in people with diabetes who develop neuralgia.
Medications to control pain may include:
• Antidepressant medications (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, duloxitine)
• Antiseizure medications (carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine or phenytoin) for trigeminal neuralgia pain
• Mild over-the-counter analgesics (aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen)
• Narcotic analgesics (codeine) for short-term relief of severe pain (however, these do not always work well)
• Topical creams containing capsaicin
Other treatments may include:
• Local injections of pain-relieving (anesthetic) drugs
• Nerve blocks
• Surgical procedures (such as ablation using radiofrequency, heat, balloon compression, or injection of chemicals) to reduce feeling in the nerve.
Unfortunately, these procedures do not guarantee improvement and can cause loss of feeling or abnormal sensations.
When other treatment methods fail, doctors may try motor cortex stimulation (MCS). An electrode is placed over the sensory cortex of the brain and is hooked to a pulse generator under the skin.
Treating shingles with antiviral medication may reduce the likelihood of developing postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia may also be treated with oral (taken by mouth) prednisone.
Physical therapy may be helpful for some types of neuralgia, especially postherpetic neuralgia.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most neuralgias are not life-threatening and are not signs of other life-threatening disorders. However, pain can be severe. For severe pain, be sure to see a pain specialist so that you can explore all treatment options.
Most neuralgias will respond to treatment. Attacks of pain usually come and go. However, attacks may become more frequent in some patients as they get older.
Possible Complications
• Complications of surgery
• Disability caused by pain
• Side effects of medications used to control pain
• Unnecessary dental procedures before neuralgia is diagnosed
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if:
• You develop shingles
• You have symptoms of neuralgia, especially if over-the-counter pain medications do not relieve your pain
• You have severe pain (see a pain specialist)
Prevention
Treating related disorders such as diabetes and renal insufficiency may prevent some neuralgias. Strict control of blood sugar may prevent nerve damage in people with diabetes. In the case of shingles, there is some evidence that antiviral drugs can prevent neuralgia.
If you have this problem, but still have a good result after mane treatments, you can try acupuncture, maybe it can help you.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist
When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your pain and tendinitis, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about knee pain and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.
If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

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Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the Achilles tendon (the tendon that connects the muscles of the calf to the heel).

Causes

There are two large muscles in the calf: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscles generate the power for pushing off with the foot or going up on the toes. The large Achilles tendon connects these muscles to the heel.

These are important muscles for walking. This tendon can become inflamed, most commonly as a result of overuse or arthritis, although inflammation can also be associated with trauma and infection.

Tendinitis due to overuse is most common in younger individuals and can occur in walkers, runners, or other athletes, especially in sports like basketball that involve jumping. Jumping places a large amount of stress on the Achilles tendon.

Tendinitis from arthritis is more common in the middle-aged and elderly population.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually include pain in the heel when walking or running. The tendon is usually painful to touch and the skin over the tendon may be swollen and warm.

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam and look for tenderness along the tendon and for pain in the area of the tendon when you stand on your toes.

Imaging studies can also be helpful. X-rays can help diagnose arthritis, and an MRI will show inflammation in the tendon.
Treatment

Treatment usually involves:

* Ice
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
* Rest
* Physical therapy
*acupuncture

You should limit any activities that make the symptoms worse.

Occasionally, a cast, brace, or boot may be used to keep the heel still and allow the swelling to go down.

If these treatments fail to improve symptoms, surgery may be needed to remove inflamed tissue and abnormal areas of the tendon.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your pain and tendinitis, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about knee pain and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

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My back, neck, upper limbs and lower limbs have been in pain (aching) for a very long time. My background is nursing and business. Much of my nursing life required me to do heavy lifting which resulted in back, neck and shoulder pain. I have spent a fortune on massage, chiropractic care and pain relief all of which has helped. Fourteen months ago I suffered from a major stress episode when my partner went missing at sea. He did come home thank goodness after being shipwrecked. The week after my partner came home my neck stiffened and I could not turn it very far left or right and my back tension was very strong and I have had very little relief. Funny how the stress comes out after the event. I went to see Dr Win Huang at the end of January 2010 in the hope he could help me. I have had between 2 and 3 treatments a week and the muscles in my back are now relaxed. I am able to turn my head with increased range. The pain radiating down both my arms and wrists is much reduced. My partner tells me I stand straighter. I am aware I need a few more acupuncture sessions and that acupuncture is not an ongoing forever requirement. The immense reduction in pain and improvement in flexibility already gained has me want to share the care Dr Win Huang can provide. I am so privileged and grateful that I have met Dr Win Huang.
Janet Dougherty(Auckland)

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Began approx.1 year ago(Jan/2009)during hottest part of summertime.I was working hard at the time and under stress,initial symptoms were lack of appetite and not liking food.

Despite finishing that work in Feb,symptoms continued to worsen thoroughout the year 2009.appetite was not good and I started having problems urinating.eapecially inthe wintertime when it was cold,I had sudden desire to go to the toilet –like an emergence.iIf I could not go to the toilet immediately it would hurt very much in my penis.

Other symptoms that have developed over the past year:

* Not liking the tast of most foods(even things I used to love eating)
* Most food feels very “dry” in my mouth and difficult to chew and swallow.
* I can only eat very small meals at one time.
* about five minutes after eating ,I feel sore/sick in stomach.about 20 minutes after eating,Isuddenly feel very”empty”and “hollow”inside my stomach.
* Often Ifeel start to feel dizzy about 5-10 minutes after eating.
* When I feel hungry,it is very painful and sudeen.
* Wake up in the middle of the night covered in sweat and have to urinate urgently.
* Feeling tired and low energy.
* Sometimes stools are very loose,sometimes Ok.Because I eat 5–6 small meal every day,I need to go to the toilet up to 5 times a day to pass stools.

Morning times are usually the worst.My appetite tends to improve in the afternoon and evening.

27/01/10 I went to see Dr Win Huang,whom was recommended to me by my chinese colleague,he did acupuncture and herbs. Next day I felt worse ,very unconfortable in all bady,I called Dr Huang to tell him what iI feel,in third day I felt very well,everythiong was fine close to normal.Today(30/01/10)it is my second acupuncture ,but I will boil the herbs at home every day.

I wrote down my condition description and feeling after treatments to Dr Win Huang ,let him knew my problem and my reation of treatment.and let more patients who have some priblem have a treatment of chinese medicine.

Stephen Mcintyre

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About Swallowing Problems

The swallowing tract extends from the mouth to the stomach. The act of swallowing is divided into three phases:
• The oral or mouth phase — moving food or liquid into the throat.
• The pharyngeal or throat phase — squeezing food down the throat and closing the airway to prevent choking.
• The esophageal phase — relaxing and tightening the openings at the top and bottom of the esophagus and squeezing food through the esophagus into the stomach.

Swallowing problems (dysphagia) can be grouped into two categories:

Oropharyngeal dysphagia — These swallowing problems happen before food reaches the esophagus and may result from neuromuscular disease or obstructions. Patients experience difficulty starting a swallow; food goes down the wrong pipe; or there is choking and coughing. This may result in poor nutrition or dehydration, aspiration (which can lead to pneumonia and chronic lung disease) or embarrassment in social situations that involve eating. Conditions that may cause oropharyngeal dysphagia include Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, Zenker’s diverticulum, cervical osteophytes or other obstructions.

Esophageal dysphagia — These swallowing problems originate in the esophagus. Food or liquids “stick” in the chest or throat and sometimes come back up. Causes include esophageal cancer, esophag and esophageal-motility disorders.

Individuals with dysphagia should seek a thorough examination because swallowing problems may indicate cancer of the head, neck or esophagus.
acupuncture can help these patients who result from neuromuscular disease or obstructions.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.

Whatever path you take to treating your problem, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about the problem and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites